Wadsworth Mansion

Wadsworth Mansion is the 16,000-square-foot former summer residence of Colonel Clarence S. Wadsworth (1871–1941). The Mansion is nestled in the rolling hills of the western portion of Middletown, Connecticut. In 1900, Colonel Clarence S. Wadsworth began planting thousands of carefully placed trees and shrubs on his vast plot of farmland in rural Middletown. He chose the name "Long Hill" for his well-designed, naturalistic woodland area, and he built his summer mansion there around 1911. He and his wife lived there and entertained guests until his death in 1941. At that time, the land was split and the State of Connecticut received a portion from Wadsworth in his will. The remaining land and estate had several owners, and the mansion became a retreat for a religious institute. Upon the retreat's closing, the mansion sat vacant for years and fell victim to heavy vandalism and arson. Finally, in 1994, the City of Middletown purchased the burned-out estate and decided to bring it back to life. Kronenberger & Sons performed the complete interior and exterior restoration to both the mansion and some portions of the estate’s grounds. The restoration highlights include selective demolition, structural repairs, carpentry restoration, millwork, new flat and ornamental plaster and plaster repairs, modern plumbing installation, and HVAC and sprinkler system installation.The renovations were completed just in time for its first event, a wedding on December 31st, 1999. The fully restored mansion is now a wedding and events venue, with offices leased on the second floor. It hosts outdoor markets and concerts open to the public in the summer. Wadsworth Mansion is #96000775 on the National Register of Historic Places.

“The building was a burnt shell when they arrived and now it is one of the premier wedding facilities in Connecticut. Magazines have utilized the building for photos and it has been recognized by Frommers as one of the most beautiful places to get married in the United States. Kronenberger and Sons returned the building to its former glory and has helped maintain its beauty since.” – Debroah Moore, Executive Director, Wadsworth Mansion