Bristol’s Preserved 19th Century Garden Estate - 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

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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.

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Some of the special garden spots

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The greenhouses

Potting shed area

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A wishing well

The view of Narragansett Bay

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

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The art on the exterior of the mansion.

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The Living Room

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The Telephone Room

The Billiard Room

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The Dining Room

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The Butler's Pantry

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The staircase

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The window seat landing

The second floor hallway

The stairway leading from the second to the third floor.

The Master Bedroom

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Master Bathroom

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

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Augustine’s bedroom

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

Estelle Clements’s Bedroom

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The entrance from the breakfast room to the rear terrace.

The rear terrace

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The Breakfast Porch

What you should know:

• Check website for days / hours of operation and for any special events.

• The mansion and grounds are both self-guided

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

• Only service animals are allowed on the property.

• Bicycles are prohibited.

• 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

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