There is so much about Northern Kentucky that I still haven't seen. Yesterday after my failed attempt at photographing birds in flight I traveled over the 4th Street bridge and made my way to Newport. On top of a hill that I have never ventured to I came across the mansion below. Wiedemann Mansion. After looking up on the internet I discovered this bit of history that I found interesting, thought I would pass it along.
Copied and pasted from website.
The Mansion was built in 1894 by Charles Wiedemann, heir to
the George Wiedemann Brewery.
Cincinnati’s noted architect Samuel Hannaford (Music Hall, City Hall,
Cincinnatian Hotel, Wiedemann Brewery) was commissioned to design the
chateauesque style mansion and James Griffith & Sons were selected as the
builders.
The grounds formerly spanned over twelve acres and included
a large carriage house, greenhouse, swimming pool, formal rose gardens with
statuaries, fountains, and vineyards.
There are 17 rooms, 7 full
bathrooms, 2 half baths, and a custom designed Rookwood mantel depicting a
Bavarian castle.
The front entry hall, staircase, and reception room are oak
but the parlor, study and dinning room are each detailed in different woods
including cherry and mahogany.
The home remained in the Wiedemann Family until 1951 when
the Diocese of Covington acquired the property as a residence for Bishop
William Mulloy. Eventually the Diocese
parceled off several acres for the development of Newport Central Catholic High
School.
In 1981, Dr. Tom Powell, a dentist and entertainer, acquired
the now seven-acre estate and resided in the home until 2004. He also used the home to house his production
studios and advertising business. Dr.
Powell sold the Carriage House and three additional acres that was developed
into stately single-family homes.
In January of 2005 the current owners began an extensive
18-month restoration of the Mansion. All
electrical and plumbing mechanics were replaced, an elevator was installed and
central air conditioning was introduced to the home for the first time.
Exterior work included the extensive restoration of all
three porches, installation of copper box gutters and downspouts and a new
poured cement driveway.
During the initial demolition, several original stencils
were uncovered and have been replicated throughout the home.
A hand-painted antique tin ceiling is featured in the
kitchen and butler pantry and hand painted ornamental ceiling medallions have been
added throughout the house.
The owners currently reside on the third floor loft-style
suite using space formerly occupied by the ballroom, billiards room, guest
bedrooms, and servant quarters.
Just to add as I circled around the mansion I came across this wrought iron table and chair set. I would love to find this somewhere, the chair is amazing. It just has that renaissance feeling to it.
And the views are mind-blowing
