Bloedel - Reserve & Chateau | Bainbridge Island

Bloedel Reserve & Chateau, Bainbridge Island

The Bloedel Reserve is an exquisite garden located on Bainbridge Island near Seattle WA.  This expansive property consists of meadows, forests, formal gardens, ponds, and a French-Style Chateau. 

An entrance fee is required at the Gate House.  Always call ahead 206 842 7631 to check opening times (gardens are closed Monday and Tuesdays), and the schedule for summer, fall and Christmas concerts. Food and picnics are not permitted on the grounds.

Ferry to Bainbridge Island

Take the Seattle to Bainbridge Island Ferry.  The Bloedel gardens are located 7-miles north of the ferry terminal on Bainbridge, at 7571 N.E. Dolphin Drive, 98110. 

History of Bloedel Reserve

The undeveloped land that is now Bloedel Reserve, was originally owned by the University of Washington.  It was then purchased as a weekend retreat in 1906 by Seattle resident Angela Collins after her husband’s death.  (Her husband was John Collins, the 6^th Mayor of Seattle).  A French-Style Chateau was constructed in 1931 that still stands today. 

The property was then purchased by Prentice Bloedel in 1951, the heir of a lumber empire in the Pacific Northwest.  Prentice retired to the property in 1951 and resided there with his wife until 1986.   The Arbor Fund was established in 1985 to manage the property, and the gardens were opened to the general public in 1988. Prentice Bloedel was the driving force behind the garden, and transformed 150-acres of undeveloped land into a magnificent sanctuary.

Highlights of Bloedel Reserve

It takes approximately 2-hours to stroll through the Bloedel Reserve.  The Gardens are sublime, and lull visitors into a sense of peace and tranquility. 

After entering the gardens through the Gate House, visitors stroll through The Meadow where the Bloedels used to keep a flock of sheep.  The path then loops around a Wetlands Area with abundant bird life.   As visitors pass through a thickly wooded Forest along a boardwalk, it’s common to catch sight of deer. 

The Bloedel’s former residence soon becomes visible.  The grandeur of this French-Style Chateau is enhanced by the sweeping lawns and elegant pond in the foreground.  This is one of the most photographed areas at the reserve.  It’s possible to tour the front rooms of the Chateau, and admire the beautiful views of Puget Sound from the Living Room and Library.

More surprises await as visitors wander down a set of stairs to the Waterfall Overlook to admire a Rhododendron Garden.

Further along the path, the Japanese Garden is another highlight.  It was designed in 1961 by Fujitaro Kubota (see Kubota Gardens).  A Japanese Tea House was constructed in 1964, overlooking a Zen garden with rocks and sand. 

The primeval Moss Garden is a short distance away, leading to the lovely Reflection Garden.   The Reflection Garden consists of a rectangular shaped pool, framed with a formal hedge.  The Garden is completely unexpected, and the perfect place for quiet contemplation.

Things to do on Bainbridge Island

Get information on restaurants and lodging on Bainbridge Island.

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