We cordially invite you to join us for a virtual walk on the grounds of Edith Wharton’s estate, The Mount, located in Lenox, Massachusetts. Designed by Edith Wharton, author of The Age of Innocence, Ethan Frome, The House of Mirth, and most notably for today’s post The Decoration of Houses, the house was built in 1902, and was inspired by the 17th-century Belton House in England, with additional influences from classical Italian and French architecture.
Situated on 113 acres, Wharton also designed her gardens to complement the house as outdoor rooms in the natural landscape. There you can find enchanting alcoves to quietly sit and enjoy the beauty of nature, which artfully frames the home.
Or stroll the paths through formal gardens…
…and the natural manicured landscapes…
…where you will find 24 sculptures of varying scale and media, as part of the annual exhibit, Sculpture at The Mount. Including this one, Stander with Hands Crossed by Joy Brown, where we couldn’t resist a tribute to the Wharton quote, “My little dog – a heartbeat at my feet.”
Speaking of dogs, what drew us to The Mount was Edith Wharton’s lifelong love of dogs. Throughout the property are photographs and playful reminders of the dogs who once called it home. Located on a quiet hill, overlooking the flower garden where they played, is the pet cemetery for some of her beloved dogs. Here we took a moment to reflect on Wharton’s words in a letter written in 1908, “Staunch and faithful little lovers that they are, they give back a hundred fold every sign of love one ever gives them–& it mitigates the pang of losing them to know how very happy a little affection has made them.”
Today dogs will be happy to know that they are allowed on-leash to enjoy the grounds at The Mount. However, they must be cleaned up after, and please be respectful of the gardens, art, and fellow visitors. The grounds are free to visit and enjoy from dawn to dusk. No dogs are allowed in the house, and they cannot be left unattended, but tours are available for humans. For more information to plan your visit, please go to EdithWharton.org.
The Mount was one of the stops on our recent Quest for the Berkshires’ Bigfoot series. As promised in the coming weeks we will be sharing more information on how you can plan your own dog friendly adventure in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts.
