Harkness Memorial State Park, State park and botanical garden in Waterford, Connecticut, United States.
Harkness Memorial State Park is a coastal estate with a 42-room Renaissance Revival mansion called Eolia and formal gardens overlooking Long Island Sound. The property spans roughly 230 acres and includes several types of gardens, natural landscapes, and walking paths throughout the grounds.
Edward Harkness purchased this property in 1907 using wealth from Standard Oil and expanded it with gardens designed by the renowned landscape architect Beatrix Farrand. The estate was later converted into a state park, making it accessible to the public.
The estate shows how wealthy families designed their summer homes in the early 20th century, with fifteen historic buildings reflecting the tastes and lifestyles of that era. Walking through the grounds, you can see how architecture and landscape design worked together to create a complete vision.
The grounds are easy to explore on foot, with marked paths through the different garden areas and along the shoreline. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for varied terrain if you plan to visit both the gardens and the more natural areas.
The property features several themed garden areas, including an English Garden, Italian Garden, and Alpine Rock Garden, each showcasing distinct plants and design approaches. These sections create different moods as you move through the grounds.
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