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Mt. Cuba Center- Hockessin, DE
The Brandywine Valley is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. It is home to countless gardens, some very well known, some hidden gems. Mount Cuba falls somewhere in the middle. It certainly isn't as busy as Longwood Gardens, which feels like an amusement park; nor is it a pocket park, with limited plantings. Rather, Mt. Cuba sits in the sweet spot- several acres of immaculate gardens and limited crowds.
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Ladew Topiary Gardens- Monkton, MD
Ladew Topiary Gardens are absolutely enchanting- a real life Alice in Wonderland experience. Consisting of a series of seemingly endless gardens, it feels almost dreamlike to wander the grounds here.
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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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Rough Point- Newport, RI
Rough Point has a serious architectural pedigree. Originally designed in 1887 by the exalted design firm of Peabody and Sterns, it was altered in 1908 by John Russell Pope, before being renovated by Horace Trumbauer in 1922.
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The Vanderbilt- Newport, RI
Newport is known for its fabulous Gilded Age mansions. So many magnificent mansions. Some are still privately owned, several are open to the public for tours, and a handful have been converted to hotels. As someone who is obsessed with Auberge properties and architecture, I could not wait to visit The Vanderbilt.
