While driving through country roads, I stumbled upon this historic home surrounded by the scenic landscape of The Berkshires. Nestled in the town of Lenox, Massachusetts, this grand estate is one of my favorite off-the-beaten path attractions.
The Gilded Age was a period of economic growth due to the unprecedented technological innovation happening in the US between the Civil War and the twentieth century. Those who achieved the immense amount of wealth associated with it celebrated it like never before. As time went on and the distribution of wealth changed, the exquisite buildings that were constructed during that time have become somewhat of a time capsule in American history.
One of those homes is The Mount, where its famous resident embodied all things Gilded Age. Ever heard the phrase, “Keeping up with The Joneses”? Some say that it stems from the wealthy family of Edith Wharton, a famous American writer/designer, who was a member of New York’s guiled elite and wrote about this in many of her novels. Wharton designed and built the home in 1902 as a country estate where she wrote some of her most notable works including “Ethan Frome” and “The House of Mirth”. As a result of her literary achievements, Wharton became the first woman to receive a Pulitzer Prize for literature.
The library at The Mount, which features some of Wharton’s personal collection. Photo credit: Magicpiano
The home is now a National Historic Landmark and cultural center dedicated to preserving her estate and legacy. You can tour the gardens, inspired by Italian and French influences, that feature a rustic fountain adorned with white begonias and a rectangular pool surrounded by some of Wharton’s favorite perennials. Outside of the floral gardens is the Rock Garden, complete with molded grass steps that cut into the hills of the estate. The interior of the home continues the theme of classic Italian and French influences and includes a library featuring books from her own personal collection, including her own works. On the main floor overlooking the gardens is the Terrace Café, which offers a small menu of tapas and refreshments and The Bookstore, selling books, jewelry and souvenirs inspired by Wharton.
The Mount hosts different exhibits that honor Wharton’s legacy, the estate and cultural ties to the early 20th century. A popular attraction is the Ghost Tours, where guides lead you through pitch black halls sharing stories of the many paranormal encounters that have been reported (Wharton was obsessed with the paranormal and published numerous ghost stories). The Stable is the primary space for lectures, dramatic readings, theater, music, storytelling, workshops, films, literary panels and many outdoor sculptures along the property.
Place: The Mount
Hours: May-October (Open daily 10am-5pm)
November-February (Open Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm)
Grounds are open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Address: 2 Plunkett St., Lenox, MA
Cost: $20, adult; FREE, kids 18 and under
Website: edithwharton