THE BOGART HOUSE

Pros

• The Governor's Row House is a beautiful event center.
• The venue is stunning - traditional and dramatic, yet romantic inside.
• The facility is beautiful, and the people running it are great.
• The owners have done a phenomenal job keeping the original character and charm of the home.
• The home is absolutely gorgeous.
• The venue is awesome and has a rich history.
• It is a fantastic place with great local history.
• The place has lots of charm and history.
• It is a great place to visit for a relaxing day to learn history and see the nice view.
• The staff is great to work with, and the service is nice.

Cons

• The high ceilings create acoustics problems, making it hard for guests to hear each other.
• One reviewer was upset that an ultrasound appointment at the Audrey Center charged $200, and left.

Review

The Governor's Row House stands out as a stunning historic venue that feels both traditional and dramatic, with an undeniable sense of romance in its interior. Reviewers consistently describe the space as beautiful and well suited for formal events, theater-inspired occasions, or intimate, romance-themed gatherings. It's the kind of place that makes a grand impression the moment you step inside, with an atmosphere that invites guests to linger and soak in the era-inspired details.

Several wedding experiences at the Row House are highlighted for their ease and stress-free planning. Brides and grooms repeatedly credit the staff, especially Deborah and John, with taking care of every detail and guiding the events with a calm efficiency. One newly married couple called their day "stress-less" and attributed that serenity to Deborah and John, who helped ensure everything ran smoothly from ceremony to reception. Guests often remark that the house itself captivates attendees, sparking conversation and awe as they tour its historic rooms.

The architecture and history of the home are a recurring theme in the reviews. Guests praise the preservation of original character and charm, noting that the owners have invested substantially to restore and maintain the property so it feels like stepping back into the 1900s. Visitors can tour the basement and the upstairs apartment, learning a bit about the history and enjoying the unique ambiance. The property is frequently described as a quaint Victorian residence retrofitted for modern events, with a beauty that makes it a memorable backdrop for gatherings and celebrations.

In addition to weddings, the venue's versatility shines through in reviews of family gatherings, graduations, retirement parties, and Christmas events. People describe the space as clean, well-kept, and capable of delivering a rustic yet elegant vibe that remains charming through the seasons. A Christmas party guests remember as festive and beautifully decorated, while others recount hosting a rehearsal dinner or a daughter's wedding reception with the same sense of satisfaction. The space is consistently deemed suitable for intimate to mid-sized gatherings, with many noting that the decor and setup can be tailored to fit various themes.

Practical details also come up in the feedback. Several reviewers highlight that the facility is accessible and easy to navigate, with ample parking options nearby, including after-hours access to a local lot. The question of catering is positively noted: there is flexibility on who can cater, rather than a strict in-house policy, which many find appealing. Some reviews mention a specific catering partner, Engroff's, while others emphasize the freedom to choose a preferred caterer. The kitchen is described as small but usable, and visitors praise the overall setup as conducive to smooth event flow, including quick transitions from wedding to dining, especially when Christmas d?cor is in place. Acoustics are a practical consideration given the high ceilings; guests are advised to avoid background music that competes with conversations, but with well-placed plans, the space works well for speeches and celebrations.

There are a few lighter notes that give texture to the overall impression. One reviewer playfully asked whether the venue might be haunted, a nod to its long history and atmospheric architecture. Others share anecdotes about the friendly, helpful atmosphere created by the owners, including a tour-led introduction that made them feel welcomed and confident about their choice. There are even quirky, unrelated anecdotes tucked into the mix - such as a visit set up for a different purpose, where an appointment and a fee were part of the experience - yet these do not detract from the consistently positive sense that Governor's Row House is a special place for memorable events. Overall, visitors describe the venue as a unique, well-loved space with a strong sense of history, excellent care from the owners, and a capacity to create stunning, lasting memories for weddings, parties, and other gatherings.

This part of Topeka, Kansas offers a variety of medical services, restaurants, pharmacies, hospitals, places of worship, and transportation options within close proximity. With several physicians, including specialists in ear nose & throat and optometry, as well as hearing aid services and a dialysis specialist nearby, residents can easily access quality healthcare. There are also numerous dining options ranging from casual fast food to authentic Mexican and Thai cuisine. Several pharmacies are available for convenient medication needs. The area also features a cathedral and Baptist church for spiritual fulfillment. Public transportation is easily accessible at Quincy Street Station for those who may not drive. Additionally, there are parks nearby such as Children's Park and Gage Park for recreational activities and leisurely walks. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment with essential amenities for senior living.

Physicians

• Washburn University - Petro Allied Health Center (0.2 miles)
• Topeka Ear Nose & Throat (1.2 miles)
• Midwest Hearing Aids (1.2 miles)
• Dr. Diana L. Carriger, Optometrist (1.2 miles)
• Dialysis Specialist of Topeka (1.2 miles)
• Shawnee County Health Department - Immunizations (1.3 miles)
• Customskin Medspa (1.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Henry T's (0.3 miles)
• Margarita's Jalisco (0.3 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (0.5 miles)
• Fuzzy's Taco Shop (0.9 miles)
• Jong's Thai Kitchen (0.9 miles)
• El Centenario (1.1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Stormont Vail Retail Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Continental Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Continental Pharmacy PA (1.5 miles)
• Jayhawk Pharmacy & Patient Supply (1.9 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)

Hospitals

• Brendan Lund, MD (1.2 miles)
• Stormont-Vail Surgical Center (1.3 miles)
• Coon Stephen D MD, Stormont-Vail (1.4 miles)
• Colmery-o'Neil Va Medical Center (1.5 miles)
• Veterans Health Administration (1.5 miles)
• Topeka VA ICU (1.5 miles)
• Topeka Veterans Affairs Medical Center (1.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Grace Episcopal Cathedral (1.3 miles)
• First Baptist Church (1.6 miles)

Transportation

• Quincy Street Station (1.5 miles)

Parks

• Childrens Park (1.7 miles)
• Gage Park (2.4 miles)