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Kate Brown and husband move into governor's residence Couple has experience restoring older homes Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Mar. 10, 2015 at 2:00 AM By The Associated Press Posted Mar. 10, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Social News SALEM — Oregon's new first couple — fans of older homes — are in relatively new digs. Gov. Kate Brown and her husband, Dan Little, have moved into 91-year-old Mahonia Hall in south Salem, Oregon's official governor's residence. They have long lived in Portland's southeast Woodstock neighborhood, where they have a 101-year-old house they've spent time working on. They plan to keep that one, but they told the Salem Statesman Journal on a tour Sunday that they've moved south to Salem. "It feels so comfortable already," Brown said. "We're so happy here. We love older homes and working to restore them. This is heaven for us." Mahonia Hall is a four-story, Tudor-style building of more than 11,000 square feet with sweeping views of the Willamette River and the West Salem hills. It was purchased in 1987 through donations by individuals and businesses. Brown succeeded John Kitzhaber as governor a month ago. He resigned after an ethics and influence peddling scandal involving his fiancee, Cylvia Hayes. Kitzhaber and Hayes used Mahonia Hall only occasionally. Kitzhaber preferred to spend most of his time in Portland, where his son lives. As secretary of state, Brown has rented space and spent one or two nights a week in Salem. But she said there was no way she would make the commute from Portland to Salem now that she is governor. Little is a U.S. Forest Service data expert who can work from home. The two said they'll go ahead with furniture purchases they'd planned for their Portland home, using the pieces in Salem until they return to Portland. "We will consult with a professional restorer and probably paint some rooms," Brown said, pointing out a fresh mint-colored nook off the kitchen, a room she expects will get a lot of use. "But look at this leaf impression in the texturing of the walls," Brown said, touching the pattern. "We want to do what's best, and that means we'll have a bake sale if we have to. We feel strongly about giving back, and this is a way to do it." Brown and Little said weekly public tours of the home will continue. The first party will be for female lawmakers, lobbyists and agency heads, a reception for to celebrate March as Women's History Month, Brown said. She has invited former Govs. Barbara Roberts and Ted Kulongoski and their significant others to a dinner party in April. Brown and Little are eager to hear about their days living in Mahonia. Brown said she's curious about how the kitchen was designed. She called it "beautifully functional, and in great shape. We love it. But I want to know who the kitchen was built for. I can only reach the first shelf." By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Mar. 10, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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