Salisbury House & Gardens
Originally built as a private family estate in 1923, Salisbury House & Gardens now serves as a museum and botanical garden. It was designed after the 15th-century King's House in Salisbury, England. The house is a Gothic style manor house, and features Gothic arches, stained glass windows, and ornate brickwork. It is registered as a historic place in Iowa, and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Salisbury House is also known for its beautiful landscaped gardens, a botanical garden, and a nature trail. It is located at 4025 Tonawanda Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312.
Salisbury House & Gardens was inspired by the King's House in Salisbury, and features 42 rooms filled with rare and historic collections. The house also features a large collection of art. The interior is decorated with period decor and intricate woodwork, and the grounds contain a variety of gardens.
In the 1920s, cosmetic magnate Carl Weeks and his wife Edith van Slyke Weeks decided to build a manor house in Salisbury, Massachusetts. The house is now a museum, and the family's extensive collection of art and books is still on display. The Weeks family also amassed a vast collection of musical instruments and historic documents.
Salisbury House & Gardens are operated by the Salisbury House Foundation, which shares the historical and international significance of the house. The house is surrounded by a nine-acre garden and contains a variety of private and public events. It can accommodate events of all sizes, and is suitable for weddings and receptions. It is located south of I-235 exit 5B (42nd St.) at 4025 Tonawanda Drive. It is open Wed-Fri, Sat-Sun, and offers guided tours.
The gardens are home to a variety of plants and sculptures by regional and international artists. They include a rock wall designed by Bert Porter, a collection of exotic butterflies from A.F. Porter, and a variety of tropical plants. They also feature unusual plant names, such as the Chenille Plant and Tapeworm Plant. Visitors can enjoy the conservatory and garden on a guided tour, or they can visit on their own.
The grounds of Salisbury House & Gardens are open to the public, and the house is open for tours. If you are interested in a guided tour, you can contact the staff. They can arrange for a self-guided tour, or you can set up a private tour. The house also hosts special events, such as Shakespeare on the Lawn, Holly & Ivy Tour, and the Salisbury Auto Classic.
The house's extensive collection of art and books is an educational resource. The library is open for research and is still in use. The foundation works to preserve the history of the house, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Salisbury is also a registered historic place in Iowa. The Iowa State Education Association purchased the house in 1998. The Foundation continues to collaborate with Grinnell College. The grounds are open to the public, and there is a children's playground.