Owner of Fire-Ravaged Mansion Thanks Community

The following statement is from Tom Widener, the owner of the Rumson mansion known as Blithewald, which burned in a fire April 20, just days before it was to open as the host site for the VNA’s Stately Homes By-the-Sea Designer Show House. It was released by his attorney, Michael Benedetto, on April 24. Widener and his family had temporarily vacated the house in order to let the designers work inside for the month-long open house. 

My partner Janet, my four children and I would like to thank the community for all the support as we cope with the effects of the fire that erupted at our home on Buena Vista Ave in Rumson on Monday, April 20. The first responders, including firefighters, police and EMS from Rumson and many surrounding communities were quick to the scene and fought the fire valiantly and we are very appreciative of all that they did to try to contain it. Unfortunately, the fire moved quickly and caused extensive damage to our home, which was in the final stages of preparation for the Visiting Nurse Association Health Group’s “Stately Homes By the Sea” designer show house series of events. While it is too soon to know the full extent of the damage, the house may be totally lost.

We are thankful for having had the privilege of living at the 135 year old “Blithewood”. It was a special place and we feel a real sense of loss. We are, however, more than anything else, extremely thankful that no one was injured in the fire.

We also want to note our appreciation for all the work that was done inside the house and throughout the property by hundreds of volunteers, designers and contractors for many weeks in anticipation of a grand opening this weekend. The house and grounds looked absolutely spectacular and our hearts go out to all the people who invested so much in this effort prior to the fire. We want to note the VNA specifically — they invested much time, effort, and money into this effort, one of their most important fundraisers. The VNA does good, important work in our community, and have been incredibly supportive of us in the aftermath of the fire. We will continue to support them and encourage others to do so as well.

Again, thank you.

Tom Widener