FARMINGTON

Hill-Stead was the first architectural project of Theodate Pope Riddle, one of the first licensed female architects of the U.S. The home which was built for her parents houses their collection of notable paintings by Monet, Manet, Cassatt, Degas and Whistler. The grounds of the 152- acre National Historic Landmark include stone walls, stately trees and the Sunken Garden designed by Beatrix Farrand. The Pollinator Garden is a new addition, providing food and shelter for bees, butterflies and birds through its native plantings.

The circa 1720 National Historical Landmark house is furnished to reflect Colonial life, and is surrounded by period gardens, an apple orchard and heritage stone walls.

The Sanctuary features self-guiding trails through forest, swamp and ponds in its 800 acres. A 1930’s era shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and abandoned “cages” from the wildlife rehabilitation center still exist. The White Trail (2.5 miles) and the Blue Trail (1.3 miles) are marked with blazes. A Blue Trail map can be found here.