Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park

Canandaigua, New York, United States

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Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua, New York, is a 50-acre estate renowned for its Victorian-era architecture and diverse, beautifully maintained gardens.

Originally purchased in 1863 by Frederick Ferris and Mary Clark Thompson, the estate features a stunning Queen Anne-style mansion built in 1887, designed by architect Francis R. Allen.

Over the years, the Thompsons transformed the property into a collection of nine themed gardens, reflecting styles from around the world, including Italian, Japanese, and Victorian rock gardens, each with distinctive features such as fountains, statuary, and unique garden structures. After the Thompsons' deaths, the estate was sold to the federal government, which used it as a Veterans Administration hospital.

In the 1960s and 1970s, a local movement helped restore the gardens and mansion, leading to its designation as a New York State Historic Park in 1967. Today, it is open to the public and functions as a venue for events, including weddings, art shows, and seasonal festivals, while also serving as a premier example of historic landscape design and Victorian architecture.

Visitors can tour the mansion, explore the themed gardens, or enjoy various cultural and educational programs throughout the year.