The Mount, Lenox MA

Edith Wharton’s home in the Berkshires.

The Mount as viewed from the garden.

Edith Wharton designed this house with the help of Ogden Codman, Jr. and
Francis L.V. Hoppin (of Hoppin & Koen) between 1901-1902.  It embodies all she and Codman wrote about in 1897 in the “Decoration of Houses.”

Front Facade

The exterior of the house exudes symmetry and balance.  It is said that the house is based on Belton House, a 17th-century Palladian-style English country house, with classical Italian and French influences.

Roof Detail

To me, the true beauty of this house comes form its relationship to the surrounding landscape and gardens.

The gardens and grass terraces from the patio.

The Gardens were designed by Wharton and her niece, Beatrix Jones Farrand.  They include a walled garden in the Italian style; flower garden reflecting French and English design influences; rock garden; lime walk; grass terraces; and kitchen garden.

Flower garden reflecting French and English design influences

Walled garden in the Italian style

Lime Walk

Click here to see more of my photos of the Mount.

Wave Hill, The Bronx NY

The Pergola

Wave Hill is a public garden that is owned by the City of New York.  It is comprised of two adjacent estates – Wave Hill House and Glyndor House.

Glyndor House

Glyndor House is used as an art gallery.

Wave Hill House

When I visited, Wave Hill House was undergoing extensive renovations.   Both houses are on a hill, above the Hudson River and overlooking the Palisades.

Sweeping views of the Hudson River and the Palisades

Both houses have had quite a history with many prominent owners and visitors.  See http://www.wavehill.org/about/history/  for a full history of the site.   This garden is well worth the visit – the grounds are just glorious!

The Greenhouse

A Garden View

Click here to see more of my photos of Wave Hill.