Sonnenberg Garden & Mansion is a beautiful estate located in Canandaigua, NY. The mansion and gardens were built in the 1880's and today are a State Historic Park. On Thursdays in August the volunteers host an afternoon tea as a fund raiser for the Park. This is the 4th year that my good friend Dottie and I have attended.
This photo of one of the gardens is taken from a 2nd floor balcony. The walkway is the center of six identical sections all planted with the same floral design leading to a pool and fountain.
Beyond the columns on the right is the rose garden.
The tea was held on the wrap-around veranda in the distance. These pictures don't begin to do justice to the size and beauty of the grounds.
The tables were all set with floral tablecloths and china cups and plates which have been donated to Sonnenberg over the years.
Tables extended across the front of the mansion and down both sides. I forgot to ask how many people they serve for each tea but I know they sell out early. Waitresses and butlers in costumes serve each course.
Dottie and me.
This young lady at our table was attending her first tea with her grandma.
Of course her tea had several lumps of sugars, cream, and lemon slices.
Our first course was a fruit cup.
The second course a cranberry scone.
Can you see the expression on our young ladies face as she tries to choose between clotted cream, strawberry jam or orange marmalade?
The next course was our savories - cucumber, egg, chicken and tuna sandwiches
along with a second tray of sweet breads.
Sorbet is next to cleanse the palate
Our last course was two trays of assorted cookies and pastries
After the tea we toured the mansion. These photos are from just one of the bedrooms. I can't remember how many there were but you can google Sonnenberg Gardens for more information. You can see the 4 poster bed and the sitting area at the foot of the bed. The open door goes to the bathroom - there was one in each bedroom.
This photo is another sitting area off the bedroom - a large trunk is packed for traveling on the left.
Behind the trunk is another alcove leading to the sewing room.
The closet - with gorgeous gowns. Yet another door off the same bedroom.
Another gown on the bed and a glimpse into the bathroom.
Looking downstairs from the balcony at the top of the stairs
Music was played in the foyer during the tea. You can see the billiards room the the background.
The dining room.
This table for two was on one end of the dining room. The glass doors folded and opened for open air dining next to the attached brick patio.
The fountain on the edge of the dining room patio.
This blue and white garden was off the veranda on the opposite side from where we sat.
This is just a brief look. My memory fails me and I can't find my brochure but I believe there are 7 themed gardens on the grounds including a Japanese garden with tea house, an aviary, several gazebos and fountains. There is a small cafe, green houses, a winery and gift shop on the grounds also.
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