Thursday, July 14, 2016

Edith Wharton's former Home - The Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts


This week we took a road trip to Lenox, Massachusetts (we love this area) and we toured the former estate of Edith Wharton which is now open to the public.  It's an amazing property to enjoy a guided tour or just stroll the lush grounds (we did both). There were several artists painting on canvas as we walked around the property. It's a place I like going back again and again.
In 1901, Edith Wharton (1862-1937) bought 113-acres in Lenox, Massachusetts then designed and built The Mount, a home that would meet her needs as designer, gardener, hostess, and above all, writer. Every aspect of the estate—including its gardens, architecture, and interior design—evokes the spirit of its creator. The mansion was built in just 15 months and cost approximately $175,000 to build in 1901 - 1902. Previously the couple lived in New York City and Newport, Rhode Island and traveled frequently to Europe. Teddy Wharton supported the couple with his inheritance while Edith focused on her writing.
Sadly, the couple only lived at "The Mount," in Lenox, Massachusetts for ten years. It was a decade for Wharton, full of professional triumphs and emotional turmoil. Here she would write some of her greatest works, including The House of Mirth (1905) and Ethan Frome (1911). All while her marriage disintegrated under the weight of Teddy Wharton’s mental instability. The Whartons sold The Mount in 1911, they divorced in 1913. Edith Wharton moved permanently to France, Teddy returned to his sister’s home in Lenox.

"The Mount" open for tours from May through October and ghost tours are scheduled during the summer as the mansion is reportedly haunted.  Musical and other performances are held on the property and the grounds are covered with beautiful walking paths and sculpture exhibits for the public to enjoy.



Here are a few of the pictures I took with my phone.









If you are ever touring New England, be sure to check out The Mount and The Norman Rockwell Museum ( also very close to The Mount).

33 comments:

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    1. I agree, they tour guide did say that her Park Ave apartment in NY was small as was the home in Newport before moving to The Mount... LOL

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  2. Thank you for this post, 'The Mount' is somewhere that I would love to visit. We had a wonderful holiday in New England fifteen years ago and went to the Norman Rockwell Museum. I used to work as a freelance illustrator and have always been a great admirer of his work so the visit was a real treat for me. Now I'm thinking that a return holiday to New England is overdue!

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    1. We've been to the Rockwell Museum twice and I enjoyed it both times. Always a few different things to enjoy and lovely grounds. Fall is a beautiful time to visit the area and you could definitely visit both places in one day if you were pressed for time.

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  3. Dang, that really is a very pretty place.

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  4. I love The Mount and have been there several times, in both the summer and fall. The house is gorgeous and the gardens are stunning. The last time I was there, I was able to meet Audrey (Books as Food). It's the perfect spot for a blogger meet-up! Time to plan another trip.

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  5. JoAnn it would be great to plan and early October blogger meet up there! For pretty in fall (or anytime really).

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  6. Wow, can you imagine living in a grand home like that?

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  7. Amazing! I can't imagine living in such a spectacular place.

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  8. Beautiful photos! I'm glad you got to take this tour and see this wonderful property. I love MA but haven't been there more than day trips in the past.

    Funny coincidence: I've never read this author- certainly heard of her though- but I just this week put up a badge on my sidebar with a quote from her that I read online... and thought was very appropriate in these troubled, hate-filled times.

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    1. Thanks Rita, it was a lovely day. I've only read Ethan Frome and The House of Mirth.

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  9. Cute kitchen, but I don't suppose Edith actually coked in it. ;-)

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  10. Love Edith Wharton. Amazing house.

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    1. I've only read Ethan Frome and House of Mirth but have enjoyed them.

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  11. The house and the gardens are absolutely beautiful. I'm adding this to my places I want to visit list! I'd love to take one of the ghost tours as well. Sounds like a lovely visit.

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    1. Katherine, I do hope you make this visit some day. It was a lovely experience.

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  12. Thanks for the lovely tour. Wow it's so big! What a place.

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  13. What beautiful photos! The Wharton estate is simply stunning!

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  14. I would love to visit. Since we are planning a wedding, it would be a spectacular place to have a wedding.

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  15. How very cool that it's open to the public.

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    1. Yes, a great place to visit. It's opened 6 months a year to the public.

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  16. I was able to visit The Mount last year. Such a special place. I love your photos!

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  17. I've been wanting to go there and would love to do a book blogger meet up. Still open in October?

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