The Executive Residence, located just outside of Madison in the village of Maple Bluff, was originally constructed in 1921 for Madison industrialist Carl A. Johnson as a home. Twelve years later, it was purchased by Thomas R. Hefty, a Madison banker, who sold it to the State in 1949.
The home was built in the Classical Revival style on more than four acres along Lake Mendota. Although it underwent extensive renovations in the 1960s, the Residence today is much as Johnson originally planned. The more than 16,000 square feet of living space include 34 rooms, 13 bathrooms and 7 bedrooms and fireplaces.
Many Wisconsin treasures may be found throughout the Executive Residence. The wrought-iron fence on the street side of the property originally surrounded the old State Capitol Building. There are 7 major garden areas, including a gazebo and winding walkways that lead to the lakeshore.
An estimated 20,000 visitors a year pass through the doors for receptions, dinners, meetings, and public tours. Governor Doyle is the 13th governor to live in the Executive Residence.
Public tours are offered every Thursday during the months of April through August from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Holiday tours are also offered during December. For more details, go to Tour Information.
There is no charge for admission. Groups of 20 or more are required to make a reservation by calling (608) 246-5501 or email vicki.heymann@wi.gov
Participants in the tours are encouraged to bring new or nearly new children's books to the Executive Residence. Books collected will be distributed to local children's organizations. For ideas of kinds of books to bring, please visit Mrs. Doyle's state-wide book club online at http://readon.wi.gov/
The Executive Residence is located at 99 Cambridge Road on Madison's northeast side of the Village of Maple Bluff.
The Residence is handicapped accessible.
