Bristol’s Preserved 19th Century Garden Estate In - Blithewold

Blithewold is a 33-acre seaside garden estate that once the summer home of Augustus and Bessie Van Wickle. The property, featuring beautiful gardens, includes a 45-room mansion with sweeping views of Narragansett Bay. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the estate was established in the 1890s with a fortune made in the coal-mining business. The original Queen Anne-style mansion, built in 1895, was destroyed by a slow-moving fire. The current mansion, rebuilt in 1906, incorporates furnishings that were rescued from the fire. It was designed by Walter Kilham in the English Country Manor style.

In 1936, Marjorie Van Wickle Lyon inherited Blithewold and lived there until her death in 1976 at the age of 93. She bequeathed the estate to be opened as a museum, and in 1978, it was opened to the public, preserved as it appeared in 1910. The current grounds, primarily designed by John DeWolf, date from 1896 to 1913.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

The carriage house

.

The stately front facade of the mansion.

The Narragansett Bay facing facade.

This is the half-timbered exterior of the service wing of the mansion.

Do you like the images posted?
Click here to explore the shop.

Blithewold: Legacy of an American Family

By Whitehead, W H Duncan Professor of Publich Health Margaret

VEGER Mini Portable Charger for iPhone, 5000mAh 20W PD Fast Charging Battery Pack, Cordless Portable External Backup Charger for iPhone 13, 12, 11, 8, 7, XR, XS Max, Pro Max, AirPods

Dong guan Utopia-Originality Technology Co., Ltd

Bristol Through Time (America Through Time)

By Simpson, Richard V.

.

Some of the special garden spots

.

.

.

The greenhouses

Potting shed area

.

.

A wishing well

The view of Narragansett Bay

Some of Bristol artist Ellen Blomgren's art appears in the garden areas.

.

.

.

.

The art on the exterior of the mansion.

.

The Living Room

.

.

.

.

The Billiard Room

.

.

The Dining Room

.

.

.

The Telephone Room

The Butler's Pantry

.

.

The staircase

.

.

The window seat landing

The second floor hallway

.

The stairway leading from the second to the third floor.

The Master Bedroom

.

.

.

Master Bathroom

The Stickley Room was probably used by a nurse maid for Marjorie.

.

Augustine’s bedroom

.

.

There are a few of Bessie’s dresses on display.

Estelle Clements’s Bedroom

.

The Breakfast Porch

.

The entrance from the breakfast room to the rear terrace.

The rear terrace

What you should know:

• Check website for days / hours.

• The mansion and grounds are both self-guided

• General admission tour tickets can be bought on-line or in-person.

• There are walking trails

• This is a Carry In / Carry Out environment.

• Restrooms are available.

• Parking is available.

Location: 01 Ferry Road (Rt. 114)
Bristol, Rhode Island 02809

For more information: Blithewold

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to check out my previous posts by clicking here.