Roseland Cottage
  • Visitor Information

    Location and Hours

    Roseland Cottage
    556 Route 169
    P.O. Box 186
    Woodstock, Conn. 06281

    Guided tours

    Open seasonally
    June – Mid-October
    Please visit our website for specific tour days and times, to book tickets, or find information on Historic New England’s thirty-seven other house museums.

    Directions

    From I-395, take Exit 47. Turn onto Route 44 west; follow for one mile. Go west on Route 171 for three miles. Route 171 will merge with Route 169 north. Take Route 169 north for 1.5 miles. Roseland Cottage is on the left. Or, from I-84, take Exit 73. Turn onto Route 190 east. Turn right onto Route 171 east; follow for two miles. Turn left onto Route 197 east; follow for eight miles. Turn right onto Route 169 south. Travel three miles south. Roseland Cottage is on the right.

    Parking

    There is ample parking on the grounds of Roseland Cottage. Follow signs to parking area behind barn.

    Contact Information

    PHONE: 860-928-4074

  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Has Roseland Cottage always been pink?

      Yes, Roseland Cottage has always been painted pink. Several years ago, Historic New England undertook a scientific analysis of the layers of paint that coat the house. The analysis identified thirteen different shades of pink, ranging from a light dusty rose to a deep coral pink, that were used throughout its 160-plus years. The current shade, a vibrant coral pink, reflects the color scheme of the 1880s, a period in time that is consistent with the decorative details of the first floor of the museum.

    • Why is the house called Roseland Cottage?

      According to family stories, Roseland Cottage was named after the family’s favorite flower, the rose. In letters, journals and other documents, the Bowen family always referred to their country house in Woodstock as Roseland Cottage, or simply Roseland in later years.

    • Do I need to take a tour or can I just look around?

      All visitors to the house receive a guided tour. The gardens and grounds are open from dawn to dusk.

    • Is the museum accessible to people with disabilities?

      A tour of any Historic New England property requires a considerable amount of standing and some walking. Roseland Cottage has not been equipped with accessible ramps, elevators, or chair lifts. Folding chairs can be provided for visitors who would like to use them during a tour. Visitors with limited mobility may be able to enjoy a first floor tour of the house and grounds. A virtual tour of the house is available to all visitors in the accessible carriage barn. Service animals are welcome. We encourage visitors with concerns to call ahead. We are happy to work with you to make your visit an enjoyable one.

    • Can I take photographs at the museum?

      Interior and exterior photography for personal use is allowed at Historic New England properties. For the safety and comfort of our visitors and the protection of our collections and house museums, we ask that you be aware of your surroundings and stay with your guide. Video, camera bags, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted. Professional/commercial photographers and members of the media should visit the press room for more information.

    • Can I schedule a private group tour?

      Yes, group tours of ten or more people can be arranged from April through November. Learn more.

    • Are dogs allowed on the property?

      Historic New England welcomes responsible pet owners to enjoy our grounds. Dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times. Dog waste must be picked up and properly disposed of, off the property.

    • How can I participate in the Roseland Cottage Fine Arts and Crafts Festival?

      Call Historic New England’s festival coordinator at 617-227-3956 to get on the notification list for when the next application is available.

    • How do I become a member of Historic New England and get more involved?

      Join Historic New England now and help preserve the region’s heritage. Call 617-994-5910 or join online.

    • Do you provide admission discounts for EBT cardholders?

      EBT cardholders from all fifty states can show their card for $2 admission to house tours for up to four guests per card.

  • About this Project

    The development of this website was funded through a National Endowment for the Humanities CARES grant. The grant program was created to provide emergency relief funding to preserve humanities jobs nationwide during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020.

     

    Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this web resource do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.