Beach House Finds, founder
Barbara Segal pictured at Blithewold Mansion, Garden & Arbotetum with Sue Nealon
Photo coutesey of Robert Kemp
Map of Blithewold Grounds
In the tranquil seaside setting of Bristol, Rhode Island is Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum. Here you can explore the finest garden estate in New England, Blithewold Mansion which is open for daily public tours rich in social history and chronicling the lives of one family over a span of more than 100 years. The breathtaking views of the Narragansett Bay from the house draw you outside to enjoy the sea breezes, colorful flower gardens, and magnificent trees and shrubs in a landscape inspired by the family's love of plants, trees and horticulture.
In 1896, coal baron, Augustus Van Wickle and his wife Bessie purchased the property for a summer vacation home. The beauty and location of the side made it the perfect place to pursue the family's love of the sea and Bessie passion for horticulture.
Her elder daughter, Majorie, inherited her mother's love of gardening and planted thousand of plants for her garden as well. Blithewold's voluminous archives contain journals, thousands of photographs, and letters that paint the detailed picture of life of the estate during the last century.
Marjorie Lyon, carried on her mother's invaluable gardening legacy until her death in 1976, when she bequeathed Blithewold and its remaining 33 acres for the enjoyment of the public education, and inspiration forever. On August 16, 2008 Blithewold celebrates "The Celebration of A Century" Saturday, August 16, 2008 at the Blithwold Mansion, Garden and Arboretum.
For more information contact 401-253-2707. ext. 21 or http://www.nlithewold.org/
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