The Landing

The landing between the first and second floors of Terrace Hill is bathed in colorful light from the 9-foot by 13-foot stained-glass window that has been described as a "garden in glass." The window was added by F. M. Hubbell in 1887.

The grand stairway divides at the landing for two approaches to the second floor, which was originally used for family bedrooms.

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Governor's Office and the First Lady's Office

Today, the second floor houses offices for the Governor and First Lady. The First Lady's office is usually not included as part of the public tour because it is a working office for her, from which she writes speeches, schedules appearances, plans special events, and conducts correspondence.

Appointments with the First Lady are scheduled through Mary Sheka, the First Lady's Senior Advisor, by calling 515-281-6565 or faxing your request to 515-281-6622.

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VIP Bedroom

The second floor also provides VIP bedrooms for very important people who stay overnight. Former Vice President Gore stayed in this Terrace Hill bedroom, where he slept in a bed that once belonged to F. M. Hubbell.

Another VIP bedroom on the second floor includes this ornate brass bed that belonged to Beulah Hubbell. It dates to 1880.

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Tower Conference Room

The tower conference room is actually within the 90-foot tower that is the main feature on the front of the house. It is used by the Governor and First Lady for meetings. In the 1880s, the room was used as a sewing room and as a playroom for children.

This room and the Governor's office display furniture that belonged to Governor Kirkwood around 1860, near the time of the Civil War.