Idaho’s Simplot Mansion To Be Demolished

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Simplot family has announced that the hilltop mansion — offered as Idaho's governor's residence — will soon be demolished.

J.R. Simplot spokesman Ken Dey, speaking on behalf of the family, said Monday that work to remove the 7,400-square-foot Boise home will take place over the next 10 days. J.R. Simplot, the deceased billionaire who built his agricultural empire, in part, on french fry sales to McDonald's, donated the home to Idaho in 2004.

However, the state returned it to the family in 2013 after it became too costly to maintain. Dey says the home has been vacant for nearly 10 years, with Simplot being the last resident. No governor ever lived in the house despite being the designated residence. The family has no immediate plans for the site.