Take A Peek At The Stunning And Unique Governor’s Mansions In Each State
While governor's mansions don't get quite as much acclaim as the White House, they are prominent points of pride for many states. Most of the 50 states have a governor's mansion, and they range widely in size, style, and features. Read on to see the massive estates that governors get to call home while in office.
New York's Governor Gets To Enjoy Two Swimming Pools
The governor's mansion in New York is one you can't miss. The Albany property was built in 1856 and became the official governor's residence just two decades later. It has since housed dozens of governors, and it's not hard to see why.
The 40-room mansion sits on six acres and features both an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool! The multi-level building has a charming brick exterior with white trim that draws in visitors who can appreciate its rich history.
Utah's Mansion Was Seriously Damaged By A Fire
The Utah governor's mansion stands out among the rest for its French Renaissance design. The Salt Lake City home dates back to 1902 and became the official governor's residence in 1937.
Inside, there are three vaults, 10 fireplaces, a ballroom, and a bowling alley, among many other impressive features. The home had to be renovated after a 1993 fire, which amounted to $8 million in repairs. The exquisite estate is still standing tall and offers public tours.
North Carolina Used To Have Three Governor's Mansions
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina is this exquisite Victorian-style mansion. It's been the official governor's residence since just before the turn of the 20th century! There were three governor's mansions in North Carolina prior to this one, which has housed 30 governors.
The home is one of the largest governor's mansions in the country with 35,000 square feet of interior space and five acres of land. Inside are sweeping ceilings that peak at 16.5 feet tall.
Maine's Residence Has 28 Rooms
Located in the city of Augusta is Maine's 28-room governor's mansion. The impressive home is named The Blaine House after the woman who donated the property to the state in 1919.
It was then remodeled to a more colonial style before the first governor moved into the home in 1921. In 2014, the mansion's heating system was upgraded to reduce spending; the year prior, the old system had racked up almost $17,000 in heating oil costs!
Only Five Governors Have Lived In Iowa's Mansion
Iowa's governor's mansion is a historic site also known under the names Terrace Hill, Hubbell Mansion, and Benjamin F. Allen House. The Des Moines property was built in 1869 but didn't become the governor's mansion until 1971.
One feature that characterizes this 18,000-square-foot home is the 90-foot tower that offers stunning views of the city. The home is professionally decorated for Christmas and is open to the public as a National Historic Landmark, a title it garnered in 2003.
The Governor's Mansion In Alabama Boasts An Unusual Pool Shape
Alabama's governor's mansion features a white exterior that pops against the vibrant green landscaping. Four pillars give the home a regal flair that sets it apart from other houses in the neighborhood.
Though the Montgomery building dates back more than a century, it has only housed governors since 1951. The stunning estate boasts 8,500 square feet, plus a guest house that was later added on. There's also a swimming pool that's in the shape of the state!
This Estate Has Been Home To Maryland's Governors Since 1870
Maryland's extra-grand governor's mansion is located in the city of Annapolis. It boasts a jaw-dropping 54 rooms spread across its 38,000 square feet! Of these rooms, only seven are public and tours are given on a biweekly basis.
The home also features a Victorian fountain that's worth $169,000 and a portrait of Queen Henrietta Maria, the state's namesake. The Georgian-style property features a two-story main house with structures extending out on either side. It's been home to Maryland's governors since 1870!
Colorado's Mansion Has A Unique Look
This 1908 estate has been Colorado's official governor's mansion since 1960. Located in Denver, the home boasts 27 rooms and is open for tours every summer and winter.
The rear view showcases the unique architecture that includes a round grand room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a second-floor balcony. The front of the home is predominantly red brick with detailed white trim. Inside are exquisite French chandeliers, oak floors, mahogany woodwork, and Italian marble statues.
Of Course, The Governor's Mansion In Alaska Has A Lot Of Fireplaces
Alaska's governor's mansion is located in Juneau and features panoramic views of snow-kissed mountain tops. Built in 1913, the mansion boasts 26 rooms spread across its almost 13,000 square feet!
According to Ballotpedia, it costs $764,000 a year just to maintain the giant property. For those chilly Alaska winters, there are eight fireplaces to make the home cozy and warm. The house also features large balconies that look out to the surrounding mountains and trees.
Queen Elizabeth Has Visited The Mansion In Kentucky
The governor's mansion in Frankfort, Kentucky looks more like a historic museum with its rectangular shape, gray walls, and enormous pillars out front. The grandiose style was modeled after Marie Antoinette's home.
The mansion became the governor's official residence shortly after being built in 1912. Dozens of Kentucky governors have lived there since and it remains open to the public for tours. Many prominent figures have visited the mansion, including Queen Elizabeth II.
The Mansion In Mississippi Has Had Extensive Renovations
Mississippi's governor's mansion has a Greek-Revival style of architecture that offers plenty of curb appeal. A large walkway leads up some stairs to the grandiose entrance, underscored by a two-story-tall portico with pillars.
The Jackson estate dates back to 1842, and more than a century of wear and tear prompted Governor John Williams to move out in 1971. After a $2.7 million restoration project, the estate was back in business and has been continuously occupied ever since!
The Texas Governor's Mansion Has Been Expanded To 25 Rooms
Located in Austin, Texas, is this impressive mansion that's been the governor's residence since 1856. The Greek-Revival style is apparent in the six pillars lining the front entrance and the bright white exterior.
The black shutters add depth to the rectangular home, which sits on a lush green lawn. The building was the state's first historic landmark and features almost 9,000 square feet! The home has expanded over the years from 11 rooms to 25.
Hawaii's Governor's Mansion Dates Back To 1844
Located in Honolulu is Hawaii's Washington Place, which has a long history of being the home of those in power. While the home may look new with its white paint and second-floor wrap-around porch, it actually dates back to 1844.
The estate was home to Hawaii's last ruling monarch, Queen Lili'uokalani. When Hawaii became a US territory, and later a state, the property became the governor's mansion. A new residence replaced this one in 2002 and is located right behind it.
"Far Hills" Is The Nickname Of The Tennessee Governor's Mansion
Tennessee's famous city of Nashville isn't just renowned for its country music. It's also the place where the impressive governor's mansion is located. The gorgeous Georgian-style home features a long driveway, rich green landscaping, and a brick exterior with white trim and black shutters.
The home was built in 1931 and became the governor's residence in 1949. It got the nickname "Far Hills" from its sweeping views across the 10-acres of land it sits on.
The Florida Governor's Mansion Is Relatively New
Florida's governor's mansion features a wide, brick build and six regal pillars in the front that emphasize its Greek Revival architecture. Above the front door is a large balcony with state and national flags waving in the front.
The Tallahassee home is on the newer side compared to some of the other properties on this list, dating back to only 1956. It replaced a previous governor's mansion built on the same site in 1907. This edition features an exercise room and a rose garden.
West Virginia's Estate Measures 21,000 Square Feet
Located in the city of Charleston is West Virginia's governor's mansion. It features 21,000 square feet that include eight bedrooms, a ballroom, and a library. Inside is checkered marble flooring and dual staircases inspired by the White House.
The building includes 30 rooms in total and has been the official governor's residence since it was built in 1925. The Colonial Revival estate is part of the West Virginia Capitol Complex and is considered a historic residence.
Georgia's Governor's Mansion Sits On 18 Acres
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this governor's mansion draws attention with its white roof and surrounding pillars. Out front is a water fountain and a large flag pole with the American flag.
The 24,000-square-foot estate wasn't built until 1967. It sits on an 18-acre lot and features 30 rooms. One thing it doesn't have is a lock to the front door due to its 24-hour security team. As grandiose as the building is, the decor inside is reportedly worth more than the home!
There Are Nine Fireplaces In Connecticut's Mansion
Located in Hartford, Connecticut is this lovely Georgian-style governor's mansion with a brick and concrete exterior. Built in 1909, the 15,000-square-foot house features nine fireplaces spread across its 19 rooms.
The prestigious estate also has a greenhouse and a pool. The property has been gated since 1971, when Governor Thomas J. Meskill had the fencing installed upon taking office. While the gates provide extra privacy from the public, there are guided tours that parties can reserve.
A Three-Story Mansion For California's Governor
The governor's mansion in California is unique in that it boasts not two stories, but three! Located in the state's capital of Sacramento, the enormous home features a whopping 30 rooms.
The Victorian-style estate dates back to 1877 and still has its original hardwood floors. The historic home features Italian marble fireplaces, gold-framed mirrors from France, Persian rugs, and handcrafted doorknobs. Even the kidney-shaped pool dates back to 1959 when it was gifted to Governor Edmund G. Brown, Sr.
South Carolina's Governor's Mansion Was Initially Built For A Military School
South Carolina's governor's mansion has an eye-catching Federalist style of architecture. The white walls sharply contrast with the black shutters and the boxy shape is opposed to the smooth archways leading to the entrance.
The building was originally constructed as officer-quarters for a military school. Thirteen years after being built, the property became the official governor's residence in 1868. The home sits on nine acres of land and has been home to dozens of governors.
Delaware's Governor's Mansion Might Have Been Part Of The Underground Railroad
Delaware has one of the more modest governor's mansions in the country with only 3,584 square feet. The Dover home still boasts seven bedrooms and is rich with history, making it a hot spot for tours.
The Georgian-style estate dates back to the 18th century and was at one point home to an abolitionist. It is believed to have been part of the Underground Railroad! Almost 170 years after being built, the property became Delaware's official governor's mansion.
The Governor's Mansion In Nebraska Covers A City Block
The governor's mansion in Lincoln, Nebraska isn't one that could be easily mistaken for an ordinary house. The massive home occupies an entire city block and boasts 15,000 square feet of interior space!
Inside are 31 rooms, including a state dining room with a built-in buffet for 24 guests! There's also an elevator and four fireplaces. The property became an official governor's residence in 1958 and by the 1980s, former first gentleman Bill Orr was raising money to renovate.
The Governor Of Kansas Gets To Enjoy Gardens And Hiking Trails
While Kansas' 6,000-square-foot governor's mansion may not be the largest internally, it certainly has one of the most impressive lots. The home sits on 244 acres in the city of Topeka.
The massive property features ponds, gardens, and plenty of trails for hiking. The mansion was built in 1928 and became the governor's residence 34 years later. The French-Norman style home features beige walls and a multicolored, dark roof. It underwent a $4.3 million renovation that was completed in the year 2000.
There Are Daily Tours Of The Illinois Governor's Mansion
Located in Springfield, Illinois is one of the largest governor's mansions in the country! It boasts 50,000-square-feet and features a ballroom and a library! The estate is so impressive that there are daily tours and a visitor's center.
The property was initially built in 1855 and underwent a $15 million renovation in 2018. Tens of thousands of individuals have since visited the property, which also has four formal parlors. It serves as a venue for state functions.
Missouri's Governor's Mansion Didn't Originally Have Indoor Bathrooms!
This eye-catching Jefferson City mansion has been home to Missouri's governors since it was built in 1871. Though the home features 13 bedrooms, it was originally built without any bathrooms!
The property went through extensive renovations in the 1980s and, more recently, $3+ million went toward updating the plumbing and heating systems. Despite the need for repairs, the bones of the house are mesmerizing and attract tens of thousands of visitors each year.
There's A 20,000 Square-Foot Basement In The Wisconsin Governor's Mansion
Wisconsin's milky white governor's mansion is located in Maple Bluff and boasts 34 rooms, including a 20,000-square-foot basement. The enormous mansion looks out at Lake Mendota and has 10 gardens spread across its four acres of land.
It would be difficult to eavesdrop in this mansion considering that the walls are between a foot and a foot and a half in thickness! The home was built in 1927 and became the official governor's residence 23 years later.
Almost Every Ohio Governor Has Lived At This Mansion
Ohio's pinkish-beige governor's mansion picks up on the violet hues of the garden in the colorful backyard. The Columbus mansion was built amid the Roaring Twenties, but it didn't become home to the state's governors until 1955.
The elegant property boasts 13,000 square feet and sits on a three-acre lot. Almost every Ohio governor has lived at the mansion since it was donated to the state. The home features 20 rooms and numerous gardens throughout.
This Is The Sixth Official Residence For Indiana's Governors
Indiana's governor's mansion was built in Indianapolis circa 1928. The English Tudor-style home features a brick exterior with slanted rooftops and dark gray trim. The 10,000-square-foot mansion sits on more than six acres.
The home boasts 20 rooms that include two dining rooms and staff offices. There is also a butler's pantry and a sun porch. The house officially became the governor's mansion in 1973 and is the sixth official residence for the state's governors.
Minnesota's Governor's Mansion Dates Back To 1912
Minnesota's governor's mansion is located on Summit Avenue in St. Paul. The dark home fits into the English Tudor style of architecture and features seven bedrooms and nine fireplaces!
The mansion is 16,000 square feet and sits on an acre lot. Though the property dates back to 1912, it didn't become the official governor's residence for another four decades. Since then, about a dozen governors have elected to live on the expansive estate, which maintains five staff members.
South Dakota's Governor's Mansion Is Practically New, Comparatively!
South Dakota's governor's mansion may look unique among the others in that it doesn't date back a century plus. This estate is actually relatively new, having been built in 2004. It became the official governor's mansion the following year.
The 14,000-square-foot home only has five bedrooms, leaving plenty of room for the common areas. For example, the dining hall can seat 80 guests. Though the estate isn't as historic, tours are still offered in the summer.
