Rockcliffe Mansion is a 13,500-square-foot grand residence listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and featured in the National Geographic Guide to America’s Great Houses. It was built between 1898 and 1900 by lumber baron John J. Cruikshank, Jr., for his second wife and their four daughters. The family lived at Rockcliffe until Mr. Cruikshank’s passing in 1924, when his widow moved into a smaller house on the estate with one of her daughters. Rockcliffe then lay vacant, and essentially unattended, for the next 43 years, slowly succumbing to the elements.
Then, in 1967, at the prompting of municipal authorities, and on the eve of demolition, Rockcliffe was saved by three prominent local families, who began a program of restoration, which has continued from then until the present day. It’s 30 ornate rooms are now on display to the public.
Decorated in the late Victorian and Art Nouveau styles, popular from 1890 to 1910, most of the original antique furnishings, lighting fixtures and personal items of the original family are preserved. The mansion is filled with rich mahogany and oak appointments, magnificent Palladian windows, Tiffany-stained glass, and fine interior decorations from America and Europe. Numerous architectural features would be difficult, if not impossible, to duplicate today.
Guided tours are given daily, April 15th thru November 15th, beginning at 10 a.m., running continuously all day, until the last tour of the day begins at 4 p.m. Bring in this ad for $1 off the cost of Adult admission.
