2017 Executive Mansion Holiday Open House in Raleigh NC

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It is the Christmas season.  There are many ways to enjoy the holidays in NC.  One that I have heard about but never experienced is the NC Executive Mansion Holiday open house.  Stephanie, Maggie and I decided to visit this year. Below you will find some photos and quotes from other sources...enjoy:-)

"Take a tour of the N.C. Executive Mansion this holiday season. Visitors are invited to tour the home, take in the decorations and enjoy seasonal musical entertainment by local performing groups. The first floor of the Mansion will be decorated with N.C.-grown Christmas trees, floral and mixed evergreen arrangements, a whimsical gingerbread house and ornate mantle displays. Reservations are not required."
Visit Raleigh NC
"At 35,000 square feet, it is the third-biggest Governor’s mansion in the country."
Walter Magazine

"The Executive Mansion was completed in 1891 and remains one of the state's finest examples of the Queen Anne style of Victorian architecture." 
NC Historic Sites
 "Building began in the year 1883."
Wikipedia
"Prison labor was used for construction and building materials were used that could be made at the local penitentiary when feasible."
"The bricks for the house were made from Wake County clay and molded by prison labor. Many of these bricks, particularly in the sidewalks surrounding the house, still bear the inscribed names of the men who made them. "
Wikipedia

Beautiful!
"The staircase has been used for many grand entrances by many occupants and guests through the years. The staircase leads to the second floor, the private living and dining quarters for the first family." NC Historic Sites

I loved the staircase.  The stairs are lined with poinsettias, and there is a lovely Christmas tree at the top.  The wood that makes up the stairway is warm and beautifully carved with great attention to detail. 


Seasonal music was provided by local performers. 
Although Maggie was not in the mood to sit still for a performance, I was able to enjoy the lovely music as I chased her around the mansion:-)
Sweet Maggie:-)
I love the attention to detail.


"The room has a gracious atmosphere for elegant receptions, meals, and meetings. The wall panel covering and draperies are silk and were installed in 1990. The San Domingo mahogany banquet table can seat up to 24 people. The needlepoint seats were hand stitched in a Florentine flame motif by 30 women from across North Carolina. The room is lit by an Austrian crystal and gilt chandelier of hand-cut prisms in varying designs and hues." 



What a lovely time we had at the Executive Mansion holiday open house.  If you missed it this year put it on your calendar for next year, you won't be disappointed.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
KathieyV:-)

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