Surprising facts about the vice president's official residence, where Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff live

Talia LakritzJul 25, 2024, 22:24 IST

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

The vice president's official residence is on the grounds of the US Naval Observatory.
Different vice presidents have added amenities such as a pool, a jogging track, and a garden.

Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoffm moved into the vice president's official residence at Number One Observatory Circle in 2021. Now, they have their sights set on the White House.

The historic home features personal touches added by past vice presidents — and even a few ghost stories. Here are 16 surprising facts about the vice president's residence.

The vice president's official residence is located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, DC.

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

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.Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File/AP

The home was built in 1893 for the Naval Observatory's superintendent and began housing its chief of naval operations in 1923.

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

Number One Observatory Circle became the official vice presidential residence in 1974.

Number One Observatory Circle.Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

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.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 with 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 as 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.

Joe Biden and Jill Biden at a barbecue for wounded service members at the vice president's residence.Charles Dharapak/AP Photo

Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish, became the first residents to affix a mezuzah to the door of the home.

The mezuzah is affixed to the right side of the doorpost.SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Inside John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy's relationship, from their courtship to his assassination

Cookies on the Business Insider India website