Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum is a 33-acre estate with a 45-room Colonial Revival mansion overlooking Narragansett Bay. The property combines formal garden spaces with wooded areas and houses a diverse collection of trees and plants.

Augustus and Bessie Van Wickle built this summer home in 1895 using wealth from coal mining to create an impressive residence. The estate later became a significant botanical center and now operates as a nonprofit open to the public.

The gardens reflect landscape architect John DeWolf's design approach, blending local plants with specimens gathered from around the world. This mix shows how wealthy families of that era wanted to display nature on their own property.

The property is located in Bristol at 101 Ferry Road, between Newport and Providence, and offers guided tours of the mansion and gardens. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing since exploring the grounds requires walking across varied terrain.

The property contains one of the largest giant sequoias on the East Coast, planted in 1911 and reaching about 100 feet in height. This tree is remarkable because it thrives in a climate very different from its natural habitat along California's coast.

Location: Rhode Island

Inception: 1895

Website: http://blithewold.org

GPS coordinates: 41.65417,-71.26611

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40