15 things you didn't know about the vice president's official residence, where Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff live

Talia LakritzJun 24, 2021, 00:53 IST

Number One Observatory Circle is the official residence of the US vice president.AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File

The vice president's official residence is on the grounds of the US Naval Observatory in Washington, DC.
Different vice presidents have added amenities such as a pool, a jogging track, and a garden.
The residence may be haunted - Walter Mondale's daughter once said she saw a ghost in her bedroom.

The vice president's official residence is located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, DC, where scientists collect astronomical data for accurate navigation.

A satellite image of the United States Naval Observatory. DigitalGlobe/Getty Images

The vice president's official residence is located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, DC, where scientists collect astronomical data for accurate navigation.

Measuring 9,150 square feet, Number One Observatory Circle contains 33 rooms.

Number One Observatory Circle is the official residence of the US vice president. AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File

The home belonged to the Naval Observatory's superintendent, and then its chief of naval operations, before it became the official vice presidential residence in 1974.

Number One Observatory Circle pictured in 1977. U S News & World Report Collection/Thomas O'Halloran/PhotoQuest/Getty Images

In 1977, Walter Mondale, who served under President Jimmy Carter, became the first vice president to live there.

Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter with Walter Mondale and Joan Mondale for dinner at the vice president's residence. Wikipedia Commons

Mondale's daughter, Eleanor, once called the Secret Service when she said she saw a ghost in her bedroom.

Walter Mondale and Eleanor Mondale. Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Vice presidents can redecorate the home according to their tastes.

George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush at the vice president's residence circa 1983. David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images

Dick and Lynne Cheney decorated the residence in neutral colors.

Dick Cheney bidding farewell to Joe Biden following their visit at the vice president's residence. David Bohrer/White House/AP Photo

Vice presidents have added various amenities over the years, such as a jogging track, exercise room, and horseshoe pit.

President George H.W. Bush jogs at the vice president's residence in 1992. Barry Thumma/AP Photo

The house also features a pool, which was added by Dan Quayle.

The pool at the vice president's residence. Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Joe Biden surprised his wife, Jill, with a tree swing on the grounds of the residence for Valentine's Day in 2010.

Joe Biden's tree swing on the grounds of the vice president's residence. Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Jill Biden added the Family Heritage Garden, where stones memorialize all the home's previous occupants and their family members, including pets.

The Family Heritage Garden. Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The Bidens' favorite room in the home was the Solarium.

The Solarium. Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

When the Pences moved into the residence, Karen Pence installed a beehive to raise awareness of the declining honeybee population.

Karen Pence unveils a beehive on the vice president's residential grounds. Preston Keres/USDA

There's also rumored to be a secure bunker underneath the residence.

The residence pictured in 2000. J Scott Applewhite/AP Photo

Vice presidents have more freedom of movement at their residence than presidents do in the White House.

Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden host a barbecue for wounded service members at the vice president's residence in 2010. Charles Dharapak/AP Photo

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15 things you didn't know about the vice president's official residence, where Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff live

The vice president's official residence is located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, DC, where scientists collect astronomical data for accurate navigation.

Measuring 9,150 square feet, Number One Observatory Circle contains 33 rooms.

The home belonged to the Naval Observatory's superintendent, and then its chief of naval operations, before it became the official vice presidential residence in 1974.

In 1977, Walter Mondale, who served under President Jimmy Carter, became the first vice president to live there.

Mondale's daughter, Eleanor, once called the Secret Service when she said she saw a ghost in her bedroom.

Vice presidents can redecorate the home according to their tastes.

Dick and Lynne Cheney decorated the residence in neutral colors.

Vice presidents have added various amenities over the years, such as a jogging track, exercise room, and horseshoe pit.

The house also features a pool, which was added by Dan Quayle.

Joe Biden surprised his wife, Jill, with a tree swing on the grounds of the residence for Valentine's Day in 2010.

Jill Biden added the Family Heritage Garden, where stones memorialize all the home's previous occupants and their family members, including pets.

The Bidens' favorite room in the home was the Solarium.

When the Pences moved into the residence, Karen Pence installed a beehive to raise awareness of the declining honeybee population.

There's also rumored to be a secure bunker underneath the residence.

Vice presidents have more freedom of movement at their residence than presidents do in the White House.