Bristol, RI, 02809
401-253-2707
URL : http://www.blithewold.org
overview : This garden estate overlooking Narragansett Bay was established in the late 1800s. The property includes a variety of outstanding gardens, over 3,000 trees and shrubs, and a forty-five room elegant mansion with the original furnishings. Visitors relive the past through special exhibits and fascinating accounts of Blithewoldâs history.
collections : Blithewold is English Country Manor style. Most of the main rooms in the Mansion are still as they were in the early years of this century including the original furniture. In all of the rooms except two, the wallpapers are original, and the two bedrooms which have been re-papered have been decorated with fine quality reproductions of the originals. We know from photographs and descriptions, that the furniture in each room is still as arranged it in the early 1900's. The Collection includes Baccarat crystal, Gorham silver, and more than 30 sets of fine china with original hand-embroidered linens, family photographs and books. There are several Tiffany lamps, an extensive doll collection, letters and postcards from their world travel.
hours (subject to change) : The Mansion & Gardens are open mid-April thru Columbus Day, Wed thru Sun, 10 am to 4 pm and throughout December for Christmas at Blithewold. Check the website for hours and admission.
topics : historic homes, gardens, history, general, 19th, century, architecture, arboretums
