Professional contractors, the National Capital Commission and even the federal auditor-general all agree: the official residence of Canada’s prime minister needs a face-lift.
Among other problems, the halls are drafty, the wiring is ancient, the home is far from universally accessible and there’s no central air conditioning. Oh, and there’s asbestos.
Given the sorry state of 24 Sussex, many observers are applauding prime-minister designate Justin Trudeau’s recent decision to move his family into Rideau Cottage instead. Built in 1867, the heritage “cottage” is in fact a large home that was renovated in 2013 and has 22 rooms.
Compared to 24 Sussex (which has 34 rooms), it’s modest. But compared to some other presidential and prime-ministerial residences around the world, it’s downright tiny. Of course, a lot of these homes also serve as the main office space for a leader and his or her staff, while the Canadian prime minister and his staff have a separate office space in Langevin Block.
As the Trudeau family settles into life on the grounds of Rideau Hall, here’s a look at where some other world leaders lay their heads.
The White House, U.S.
Perhaps the most famous official residence on earth, the current home of the Obama family also serves as the president’s workplace. Starting in 2010, the U.S. government undertook a four-year, $376 million project to improve the infrastructure in the East and West Wings of the White House. It’s the biggest upgrade since the 132-room building was gutted in the Truman era.
The Senate Building, Russia
Although he allegedly had a lavish home built elsewhere, the official working residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin is located within the Kremlin complex in Moscow. It was built in the late 1700s by Russian architect Matvei Kazakov.
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Los Pinos, Mexico
The official residence and office of Mexico’s president is Los Pinos, located in Mexico City. Built in the early 20th century, it has been home to 14 presidents and their families.
The Flagstaff House, Ghana
The residence and office to the president of Ghana, reconstructed in the 2000s, is something to behold. Originally set to cost US$30 million it was financed by a loan from the Indian government. The final cost was closer to $50 million, the BBC reported. The shape of the building is designed to resemble a traditional seat, important in Ghana’s folklore.
10 Downing St., United Kingdom
The British prime minister resides at 10 Downing St., widely known as “Number 10.” The home is over three hundred years old and contains approximately 100 rooms. The PM and his family typically live in a private residence on the third floor, and there’s a kitchen in the basement. The other floors are dedicated to offices, conference and reception rooms, making this a work space as well as an official residence. Extensive repairs were commissioned by former prime minister Margaret Thatcher and completed in the 1980s. Since then, the windows have been replaced, the kitchen modernized, computer cables installed and extra space created for staff.
Sōri Daijin Kantei, Japan
After the old official residence of the Japanese prime minister started to get too cramped, the government decided to start from scratch. The current five-storied residence was built in 2002. It is a thoroughly modern building that houses the private residence of the PM, as well as his principal office, the offices of the chief cabinet secretary and the deputy cabinet secretaries, rooms where foreign leaders are welcomed and entertained, and a national crisis management center. It even has solar panels and a rainwater storage system.
Marienborg, Denmark
Marienborg has been the official residence of Denmark’s prime minister since 1962. Like 24 Sussex, its primary purpose is to serve as the leader’s residence. It does not house government offices. Ten leaders have called it home.
The Lodge, Australia
Australia’s prime minister lives in a comparatively modest 40-bedroom mansion in the capital city, Canberra. The Lodge is one of two official prime ministerial residences. The second is Kirribilli House in Sydney. The Lodge underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment starting in 2011 that upgraded the roof, insulation, plumbing, heating and cooling systems and electrical wiring.
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