Stately And Striking, The Kentucky Governor’s Mansion Might Be The Most Beautiful Building In The U.S.
By Sarah McCosham|Published March 10, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
There are so many stately and beautiful places in Kentucky, especially in our capital city. Frankfort is one of the most charming and historic towns in Kentucky; a place where history is on proud display. There are so many historic points of interest throughout town that it’s difficult to find a place that *isn’t* rife with history. If you’re looking for a place where history, beauty, and architecture intersect in the most marvelous, wondrous way, look no further than the Kentucky Governor’s Mansion, which just might be the most stately and striking building in the U.S.
At first glance, if you didn't know any better, you might mistake this stately white house as, well, *The* White House.
It would be an honest mistake, though we happen to think that this house -- this stop-you-in-your-tracks stunner of a house -- is even more commanding than the Commander In Chief's digs in Washington DC.
Welcome to the Kentucky Governor's Mansion, a stately, striking building that spans 80 feet wide and 200 feet long and whose living and working space measures an impressive 18,428 square feet.
Over a century old, The Governor's Mansion was completed in January of 1914. To date, 26 Kentucky Governors have lived in the house that now sits at 704 Capitol Avenue in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Fun fact: this is not the first Governor's Mansion in the Commonwealth; the Old Governor's Mansion, built in 1798, still stands in downtown Frankfort at 420 High Street.
This massive estate is a real-life kingdom in Kentucky, with 25 grand rooms and a full-time staff of 12 to 15 people. The design of the Governor's Mansion was a product of its time - the post Civil War Gilded Age of "conspicuous consumption" that's pure, unadulterated opulence.
The list of those who've visited the Governor's Mansion is long, and includes countless political figures, British royalty, foreign dignitaries, actors, singers, dancers, musicians, authors, composers, activists, artists, poets, music and movie producers... and folks like you!
Open for visitors, between 12,000 and 15,000 people visit the Mansion for tours and events annually. While tours remain suspended post-pandemic, this residence is just as striking when viewed from the gates.
For those with questions about tours, please contact Linda Stevens at 502-564-3449.
Of course, while absolutely stunning, this isn't simply a place where business is conducted and people tour like a museum; it's a real home and it really does feel that way: warm and welcoming, in spite of its extravagance.
The Governor's Mansion is one of those wholly, wonderfully beautiful places in Kentucky that is iconic and important. It's a place where history unfolds and the future of the Bluegrass State is thoughtfully mapped out. It's a brilliant, historic building that is easily among the most beautiful in the U.S.
Have you seen this magnificent masterpiece in person? The Kentucky Governor’s Mansion truly is one of the most beautiful jewels in the Bluegrass State.
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