We've been cooped up inside way too much lately with local COVID cases rising and temperatures falling. With it being a sunny autumn day this family absolutely needed to get outside! So we took a short trek over to the historic Cranbrook estate to walk around the mansion grounds and hike along the surrounding nature trails.
Built in a time when newspapers were king and their publishers were American royalty, Cranbrook was the castle for the Booth family who lived there from 1908 to 1944. The English Arts & Crafts style mansion was designed by famed architect Albert Kahn who is known for creating some of Detroit's most iconic buildings. Known for its architectural splendor and beautiful gardens the Cranbrook House is now maintained by a non-profit trust. Cranbrook House is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
While activities within the Cranbrook House have been suspended due to the pandemic and its gardens have been turned over for the cold weather season, the grounds of the estate are open to the public to enjoy. From November through March you can walk, hike or jog around the exterior of the mansion or its 40 acres of nature trails free of charge.
Even without its fabulous gardens being in bloom, the Cranbrook House surroundings are full of architecture, artwork and natural splendor. It is a great spot to spend some outdoor time and escape from the stresses of life for awhile. The grounds are open to the public from 7am to 7pm during the off season.
We had a great afternoon stretching our legs and breathing in some fresh air. It is always fun to take pictures with the estate's architecture and landscapes as a backdrop. We've taken some wonderful pictures ranging from a Beauty and the Beast themed photo shoot for this dad's blog to family pictures for our Christmas cards at the Cranbrook House & Gardens. Plus we've had lots of great moments here putting tech away and enjoying relaxing strolls along the nature trails. My family always has a good time visiting the Cranbrook House.
This historic manor is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan at 380 Lone Pine Road. There is a designated parking lot for visitors a short walk away from the Cranbrook House. While entry to the mansion is handicap accessible please note the gardens, grounds and nature trails incorporate some significant use of steps for access. there are some steep slopes and the trails tend to be gravel or dirt based. This may not be the place to explore for those with mobility difficulties.
For more information about a visit, go to housegardens.cranbrook.edu
No comments:
Post a Comment