Beyond the historic mansion, the Great Estate is also home to the incredible playhouses of the Dodge and Wilson children – Knole Cottage, the Wilson Playhouse and Dan’s Cabin.
Today, our curator Madelyn Chrapla will take us through Knole Cottage—the darling playhouse of France Dodge that was known as the “World’s Finest Doll House.”
Knole Cottage was built for Frances Dodge for her 12th birthday in 1926 – making it older than Meadow Brook Hall! Knole Cottage is perfectly built to ¾ scale and was intended to teach Frances the art of independent homemaking, including decorating the playhouse and managing a checkbook.
The six-room cottage was furnished with child size furniture, textiles, decorative art and fully functioning appliances.
Designed by Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, the same architectural firm that built Meadow Brook Hall, the playhouse was equipped with electricity and running water and cost a total of $23,000 to build and furnish.
In 2018, the interior and exterior were restored to look like how Frances designed it in 1926. Guests can still enjoy Frances’ original furnishings and housewares, from a miniature waffle iron to a tiny grandfather clock.
Admission to Meadow Brook’s playhouses are included with a tour ticket or grounds pass on Fridays – Mondays throughout the summer. Plan your visit today to see Meadow Brook’s charming fairy cottage playhouse—Knole Cottage!
Meadow Brook Hall tours offer visitors a captivating journey through history, exploring our Great Estate and discovering the stories of those who lived and worked here in the 20th century. Current offerings include Guided House Tours, Self-Guided House Tours and Guided Behind-the-Scenes Tours.
Coming September 4-7, Meadow Brook’s annual floral art tour Art in the Elements will transform the estate grounds into a breathtaking celebration of color and nature. The unique tour features more than 20 large-scale floral art sculptures throughout the woodland paths and beautiful displays inside. Art in the Elements is the last chance to see the playhouses this summer!
Book TICKETSInside Knole Cottage with our Curator
Watch the reel below to see inside Frances Dodge’s Playhouse.
