The Mansion House — locally just "the Mansion" — has been the summer residence of the Philippine president since 1908, when the colonial-era version was completed for the American governor-general. The building visible behind the long iron gates is a 1947 reconstruction (the original was destroyed in the 1945 battle for the city), Spanish-colonial-modern with white columns, a pediment, and a green tile roof.
The grounds are usually closed, but the gates and reflecting pool out front are an obligatory photo stop on any Baguio tour. The wrought-iron gates were modeled on those of Buckingham Palace, with the Philippine seal in gold at the top.
When the president is not in residence (most of the year) the gardens behind are sometimes opened for limited tours — check at the gate. Across the road, Wright Park makes a natural combined stop.