As newlyweds in 1863, Frederick and Mary Thompson purchased a farmhouse on 14 acres of land, near the north end of Canandaigua Lake. It was to be their summer estate. In time, they purchased a total of 300 acres and built a 40-roomed Queen Anne-styled mansion. After her husband's death in 1899, Mary Thompson set about redesigning the gardens. She had the means to travel the world looking for ideas and incorporated these into the landscape. Nine formal gardens totaling 50 acres remain of the estate. The gardens and mansion are open from May to October each year.
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Park, 151 Charlotte Street Canandaigua, NY 14424, Phone: 585-394-4922
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