06 June 2013

VT: Hildene



I couldn't wrap up my Vermont posts without at least mentioning Hildene. It's a strange but beautiful property that sits directly next to the inn where Tom and I stayed. At one time all of the land was owned by a man named Edward Isham. We purchased tickets directly from our innkeepers and planned to spend maybe 20 minutes poking around before heading back to New York.




Hildene is the former estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, the only child of President Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln's to survive to adulthood. During his life he held some noteworthy positions in government and the private sector, but (honestly) we weren't terribly interested in Robert Todd or his accomplishments. We were more curious to see any memorabilia relating to his father, as I'm sure is the case with much of the flow at Hildene. 


 


I was hoping to sneak a peak at Lincoln's hat (one of only three remaining in existence), but it is currently on loan to the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum in California. The interior of the home has some stunning architectural elements, and I must note that I was most drawn to the maid's and butler's quarters. Is that strange? Here's a little tour.

 
Gorgeous spindles, but the organ was painfully loud.

I'm sure this was added later, but imagine having your dad's head statue in your den. Creepy!

 
Robert Todd Lincoln's secretary's office. L-O-V-E- the back wall.

Best pull quote ever.

The teeny tiny maid's quarters were eye candy to me.

Simple and lovely.
  
Favorite chair in the house.
  
Great piece.

 


Meticulous landscape draws a lot of weddings.

Pop of color. 

Wishing weeds.

 

Basically what our neighborhood looks like... thanks to my three spreading the joy.

Observatory.

Sexy greys.


Robert Todd Lincoln was President of the Pullman Company for several years.

1 comment:

mirari said...

Superb! Beautiful museum- house and wonderful gardens...