Malbone Mansion - J. Prescott Hall-Henry Bedlow House (Newport, Rhode Island)

 garden, estate (manor / mansion land)

The name "Malbone" is derived from the original structure on the site erected by Godfrey Malbone in 1741. According to contemporary accounts the structure was one of the largest and most magnificent dwellings in the Colonies. Built of pink sandstone from Mr. Malbone's plantation in Brooklyn, Connecticut, the house burned in 1766 on the seventh of June.

Built in 1849, this large castellated residence is the only example of Alexander Jackson Davis' work in Newport. Located on the ruins of Godfrey Malbone's country seat, the site was noted for its elaborate eighteenth century gardens.

www.historic-structures.com/ri/newport/malbone.php

"Malbone, who settled in Newport about 1700, was one of
the most successful eighteenth-century merchants. He was very generous
in his public acts, and once remarked in connection with something that
he had done, 'What will not money buy?' Somebody overhearing the
remark, posted the couplet:

'All the money in the place,
Won't buy old Malbone a handsome face.'

Malbone was exasperated, and offered 10 guineas to learn the identity
of the author. The writer of the lines, thinking he could earn 10 guineas
in no easier way, acknowledged his production. Malbone proved that
'commerce expands the mind and liberalizes the heart,' when he not only
paid the reward but treated the crowd who had gathered to see what
would happen. He used to give a great dinner party to his ship captains
each time they returned from successful slave trips in Africa, and so care-
less was he of his possessions that at the close of each of the dinners, the
hilarious guests were allowed to smash every dish and plate on the table.
Needless to say Mrs. Malbone saw to it that none of her precious china
was in evidence on these occasions."

www.archive.org/stream/rhodeislandguide00federich/rhode...