Peter G. Thomson House

The Peter G. Thomson House is a Beaux-Arts mansion in Cincinnati built with symmetrical forms and classical details inspired by the Grand Trianon at Versailles. Inside, the residence features several distinctive spaces including a swimming pool lined with Rookwood tiles and a library with African rosewood wall panels.

Construction began in 1902 under architect James Gamble Rogers and was completed in 1907 for paper manufacturer Peter G. Thomson. The house was built during an era when Cincinnati's wealthy industrialists commissioned European-inspired estates to showcase their status and refined taste.

From 1947 to 1977, the residence served as the home of the Archbishop of Cincinnati, reflecting its importance to the local religious community. The rooms still carry traces of this sacred period in the building's use and meaning.

The residence is located at 5870 Belmont Avenue and operates as a private home that welcomes visitors by guided tour reservation. The covered atrium with retractable roof provides shelter if you visit during inclement weather, and the grounds offer space to view the exterior architecture at a comfortable pace.

The swimming pool is lined with tiles from Rookwood, a local ceramics studio, showcasing craftsmanship from the Cincinnati area itself. The retractable roof over the atrium is a hidden architectural feature that transforms the interior space depending on weather or occasion.

Location: Ohio

Architects: James Gamble Rogers

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

GPS coordinates: 39.19846,-84.55450

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:41