Nearby: The Rooms of Blithewold Mansion

In New England, Blithewold is known for its gardens, and for good reason. Their beauty  covers 33 acres of land, much of which faces the calm Narragansett Bay. There are rock and water gardens, a rose garden and enclosed garden, and even a lover's lane. Like Tower Hill Botanic Garden, each spring promises an enchanted display of daffodils, and Blithewold always celebrates their arrival. But when I went, it was the rooms I adored.  These were my favorite out of the forty-five rooms the mansion holds, a mansion that was built not once but twice at the turn of the century (the original was destroyed by fire and luckily, the fire was so slow burning that most of the furniture could be saved). Blithewold, meaning "happy woodland" was the summer home of the prestigious Van Wickle family, who had made their money in Pennsylvania coal. Instead of Newport, they chose this wonderful spot in Bristol and hired a Boston architectural firm to build their home by the bay, in the English country manor style. Even inside, one is always reminded of the great outdoors beyond, for the place is filled with an abundance of light and views of the sea. Not surprisingly, Blithewold is a favorite wedding venue and in fact, one was in the works as my friend and I left.  Tourists race to Newport to see the mansions, but Blithewold is just as worthy for a visit, not only for its magnificent grounds, but also for the rooms that overlook them.