Roseland Cottage — Attraction in Woodstock

Our Justice of the Peace suggested we meet up at Roseland Cottage for our 6-person weekday wedding (she herself got married here too, she works with them a lot, and since people can sit on the grass and have a picnic, she thought it would be a good place for a quick ceremony without fanfare). The entire ceremony took fewer than 6 minutes (we have the video to prove it) as we all stood outside on the grass. In the middle of the ceremony, a woman called my then soon-to-be father-in-law over to question and complain to him about our presence. He politely asked her to defer until the end of the ceremony. She did so but stood right there staring us down. Once the ceremony was done (about 6 minutes after we literally got out of our car), she motioned toward him again and demanded we pay $2,200 for the 6-minute ceremony. He talked her down to $895 (which is actually their micro-wedding package which includes two-hour access for the ceremony & wedding photos and up to 15 people). We had no chairs, we did not enter any building, we literally just stood on the grass for fewer than 6 minutes. Moreover, the fact that she wanted $2,200 and didn't mention anything about the smaller package is suspicious. She put a damper on our wedding day, on our special day. We didn't know and we chose to use the location because we specifically wanted to keep costs as low as possible. $895 later, I went to this woman, Laurie, and asked if we can use the rest of the 2 hours (I'd looked it up) for photos the next day. She laughed at me mentioning the two hours from the website but then said she gives us permission to do so. Sitting here ruminating about this incident, unable to sleep because if we had used a different location, no one would have interrupted our wedding or tried to exploit us for $2,200 during it, I decided that I don't want to use that place for photos. I don't want that negativity that's already marred our wedding day to also marr the rest of our photos. I wholeheartedly don't...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, CT, and it was a delightful journey into the past. This striking Gothic Revival home, with its vibrant pink exterior and lush gardens, is a true treasure that offers a unique glimpse into the 19th century.

From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the cottage's distinctive charm. The architecture is both whimsical and elegant, with intricate details that make it stand out from anything else I've seen. Inside, the house is beautifully preserved, with original furnishings and decor that transport you back to the Victorian era. Each room is filled with rich colors, ornate wallpapers, and exquisite craftsmanship that speak to the opulence and taste of the period.

The guided tour was exceptional. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, providing fascinating insights into the history of Roseland Cottage and the Bowen family, who used it as their summer retreat. Her passion for the house and its history was infectious, making the tour both informative and enjoyable. I particularly appreciated the anecdotes about the social events that once took place in the house, which really brought the history to life.

The grounds of Roseland Cottage are equally impressive. The gardens are meticulously maintained, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting that perfectly complements the house. The boxwood parterre garden is a highlight, with its intricate designs and vibrant flowers creating a stunning backdrop.

Overall, Roseland Cottage is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for a charming and enriching day out. The combination of the beautifully preserved house, the fascinating history, and the gorgeous gardens make it a standout attraction in Woodstock. I left feeling inspired and grateful for the opportunity to experience such a unique piece of...

We stopped in because entry was free and it's a reasonably short drive. Normally entrance fees are 10 bucks per person. IMO I don't think it's worth the entrance fee although I did not see the interior of the house.

Pros: the grounds and exterior of the house were in good shape and had some nice photo ops. You can access everything for free except for the interior of the house.

Cons: they do not allow self guided tours of the main attraction that being the interior of the house. They have a tour once per hour so that means you may have to wait a long time just to get a look at the interior. The tour group we observed was small maybe 15 people so you may have to wait a few hours if the place is busy.

We asked why they didn't allow self guided tours. The reasoning we received from the staff was they had valuable artifacts to protect. We asked why they don't use methods like roping off and sensors so people can self guide. They had no answer. Apparently they did say we only have 1 property where self guided tours are allowed. So we have noted the company's name and website showing all the properties they have for touring and we will avoid them in the future due to our...