Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden in Bethlehem, Connecticut: A Historic Gem Worth Visiting This Spring

The Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden stands as a beautiful historic landmark in Bethlehem, Connecticut. Built around 1754 by Reverend Joseph Bellamy, a key figure in the Great Awakening religious revival, this charming property later became the summer home of the Ferriday family in 1912. When you visit this special place, you’ll experience the fascinating blend of two extraordinary individuals’ passions preserved through time.

As you stroll through the property, you’ll discover both the religious influence of Reverend Bellamy and the refined taste of Caroline Ferriday, who spent 78 summers here after moving from New York City as a young girl. The house contains many original antiques collected by Caroline herself, while the surrounding gardens create a peaceful retreat just north of Bethlehem’s village green.

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Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden

The Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden sits on a beautiful five-acre property in Bethlehem, Connecticut. This historic landmark combines an 18th-century residence with stunning formal gardens that bloom with historic roses, peonies, and fragrant lilacs.

You’ll discover the fascinating story of the house’s original owner, Reverend Joseph Bellamy, who built the home between 1754 and 1767. As a renowned preacher during the First Great Awakening, Bellamy’s influence spread throughout New England and beyond.

The property’s most captivating stories revolve around Caroline Ferriday, whose family purchased the house in 1912. During your tour, you’ll learn how this remarkable philanthropist championed human rights causes, especially her work helping survivors of Ravensbrück concentration camp during World War II. Her humanitarian efforts earned her the French Legion of Honor medal.

When you visit between May and October, you can take a guided tour to see the antiques Caroline collected and the beautiful gardens she designed with her mother. The house offers a unique glimpse into how personal values can inspire meaningful action.

Rating: 4.6 (74 reviews)
Location: 9 Main St N, Bethlehem, CT 06751
Contact: (203) 266-7596
Website: Visit Website

Historical Significance

The Bellamy-Ferriday House stands as a remarkable witness to America’s religious and social evolution spanning three centuries. This historic treasure connects visitors to both colonial religious movements and modern humanitarian efforts.

Origins of the Estate

The main house was built between 1754 and 1767 by Reverend Joseph Bellamy, a powerful voice in colonial America. As a leading Congregationalist minister, Bellamy played a crucial role in the First Great Awakening, a religious revival that swept through New England.

Bellamy wasn’t just any preacher—he was a published author who wrote twenty-two books! His most famous work, “True Religion Delineated” (1750), influenced religious thought throughout the colonies.

When you visit, you’ll see how this three-story white clapboard house served as both home and headquarters for Bellamy’s religious leadership. He preached with remarkable fervor and shaped everyday colonial life from this very spot.

Impact on Local Heritage

When you explore the Bellamy-Ferriday House today, you’re experiencing a property that bridges different eras of American history. The house later became home to Caroline Ferriday, a 20th-century philanthropist who transformed the property into a platform for human rights advocacy.

The 13 rooms showcase an impressive collection of American and European antiques, telling stories of changing domestic culture across centuries. Connecticut Landmarks now protects this historical gem, ensuring its significance endures for future generations.

The property earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its importance to American heritage. Located in the heart of Bethlehem, this house and its lovely gardens continue to inspire visitors with tales of religious fervor, social justice, and cultural preservation.

Architecture of Bellamy-Ferriday House

The Bellamy-Ferriday House showcases remarkable architectural elements spanning multiple periods. Its structure tells the story of colonial New England design with later additions reflecting changing tastes and needs.

Distinctive Architectural Features

The main house was built between 1754 and 1767 by Reverend Joseph Bellamy, featuring classic colonial design elements of the period. When you visit, you’ll notice the beautiful architectural embellishments added in the 1790s by Bellamy’s eldest son, which enhanced the original structure.

The house stands prominently at 9 Main Street North in Bethlehem, creating an impressive presence at the intersection of Routes 61 and 132. Its colonial framework represents the typical New England style favored by prominent citizens of the era.

You’ll be struck by how the architecture reflects Reverend Bellamy’s status as an influential Congregationalist minister during the First Great Awakening. The spacious design accommodated his needs as a religious leader who frequently hosted visitors.

Restoration Efforts

When Henry and Eliza Ferriday purchased the property in 1912 as a summer residence, they began thoughtful restoration work that preserved the home’s historical integrity. Their daughter Caroline continued these preservation efforts throughout her lifetime.

The house now stands as a carefully maintained historic house museum. You’ll appreciate how the restoration maintained period-appropriate details while ensuring the building could serve its new purpose as an educational resource.

The property’s preservation extends beyond just the main house. When you explore the grounds, you’ll discover several historical outbuildings that have also been maintained as part of the 100-acre property that once belonged to the Bellamy family.

The Connecticut Landmarks organization now oversees the ongoing preservation work, ensuring that you can experience authentic colonial architecture for generations to come.

Exploring the Gardens

The gardens at Bellamy-Ferriday House offer a peaceful retreat that blends history with natural beauty. These carefully maintained grounds showcase both formal design elements and an impressive variety of plants that change with the seasons.

Garden Design and Layout

When you step into the gardens, you’ll be greeted by a stunning formal parterre garden that dates back to the early 20th century. This area features geometric patterns with neatly trimmed hedges and symmetrical pathways that guide your exploration. The five-acre property invites you to wander beyond the main garden into more natural areas.

During your visit, you’ll notice how the garden’s design reflects both European influences and American gardening traditions. Mrs. Ferriday and her daughter Caroline lovingly developed these spaces as their summer retreat.

The gardens include:

Formal parterre sections near the house
Wooded paths for peaceful strolls
Open lawn areas perfect for relaxing
Historic barns that frame the landscape

Notable Plant Species

The gardens burst with colorful blooms that change throughout the growing season. In spring, you’ll find vibrant daffodils and tulips dotting the landscape. Summer brings the garden’s famous roses to life, filling the air with sweet fragrance.

Caroline Ferriday particularly loved lilacs, and you’ll find an impressive collection of these fragrant shrubs throughout the property. Many original plantings still thrive today, connecting you directly to the Ferriday family’s passion for gardening.

Look for these standout plants during your visit: