Homes of highly paid governors

In the past, CNBC's "Homes of Governors" slide shows have taken a broad look at the residences of state chief executives, from Colonial-era gems to fixer-uppers. This year, we've taken a different approach, focusing on the homes of some of the highest-paid governors.

The average gubernatorial salary is about $135,000 a year, according to the Council of State Governments. All of the governors here earn more than that.

Many of these above-average earners have been putting money into some impressive digs. The security upgrade to one house on this year's list cost nine times as much as the home's market value. In another house, the governor of one of the country's most embattled states can relax in his personal spa.

For another governor, real estate itself has become the budget battle, with properties he owns delinquent on property taxes.

There's even scandal in the home of one of the highest-paid governors, with some hefty renovation projects leading to allegations of improperly awarded city contracts.

But the first home on this list is striking for its lack of extravagance: This governor may earn more than most, but her house is estimated to be worth less than $200,000. Click ahead for a look at the homes of some top-paid U.S. governors and the stories behind the facades.

Yahoo! Homes is publishing half of CNBC's list. To see even more homes of some of the nation's top-paid governors, visit CNBC.com.

By Anthony Volastro, CNBC

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