Gardens
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New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill- Boylston, MA
The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is 171 acres of absolute awesomeness. Featuring 18 distinct gardens, miles of walking trails, and fantastic scenic overlooks, Tower Hill is an absolute green dream.
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Blithewold Mansion and Gardens- Bristol, RI
Blithewold Mansion is very reminiscent of Canandaigua's Sonnenberg Estate, which, coming from me, is a compliment of the highest order. Both estates are magnificent historic properties, filled with exquisite decorative arts, set amidst magical grounds.
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Sonnenberg Gardens- Canandaigua, NY
The gardens at Sonnenberg State Historic Park are without a doubt the most stunning and impressive I have ever visited. It is impossible not to be transfixed and awestruck by the sprawling property, which is home to a collection of breathtaking Gilded Age gardens. A work of true genius, you may never want to leave. Built in stages by various landscape architects working for Mary Clark Thompson, the gardens were a living memorial to her husband, Frederick, who died in 1899. Mrs. Thompson, herself an avid gardener, sought to recreate the famous gardens of the world at her New York Estate. Any one of these gardens would be spectacular on…
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Stan Hywet- Akron, OH
Stan Hywet may just be the most fabulous house I have ever visited. It is not just large, or ridiculously ornate; it is of course both of those things, but it embodies so much more. It is a beautifully designed Manor House, full of unexpected details. Beyond breathtaking, the house and gardens are an absolute pleasure to explore. Stan Hywet was built for Franklin Seiberling, co-founder of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Interesting aside, the company was named after Charles Goodyear, a chemist who died penniless decades earlier, despite having patented the method to vulcanize rubber. Fortunately things worked out better for Seiberling. He revolutionized the tire industry in…
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Naumkeag- Stockbridge, MA
I admit it, Gilded Age mansions make me giddy. I have yet to visit one I haven’t loved. I am awed by the prolific use of high end materials, and details that could never be duplicated or afforded today. Egregious wealth made possible by monopolies, used to create showcase homes, which were obscenely called cottages. Naumkeag, however, manages to distinguish itself from other properties of this era; in addition to being amazing architecturally, and including a world class garden, it still contains its original furnishings. Donated to The Trustees completely intact, it is a wonderful trip to the rarefied past. Designed by the renowned architect Stanford White in 1884, the…
