Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park

Sonnenberg_japanese_tea_houseSonnenberg’s Japanese Garden is one of 250 Japanese Gardens in the United States and just one of 100 Japanese Gardens in the U.S. with a tea house. Mrs. Thompson’s Tea House, originally used as a children’s play area, is over 100 years old. Due to a weakened foundation, public access to the interior is currently prohibited.

In September, Sonnenberg collaborated with the Rochester Oriental Garden Society, Rochester Area Haiku Group, the Rochester Japanese Association, the Bonsai Society of Upstate New York and Ikebana International, Rochester Chapter 53 to present a weekend celebration of Japanese culture. Proceeds from these events also helped support Sonnenberg’s Japanese Tea House Restoration Project. Thus far, about $30,000 has been secured for the project; total renovation of the Tea House is estimated to cost $75,000. 

Description
It is over 100 years old and is the oldest privately built and owned tea house in North America. 

One of the most treasured landmarks of our region, Sonnenberg Gardens, greets 35,000 visitors annually and has been doing so since it opened its doors to the public in 1973. Visitors from all over the globe come to enjoy the relaxing nature and beauty of its gardens. Many also come to learn about the history of this unique place and its original owners, Frederick and Mary Clark Thompson.