Governor's residence holds unique distinction
12 a.m. Monday, October 22, 2007
"Well, first of all, it's a beautiful house on the most amazing property in Topeka," said Governor Sebelius describing Cedar Crest, which is also known as the governor's residence. "It's hard not to have a great day when you wake up in the morning."
"And it's a beautiful vista to look out at the Menninger property and at the property that Cedar Crest owns," said Governor Sebelius.
The three-story, French inspired home sits atop 244 acres and holds a unique distinction. It's the smallest occupied governor's residence in the United States on the largest amount of land.
"It's just beautiful here, inside and out," said residence manager Judyanne Somers.
Judyanne said even though the 15-room house might seem grand, it's quite informal.
"The governor and her husband and families and friends that come in are able to just use it very easily because it is so comfortable and it is so accessible," said Somers.
The governor has two favorite rooms.
"In the winter, the den with the fireplace is probably the coziest room in the house," said Governor Sebelius. "The sun porch, which actually has beautiful vistas of the property, is a great place to have a cup of coffee and read the paper."
Cedar Crest was built by Frank MacLennan in 1928. MacLennan was the publisher of what is now the Topeka Capital-Journal.
In 1955, following Mrs. MacLennan's death, the house and grounds were gifted to the state of Kansas and designated the governor's residence.
During the Graves administration the house underwent a major renovation.
"The removal of asbestos and lead pipes and underground tanks and, of course, had to do the air conditioning and heating," said Somers.
The home has furniture from the first original governor's residence on S.W. 8th and Buchanan, wall carvings, as well as artwork by Kansas artists, which includes an original Gordon Parks photograph.
There's no secret doors or passageways, but a wall panel hides a secret safe with a forgotten combination.
"We do not know what it is," said Somers. "So, who knows, could be hidden treasure."
Somers said they've never been able to open the safe and, most likely, there's nothing inside.
The governor said one of the benefits of living at Cedar Crest is that they use the whole house, when many of her colleagues are relegated to an apartment on an upper floor of a museum-like home.
"We actually have a beautiful house to live in," said Governor Sebelius. "And Gary and I and our boys and our new puppy enjoy it thoroughly>"
For tour information call (785) 296-3636 or log onto the Cedar Crest Web site.
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