A special feature of this garden area is the “Mini-Mansion”, a small replica of the Governor’s Mansion.

 

The Mini Mansion was given to the Governor’s Mansion Association in May of 2004. George and Linda Gleason of Bank OZK purchased it for $11,000 at the Kids Kozy Kottages fundraiser supporting the American Lung Association of Arkansas.

 

The architect was Carl Menyhart of Gaskin Hill Norcross, who designed one of the Mansion’s restoration projects. The sponsor for the building was Rector Phillips Morse. The builder was Southern Living’s custom homebuilder, Carl Henson.

 

The miniature replica is filled with many authentic elements such as Georgian fireplaces, a lighted portico bearing the seal of the Great State of Arkansas, and hand-turned columns by Jim Greenfield. Inspired by the original Mansion’s interiors, this playhouse has oak hardwood floors and custom shutters, as well as hand-painted walls to emulate historical wallpaper done by the Mansion’s decorative painter, Tim Morris.

 

Today, it is used as a child’s playhouse and whimsical garden ornament.