The Park McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion —
One of the hazards of living in a beautiful New England town, is that it is so easy to take all of the history and rich culture for granted. After fifteen years of living in Bennington, I recently acknowledged that Pete and I were falling victim to this cycle: the one where we recommend wonderful Bennington attractions to our inn guests, yet somehow never make it there ourselves. Last summer I decided to break the cycle. I started with a tour of the beautiful Park McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion in North Bennington Vermont.
The Park McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion grounds come alive in summer.
I decided to bring along my nine-year old son. He was a skeptic at first. He questioned the idea of giving up a perfectly good sunny, summer day with his friends to go on a mansion tour with his mom. However, once there, he couldn’t stop raising his hand to ask questions of the docent. The whole ride home he talked about what it must have been like to live in that mansion more than a century ago. He couldn’t believe that this historic Vermont mansion was right here in his hometown of Bennington Vermont. While my pictures don’t do it justice, I hope to share a bit of the source of his excitement with you.
Bedrooms are set for visitors much as they would have been 150 years ago.
The Mansion and Property
Known as one of New England’s most well-preserved Victorian properties, the Park McCullough Governor’s Mansion is a 35-room French, 2nd Empire home with Italianate features and an iconic mansard roof.
An expansive wrap around porch adds to the welcoming vibe of the historic mansion.
The property is 200 acres of well-manicured lawn and garden with a self-guided woodland walk known as “The Mile Around Woods”. This winding, wooded walking trail, located behind the mansion, has been a favorite of our family since our son was a wee tike. Its gentle trails can even accommodate a sturdy stroller. The occasional fallen tree or glacial boulder has been a great source of energy-burning delight for kids of all ages. Rolling pastoral views can cause even the most stressed of grown-ups to pause and take note. This delightful trail was built by the former owner, Trenor Park to encourage peace, calm & relaxation — and that it does! The trail is now managed by the Fund for North Bennington.
Spring thaw at The Mile Around Woods, on the estate of the Park McCullough Historic Govenor’s Mansion || Aiden and Pete with me bringing up the rear (and snapping pics!)
The Interior
Known for its stunning opulence, the home boasts 15’ ceilings with ornate woodwork throughout. A few of the stunning original features include a century-old billiards table, many marble fireplaces, beautiful arched doorways and authentic Victorian era furniture from the original owners of the home. Not replicas, but the original furniture that Lizzy McCullough purchased all those years ago when she prepared for a visit by President Benjamin Harrison.
Tours (offered daily from Memorial Day through October) are the perfect blend of guided and self-guided meaning they capture the attention of avid history buffs, decor addicts and wiggly nine-year-olds alike.
Lizzie McCullough’s detailed journals led to the recreation of the dinner table as set for President Benjamin Harrison’s visit way back when.
Your Visit to the Park McCullough Mansion
Grounds open year-round – House open from Memorial Day Weekend through October.
Throughout the season, the Park McCullough Mansion offers a variety of fun things to do with the entire family. Their cultural programming series is a unique way to get outdoors and offers a host of events including
- summer concert series on the lawn
- outdoor movies
- yoga on the lawn
- kids camps
- a seasonal croquet league
- wine and chocolate tasting event, specialty dinners and other public events.
While the regular season runs from May through October, this fundraising event that my mom and I attended along with many community members brought out the magic of Christmas in the mansion.
Park McCullough Mansion Weddings and Events
Pete and I have been fortunate to be guests at a number of weddings, private and corporate events at the Park McCullough Estate over the years. Both the fully restored carriage barn and the main house are magical. Just magical. We have also had many a guest host a wedding at the Park McCullough Historic Govenor’s mansion over the years and book an exclusive house booking for friends and family to stay at the Four Chimneys Inn. The best of both worlds in our book!
A gorgeously restored carriage barn hosts corporate dinners, birthday parties and some of the prettiest weddings you might ever see.
Nearby:
The Park McCullough Historic Govenor’s Mansion’s proximity to other area attractions is also ideal for planning your Vermont vacation. With so much to do, you might want to make a week of it.
Bennington Battle Monument
Robert Frost Stone House Museum
Bennington Potters If you follow along on Instagram, you know this is one of my all time favorite Bennington shops. Not just for the one-of-a kind Pottery (the kind you’ll treasure forever), but also for its beautiful home decor items.
Fifteen bucolic Vermont towns make up what is known as The Shires of Vermont . To book your stay visit www.fourchimneys.com – a 12-minute drive from the Park McCullough Historic Govenor’s Mansion and just steps from Bennington’s historic downtown!
“You fall in love with Bennington Vermont for the way nature has been effortlessly infused with arts & culture. For the way the Green Mountains magically appear at the crest of every scenic byway, and sprawling fields of emerald and gold glisten in the afternoon sun. You’ll fall in love with the way the tall grass rustles as you drive by ––though driving will ‘get you there too fast’ so walking or biking is preferred. “Vermont Begins Here”–– a literal and figurative slogan for this quintessential town. The streets bustle with residents and weekenders alike; scooting in and out of country storefronts and delicious restaurants. And, just atop the hill, a historic district with a charming Vermont bed and breakfast , The Four Chimneys Inn and plethora of landmarks and Vermont historical sites, such as the Bennington Monument, Old First Church and just up the road, the breathtakingly preserved Park McCullough Mansion.” Nicole DeSanti, Editor, New England Weekender
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Book your Vermont Vacation:
Summer is right around the corner. Just a friendly reminder to book early as our Vermont Bed and Breakfast fills up quickly at that time of year. Find your favorite room at The Four Chimneys Inn and give us a call. (802) 447-3500 9 am – 9pm. Romantic getaways in Vermont are our thing, so let us help you plan yours. Hope to meet you soon!
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Each room at the Four Chimneys Inn Vermont Bed and Breakfast has it’s own unique look and feel.