A Mansion called Terrace Hill
Grab a cup of tea and let’s chat for a bit!
Is it really May, already?! Is it just me, or is this year just flying by?
In the interest of relaxing, and catching my breath for a brief moment, I have poured myself a piping-hot cup of my favorite tea (Barry’s), settled into my seat in front of my “handy dandy”*computer (*Blue’s Clues, anyone?), and am now ready for a pleasant, leisurely chat with you. :o)
A Mansion Named Terrace Hill
Terrace Hill is Iowa’s Governor’s Mansion
Fun Facts for Ya
Stately Terrace Hill, in Des Moines, Iowa, sits high above the Raccoon River.
I had only had the opportunity to see the current governor’s mansion (since 1976) from afar, while driving by. Also, catching a quick glimpse of it in the 1971 film,
Cold Turkey
(I mention this film in an earlier blog post, here.)
On a recent visit to Iowa, I finally took the opportunity, along with my mom, to tour this majestic and historical home.
Historic Terrace Hill
A brief “CliffNotes” summary of Terrace Hill‘s history goes like this…
Terrace Hill was built by Iowa’s first millionaire, (and later an Iowa senator),
Benjamin Franklin Allen. He hired celebrated Chicago architect William W. Boyington to design his 18,000-square-foot, Terrace Hill, in the French Second Empire style. The beautiful residence boasted several new and unique innovations for the time, such as indoor plumbing (No outhouses!), gas lighting, and steam heating.
A brief “CliffNotes” summary of Terrace Hill‘s history.
Construction was completed in 1869 at a cost of $250, 000, which today translates to over $5,700,000!
Unfortunately, due in large part to a bank crash in 1875, Allen lost his fortune, and was forced to sell Terrace Hill at a considerable loss. Purchased by his former business partner, Frederick M. Hubbell, in 1884, for $60,000, Terrace Hill stayed in the Hubbell family until 1971, when it was, then, donated to the state of Iowa.
Terrace Hill is now home to Iowa’s first family with their private residence on the third floor. The first and second floors are on display for public tours.
(For more historical information on Terrace Hill, go here, here, here, and here.)
The Tour
Did you know that there are five states that do not even have an official governor’s mansion?!
Of those states that do have governor’s mansions, not all of those open their doors to the general public. Happily, for me, Terrace Hill does offer public tours, with an advanced reservation, and for a minimal entrance fee. This tour does not disappoint!
From the first moment that one enters the formidable front doors of Terrance Hill, it is impressive. Yes, there is a reason that this luxurious estate was once referred to as the “Palace on the Prairie” of the West.
Terrace Hill’s North Hall/Entryway
Note the intricately stenciled walls and ceiling.
Below, I share with you just a few of the beautiful rooms seen on our tour.
The Reception Room
Note the peacock fire place screen, with real peacock feathers.
The Drawing Room
This room boasts a sparkling crystal chandelier that is over seven feet tall, and weighs over 250 pounds, which was added by the second owner, Frederick Hubbell.
Stained Glass
It is believed that this stunning stained glass window was, also, added by the Hubbells.
It is not known who designed this colorful piece, although, after a consultation,
Tiffany Studios has said that it is not one of their works.
Grant Wood
I was excited to see this painting on the second floor of Terrace Hill.
It is by one of my favorite artists, Grant Wood.
Painted in 1927, after Wood’s study of impressionism in France, this unnamed painting depicts a fall scene of an Iowa farm (Grant Wood was an Iowan).
Grant Wood’s style would evolve, and he would become known for his American regionalism style, with his iconic American Gothic, being his most celebrated piece.
“I came back [from France] because I learned that French painting is very fine for
French people and not necessarily for us, and because I started to analyze
what it was I really knew. I found out.
It’s Iowa.”
Grant Wood
The home office for the governor is on the second floor of
Terrace Hill.
Guided Tour reservations are required at least 48-hours beforehand, and are available Tuesdays through Saturdays; March through December.
Upon researching for this blog, I came across a fellow blogger’s post on Terrace Hill, filled with beautiful photos and interesting information. You can read it, here.
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Enjoying my Iowa visit with my uncle, aunt, and mom.
March 2024