The real estate ad might read:

"Victorian with great location, 52 rooms on 4 floors with cupola, 6 bedrooms, 13 baths, kitchen, kitchenette, multi-offices plus all formals including ballroom. 36,806 sq.ft. with security system. Insured for $10,441,800. Four-year renewable lease."

Located on Blount Street in downtown Raleigh not far from the State Capitol, the North Carolina Governor's Mansion is currently occupied by Beverly Perdue. Designed by a Philadelphia architect, the executive mansion was started in 1883 and completed in 1891 by skilled craftsmen, local contractors and prison labor. When finished, the total cost to taxpayers was $58,843.

Native materials were used for the mansion whenever possible. Massive pillars, doors and stairways were crafted from North Carolina pine. Brownstone and granite came from Anson and Cherokee Counties. The handmade bricks on the front sidewalks still show the initials of the convicts who made them.

The house is filled with antiques and crystal chandeliers. It is a "working" mansion in that Governor Perdue's family not only lives in the home, but conducts much of the state's business and entertaining there too. The ground floors are open to the public and the holiday season is one of the most popular times for a tour. In early December, the mansion is lavishly decorated; choirs, school groups and musicians will perform.

For a schedule of events, stop by the Capital City Visitors Center (across the street from the mansion) or call (919) 733-3456.