Where Is The Yankee Candle Mansion?

Yankee Candle is one of the most iconic and popular candle brands in America. Founded in 1969 by Michael Kittredge, the company started in his parent’s house in Massachusetts when Kittredge made his first candle out of melted crayons as a gift for his mother. The homemade candle proved to be a success, leading Kittredge to start making and selling more candles to local stores. The business grew quickly into a major manufacturing operation. Today, Yankee Candle has over 400 retail stores globally and offers thousands of signature candles and home fragrance products.

In 1998, Kittredge purchased a majestic mansion in Deerfield, Massachusetts to serve as the global headquarters for Yankee Candle. Originally known as Bonnie Brook Farm, the sprawling 230-acre estate dates back to 1907 and includes lavish gardens, charming architecture, and plenty of New England charm. Located conveniently near Yankee Candle’s flagship manufacturing facility, the mansion was an ideal setting for the company’s new home base and also hosted the Yankee Candle visitor center.

Location

The Yankee Candle Mansion is located at 25 Greenfield Road in South Deerfield, Massachusetts. It sits on a sprawling 45-acre property in the charming village of Deerfield, which is in Franklin County in the western part of the state.

The exact address and GPS coordinates for the Yankee Candle flagship store and headquarters are:

25 Greenfield Rd
South Deerfield, MA 01373
42.575278, -72.583333

The mansion is conveniently located just off Route 5 and Interstate 91, making it easily accessible for visitors coming from nearby cities like Springfield, Amherst, Greenfield, and Northampton. It’s about a 2 hour drive from Boston and a 4 hour drive from New York City.

Architecture and Design

The Yankee Candle mansion is an impressive example of Georgian Colonial architecture. Built in 1939, the mansion features stately white columns, symmetrical windows, and decorative dormers that give it a classical yet inviting appearance. The home was designed by renowned architect Royal Barry Wills, who was known for his fresh take on traditional New England homes.

The interior of the mansion showcases Yankee Candle founder Michael Kittredge’s love of antiques and Americana. The grand foyer features a sweeping staircase and checkerboard marble floor. The living room contains several Georgian-style fireplaces and builtin bookcases filled with antique books. Antique furnishings like clawfoot sofas and wingback chairs accentuate the traditional décor.

One of the most striking rooms is the formal dining room, with its 22-foot high coffered ceiling and crystal chandelier. The room has a sophisticated palette of ivory and gold. Vintage display cabinets are filled with Mercury glass candles and elegant china. Lush silk drapes frame scenic views of the property.

The mansion’s original character has been carefully preserved even as parts of the home have been repurposed into corporate offices and meeting spaces. Many rooms retain their antique wallpaper, painting, mirrors, and other period-specific accents. The home provides a peek into eighteenth century American décor while maintaining Yankee Candle’s cozy, nostalgic aesthetic.

Tours and Visitors

The Yankee Candle Company offers guided tours of the Yankee Candle Mansion in South Deerfield, Massachusetts. Tours provide visitors with an inside look at the former home of company founder Michael Kittredge. The mansion itself serves as a museum showcasing antique decor, the history of candlemaking, and Yankee Candle’s growth into a major retail brand.

Tours are available year-round and last approximately 1 hour. Knowledgeable guides lead groups through the mansion’s ornate rooms while sharing stories about the Kittredge family and the beginnings of Yankee Candle. Popular highlights include the candle manufacturing exhibit, the Bavarian Christmas room, and the candle-lit chandelier room.

Advanced reservations are recommended as tours frequently sell out, especially during the peak fall and holiday seasons. Tickets can be purchased on the Yankee Candle website or at the on-site Chandler’s Restaurant. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more.

The mansion grounds are beautifully landscaped and open to visitors even without taking a tour. Amenities include ample free parking, restrooms, photo opportunities, and the Yankee Candle retail store and candle museum in the adjacent building.

Whether joining a guided tour or just enjoying the exterior architecture, the Yankee Candle Mansion offers a one-of-a-kind experience for candle enthusiasts and New England history buffs alike.

Manufacturing Process

The Yankee Candle mansion served as the headquarters and main manufacturing facility for the Yankee Candle Company from the 1970s through the 1990s. During this time, the methods for making candles evolved as the company grew into an industry giant.

In the early days, Yankee Candle founder Michael Kittredge made candles by hand in the mansion’s kitchen. He used a process called “dipping” which involves repeatedly dipping a wick into melted wax to build up layers until the desired candle size is achieved. This time-consuming method allowed for production of only a few candles per day.

As demand increased, Kittredge brought in large vats called coppers and added staff to assist with production. The vats enabled more efficient production through a technique called “pouring.” Workers would pour wax into molds loaded with wicks to create candles. This sped up manufacturing to approximately 40 candles per hour.

In the 1980s, Yankee Candle introduced modern equipment and technology to boost capacity. Automated production lines allowed for wax to be poured into hundreds of molds simultaneously. Computers also aided with tracking formulas, orders, and inventory. These innovations let production scale to thousands of candles daily at the mansion facility.

Gift Shop

The historic Yankee Candle mansion in South Deerfield, Massachusetts has an enormous flagship store and gift shop onsite. Spanning over 86,000 square feet across two floors, it is the world’s largest candle store. Shoppers can browse through aisles upon aisles of Yankee Candle’s signature jar candles, home fragrances, gifts, and more.

The lower level of the gift shop contains the world’s largest candle, which measures over 6 feet tall and weighs over 3,000 pounds. There are also giant candy stations with mega-sized lollipops, jelly beans, and more. Kids and adults alike will enjoy posing by the oversized candy.

Upstairs, customers can find Yankee Candle’s full range of scented candles in an overwhelming array of seasonal, classic, and limited edition scents. Popular picks include classics like Clean Cotton, Lilac Blossoms, and Pink Sands. There are also candles and home fragrances for every season and holiday.

Beyond candles, the gift shop has New England-themed souvenirs, Yankee Candle apparel and accessories, greeting cards, and gourmet food items. The Wickford Gourmet Food Hall offers specialty chocolates, sauces, jams, maple syrup, and more. Customers can also personalize their own candles and gifts at the popular Print and Fragrance station.

Overall, the expansive gift shop at the Yankee Candle Village is a candle lover’s paradise with products and keepsakes to delight all visitors.

Weddings and Events

The gothic architecture and bountiful gardens of the Yankee Candle mansion make it an ideal venue for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. The Grand Hall with its soaring stained glass ceiling can accommodate over 200 seated guests, while smaller parlors and sitting rooms provide more intimate spaces for smaller events.

The mansion offers both indoor and outdoor facilities for ceremonies, cocktails, receptions, and more. Couples can exchange vows in the Victorian Conservatory or the Rose Garden Gazebo before dancing the night away under the stars on the Great Lawn. The Bavarian Garden provides a storybook backdrop for photo sessions.

In addition to weddings, the mansion hosts birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, holiday events, and corporate retreats. Clients appreciate the built-in elegance of the venue as well as Yankee Candle’s full-service coordination for catering, decor, and overnight guest accommodations. From rehearsal dinners to bridal showers and farewell brunches, the mansion becomes a one-stop locale for all wedding events.

The flexibility of the spaces coupled with Yankee Candle’s renowned hospitality make the mansion a coveted venue for those looking to create lasting memories. Whether an intimate gathering or lavish gala, the mansion provides a unique and unforgettable setting.

Nearby Attractions

The Yankee Candle mansion is located in the charming small town of South Deerfield, Massachusetts. This quaint New England village has plenty of other interesting attractions besides the candle emporium. Here are some top nearby places to visit:

Historic Deerfield Village – Just a mile from the candle shop is this outdoor living history museum with preserved 18th and 19th century homes, buildings, and gardens that provide a glimpse into colonial New England life. Costumed interpreters demonstrate heritage crafts and early American trades.

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens – This 8,000 square foot butterfly paradise houses thousands of colorful, free-flying butterflies from around the world. The tropical greenhouse also features colorful exotic plants, koi ponds, and waterfalls.

Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation – Hike to the summit of this iconic 1,300 foot peak for panoramic views of the Pioneer Valley. Nice spot for a scenic picnic.

Peskeomskut Park – Situated on the Connecticut River, this park offers riverside walking trails, fishing access, and views of the historic French King Bridge. Nice spot for photography.

With the Yankee Candle Village and these nearby attractions, there’s plenty for visitors of all ages to see and do while exploring the charming villages and natural beauty of western Massachusetts.

Impact and Legacy

The Yankee Candle mansion has had a significant historical and cultural impact over the past few decades. As the flagship store and headquarters of the leading candle manufacturer in America, millions of visitors have experienced the magic of the mansion since it opened in the 1970s.

The mansion helped pioneer the concept of experiential retail, creating an immersive, multi-sensory environment focused on engaging all five senses. This innovative approach inspired many other brands and stores to follow suit and develop more entertaining, interactive customer experiences.

In addition, the mansion became a beloved regional destination and landmark in Western Massachusetts. For generations, it has been a popular spot for families, couples, and tourists to visit annually around the holidays or other special occasions. The mansion sparked a renewed interest in candlemaking and home fragrance as an artform and hobby.

Culturally, the mansion introduced millions of Americans to the Yankee Candle brand through its tours, attractions, and on-site manufacturing. As Yankee Candle grew into an iconic American brand, the mansion became the symbolic heart and heritage of the company. The rich, nostalgic scents and visual motifs of the mansion helped shape Yankee Candle’s identity and fuel its nationwide popularity.

Though no longer used for production, the Yankee Candle mansion remains a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction that preserves the history and origins of the leading candle company. Its impact on experiential retail, regional tourism, and brand heritage continues today.

Conclusion

The Yankee Candle flagship store and mansion in South Deerfield, Massachusetts is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. This converted 19th century home turned candle factory turned retail store offers visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history and manufacturing process behind one of America’s most beloved brands.

With its sprawling candle manufacturing museum, ton of interactive exhibits, and acres of shopping, it’s easy to spend hours getting lost in the world of candles at the Yankee Candle mansion. The beautiful architecture and grounds also make it a popular spot for weddings and events. Even if you’re not a huge candle fan, it’s hard not to be impressed by the sheer scale and uniqueness of this candle wonderland.

The Yankee Candle mansion shows how an entrepreneurial spirit and some scented wax can transform into one of the most recognizable brands in the world. For candle lovers and anyone fascinated by unusual museums, it’s a must-see when in Western Massachusetts.