Oak View, Norwood, Massachusetts, Second Empire mansion in Norwood, United States
Oak View is a residential mansion featuring Second Empire architecture, distinguished by its characteristic mansard roofs and ornately decorated exterior walls. Built between 1868 and 1873 in Norwood, the structure now functions as a museum dedicated to dollhouses.
Francis Olney Winslow, descended from a local tanning family, initiated construction in 1868, with the residence completed by 1873. In the 20th century, the property served as home to Frank G. Allen during his tenure as Governor of Massachusetts.
The mansion once hosted notable artists and intellectuals, including composer Sergei Rachmaninoff and philosopher William James who visited during its early years. These connections reflected its role as a gathering place for creative minds in the region.
The structure is now maintained as a museum by a nonprofit organization focused on its preservation. Visitors should check ahead to understand which areas are accessible and how to approach the grounds.
The residence now contains a remarkable collection of miniature houses gathered by collectors over time. These dollhouses and model buildings represent a crafted art form that often goes unnoticed, displaying fine details from different periods.
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