Restoring the Bloom

Constance Holt, the last Bowen to live at Roseland Cottage, kept the cottage in a condition that allowed Historic New England, after two years of intensive work, to share the house with the public. But there were some changes that had been made to the interior that concealed distinguishing characteristics. Though Miss Holt never removed or painted over Roseland Cottage’s Gilded Age wall covering, cornices were repainted, ceilings were dropped, and other changes were made over the course of the years. Preservation is an ongoing process at Roseland Cottage. Here is a sampling of Historic New England’s projects.