New Jersey Governor to Move Into Historic Drumthwacket Residence

Mikie Sherrill will be the first governor in over 20 years to live full-time at the state's official executive estate.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:34pm

A serene, painterly depiction of the stately exterior of Drumthwacket, the New Jersey governor's official residence, with the building bathed in warm, golden sunlight and surrounded by lush greenery, conveying a sense of timeless elegance and civic duty.The historic Drumthwacket estate in Princeton, New Jersey will become the full-time home of Governor Mikie Sherrill and her family, a symbolic move to bring the state's executive branch closer to the capital.Princeton Today

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that she and her family will be moving to Drumthwacket, the state's official executive residence in Princeton, this summer. Sherrill said the move reflects her administration's commitment to governing from Trenton and being closer to the State House.

Why it matters

Drumthwacket has served as the governor's official residence since 1981, but only a few governors have actually lived there full-time. Sherrill's decision to make it her family's home signals a shift towards a more hands-on, Trenton-based governorship.

The details

Drumthwacket is a historic estate that dates back to the 1830s. It features a main residence, paneled library, formal Italianate gardens, and sits on nearly 12 acres. The state purchased the property in 1966 with the intent of using it as the governor's residence, but most prior governors have only used it for official functions and meetings.

  • Sherrill announced the move on Friday, April 3, 2026.
  • The Sherrill family plans to move into Drumthwacket this summer.

The players

Mikie Sherrill

The current Governor of New Jersey, who will be the first to live full-time at Drumthwacket in over 20 years.

Drumthwacket

The official executive residence of the Governor of New Jersey, located in Princeton. It is a historic estate that dates back to the 1830s.

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What they’re saying

“From Day One this administration has committed to getting to work in Trenton to deliver on our commitments. We're thrilled to further strengthen that commitment by living full time in the Governor's official residence and being much closer to the Capital City and the State House.”

— Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey

“Drumthwacket is the people's house, and we look forward to continuing to bring it to life for New Jersey residents and highlight all the incredible history it offers.”

— Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey

What’s next

The Drumthwacket Foundation, which manages the estate, will continue to offer free guided tours and host events to allow New Jersey residents to experience the historic property.

The takeaway

Governor Sherrill's decision to move her family into Drumthwacket signals a shift towards a more hands-on, Trenton-based governorship. By living at the official executive residence, she aims to be closer to the State House and better able to deliver on her administration's commitments to the people of New Jersey.