Edith Wharton’s The Mount in Lenox, MA. In addition to arguably being America’s greatest novelist, Edith Wharton co-wrote the first important American book on interior design with designer Ogden Codman, Jr. “The Decoration of Houses” was published in 1897. Wharton built The Mount five years later with design input from Codman, incorporating many of the book’s recommendations.
She only enjoyed the summer home in Lenox for less than a decade, before expatriating permanently to France. The house experienced a series of later occupants, mostly institutional, until being acquired by Edith Wharton Restorations, the non-profit that has restored the house and operates it as a museum and cultural center. https://www.edithwharton.org/
I’ve been visiting The Mount periodically since shortly after its restoration began, watching its transformation from gorgeous wreck to just plain gorgeous. Every visit is an inspiration and helps me to better understand the recommendations in Wharton and Codman’s book.
Speaking of books… “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners” has been enthusiastically embraced by old house lovers across the country.
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our shop, YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors. Save on cost and shipping with our multi-book combo packs!
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