Terrace Hill is one of Iowa’s most iconic residences, blending Victorian elegance with executive function. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, the 18,000-square-foot mansion is both the governor’s private home and a symbol of the state’s civic identity.
Built in 1869 for Benjamin Franklin Allen, the mansion has lived multiple lives—first as a display of wealth, then as the Hubbell family estate, and now as the state’s official residence. Its preservation as a National Historic Landmark reflects Iowa’s commitment to maintaining this rare example of Second Empire architecture for future generations.
Key Takeaways
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Terrace Hill, completed in 1869, is an 18,000-square-foot Second Empire mansion in Des Moines.
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Built for Benjamin Franklin Allen, it became the Governor’s Residence in 1976.
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The estate features a mansard roof, grand staircase, stained glass, and a 250-pound crystal chandelier.
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Frederick Hubbell’s family owned the property for 70+ years before donating it to the state in 1971.
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A National Historic Landmark, Terrace Hill serves as both a private home and “The People’s House.”
A Victorian Giant: The Architecture of Terrace Hill
Terrace Hill is an outstanding example of Second Empire architecture, a style defined by its mansard roof, ornate brackets, and vertical emphasis. Designed by William W. Boyington, the Chicago-based architect of the famous Chicago Water Tower, the mansion represented the ambition of Benjamin Franklin Allen, Iowa’s first millionaire.
The home’s 18,000 square feet include a grand staircase illuminated by a stained glass window, richly detailed woodwork, and formal reception areas designed for entertaining. A highlight for visitors is the 250-pound crystal chandelier, a reminder of the opulence of the Gilded Age.
The exterior features a central tower, projecting bays, and columned porches, all situated on eight landscaped acres. The polychromatic slate roof and copper gutters have been carefully restored, and the hilltop location provides sweeping views of the rivers and city below.
From Private Mansion to “The People’s House”
Terrace Hill began as a private residence, but its journey to becoming Iowa’s gubernatorial mansion reflects both personal histories and civic generosity. Financial hardship struck Allen, and in the 1880s the estate was purchased by Frederick M. Hubbell for around $60,000, a fraction of its original cost.
The Hubbell family occupied the home for more than 70 years, maintaining it as a centerpiece of Des Moines society. In 1971, the Hubbell heirs donated Terrace Hill to the State of Iowa, fulfilling a vision of preserving the estate for public benefit.
By 1976, after essential renovations, Governor Robert D. Ray and his family became the first gubernatorial residents. Since then, the mansion has served as “The People’s House,” balancing its roles as a private home, public museum, and ceremonial venue for state functions.
Living History: The Journey to National Historic Landmark Status
Terrace Hill’s designation as a National Historic Landmark in 2003 recognizes its architectural significance and cultural value to Iowa’s history. Few 19th-century mansions of this scale and style remain intact in the Midwest, making its preservation particularly meaningful.
The home demonstrates Iowa’s transition from frontier prosperity to modern statehood, symbolizing how agricultural wealth and urban growth shaped the state’s identity. Inside, visitors encounter Victorian-era furnishings, restored decorative ceilings, and period-appropriate décor, immersing them in the lifestyle of Iowa’s elite families in the late 19th century.
The Terrace Hill Commission and Terrace Hill Partnership manage restoration projects and public programming to ensure that the mansion continues to function as both a historic site and executive residence.
Behind the Doors: Touring Iowa’s Most Iconic Residence
Terrace Hill invites the public to experience Iowa’s living heritage through guided tours, typically offered March through December. Tours generally cover the first and second floors, including formal parlors, reception rooms, and the governor’s ceremonial office, while the third floor and basement remain private.
Visitors often marvel at the grand staircase and stained glass window, as well as the intricate woodwork and period chandeliers that highlight the home’s craftsmanship. Seasonal events, including holiday tours and educational programs, allow Iowans and tourists to connect with the state’s political and architectural history.
By maintaining limited public access alongside active residential use, Terrace Hill embodies the balance between private life and civic tradition that defines a functioning executive residence.
Preserving the Legacy: The Terrace Hill Commission and Partnership
Preservation at Terrace Hill is an ongoing commitment, requiring collaboration between state government and nonprofit support groups. Restoration projects have included roof repairs, structural stabilization, and careful conservation of historic interiors, ensuring that the home retains its authentic 19th-century character.
The Terrace Hill Commission oversees maintenance and programming, while the Terrace Hill Partnership raises private funds to supplement public support. Together, they guarantee that Terrace Hill remains structurally sound and historically accurate while continuing to serve as a vibrant part of Iowa’s political and cultural life.
A Hilltop Symbol of Iowa’s Heritage
Terrace Hill is far more than a residence—it is a living symbol of Iowa’s history and governance. Its Second Empire elegance, panoramic setting, and century-and-a-half legacy make it a unique treasure in the American Midwest.
As both a family home and “The People’s House,” Terrace Hill continues to reflect Iowa’s journey from frontier state to modern community, preserving the stories of those who built, lived in, and now govern from this remarkable hilltop estate.