By 1812Blockhosue
Tucked into the rolling countryside of Malabar Farm State Park, the Big House stands as both a home and a statement. Built by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and conservationist Louis Bromfield, it remains one of Ohio’s most distinctive historic residences, shaped as much by ideas as by architecture.
This April, visitors can step inside.
A House Designed to Tell a Story
The Big House is not simply a large farmhouse, rather it is a carefully composed vision. What began as an existing structure was expanded into a 32-room country home, developed in collaboration with Mansfield architect Louis Lamoreux. Together, Lamoreux and Bromfield blended elements of Western Reserve architecture, creating a house that appears to have evolved over generations rather than constructed all at once.
Inside, the tone shifts. French-inspired interiors reflect Bromfield’s time abroad, filled with artwork and antiques collected during his travels. The result is a house that feels both rooted in Ohio soil and connected to a wider world.
A Centerpiece of a Larger Vision
Between 1938 and 1941, Bromfield assembled what would become Malabar Farm, transforming worn-out farmland into a national model for conservation-minded agriculture. The house served as both residence and working hub for his ideas, where he wrote extensively and entertained an eclectic mix of guests. Among the most famous moments within its walls: the 1945 wedding of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, held between the home’s signature double staircase.
Following Bromfield’s death, the property entered a new chapter. In 1972, the State of Ohio accepted the deed, preserving the farm and home as a public resource in keeping with Bromfield’s wishes.
Visiting the Big House Today
In April, tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM, each lasting approximately one hour. Guests are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early to purchase tickets at the Visitors’ Center. Admission is modestly priced at $6 for adults, $5.40 for seniors, and $4 for youth. The experience is best suited for older visitors, as tours are not recommended for small children.
Behind the scenes, modern systems quietly support preservation. Geothermal heating and cooling help maintain stable conditions, protecting the furnishings and finishes that make the house so distinctive.
A Living Legacy
To walk through the Big House is to move through layers of intention. It reflects Bromfield’s belief that land, architecture, and daily life could be shaped with care and purpose. That idea remains visible in every room, every object, and every view across the surrounding fields.
