{
  "id": 8912844,
  "title": "Grand staircases, state-shaped pools, and bowling alleys in the basement: See what the governor's mansion looks like in every state",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/grand-staircases-state-shaped-pools-and-bowling-alleys-in-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T12:02:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/governors-mansions-in-the-us-photos-2019-8"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Governors reside in official mansions located across 45 of the 50 United States, where they can find a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. These grand residences, ranging from 8,500 to 15,000 square feet, are adorned with features that reflect their state's identity, such as marble floors, grand staircases, state-shaped pools, and even bowling alleys in the basement.\n\nAmong these, Alabama's governor's mansion in Montgomery boasts 8,500-square-foot grounds with Corinthian columns and a water feature. Similarly, Vermont's mansion features a 20-foot entranceway and marble floors, with only one room reserved for the governor's use. Alaska's mansion, located in Juneau, offers a unique touch with its eight fireplaces designed to combat the cold climate, and a controversial painting of Russian Emperor Peter the Great, which has been the subject of debates surrounding its ownership.\n\nCalifornia's Sacramento residence is a three-story Victorian-style mansion with Italian marble fireplaces, while Colorado's Colorado Home in Denver boasts a Steinway piano signed by Liberace and a three-handle draft beer system. Connecticut's Hartford mansion, built in 1909, has been a governor's home since 1945, with a greenhouse and tall gates added in 1971.\n\nDespite not having a designated mansion, Arizona, Idaho, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont stand out for their commitment to preserving state heritage, with some mansions even being open to the public for tours. As midterms approach in November, there is speculation that governors' mansions may become more accessible if incumbents face unseating in the 2026 elections.",
  "summary": "Most states, except five, have official governors' mansions where elected leaders can live rent-free. They are also more public than a typical home.",
  "key_points": [
    "45 U.S. states have governors' mansions.",
    "Mansions feature state-specific elements like marble floors and grand staircases.",
    "Some mansions include unique amenities such as bowling alleys in the basement."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}