The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home — Attraction in Lenox

The Mount had been on my bucket list for some time and on a beautiful day in May I was able to take the opportunity to see this lovely home. Owned by Edith Wharton, author best known for The Age of Innocence, The Mount is a beautiful home with amazing landscapes and gardens. viewing the landscapes myself, it's easy to see why Wharton considered this her first real home.

Currently 49.5 acres, originally 113, The Mount's property is a spacious garden paradise with stables, gatehouse, and the main house. The home is plain on the outside but beautiful inside with furnishings, vibrant decorations, and spaces that were once bedrooms now majority serving as exhibit spaces. These exhibits include a variety of topics such as why read Wharton in the 21st century and information on Wharton's tireless contributions to France in World War I when she was residing in the country. The house itself is spacious and beautiful, and your guide or audio guide will explain any information. Helpful guides, audio or not, are also on hand to answer additional questions. You will also find the kitchen, a gift shop, and the terrace has a cafe if you would like to stay for lunch. A personal favorite room for me was the dining room in vibrant colors and information attached to the chairs to show visitors who sat where when Wharton had visitors over, one of them being her niece Beatrix Farrand, a talented and successful landscape architect and gardener.

The grounds and landscapes are the true highlight of The Mount. I was fortunate to go on a beautiful sunny day to see and take in the amazing surroundings. Plenty of trees, pathways, and streams are found on the property as well as a lake in the back of The Mount. The two gardens, Italian and Formal French Flower, are gorgeous highlights with fountains, flowers, and benches to sit and take a rest. You will also find a Rock Garden that has molded Grass Steps leading to the house, a small graveyard for Wharton's pets, and the outdoor sculptures as part of The Mounts annual Sculpture at the Mount. Don't miss the stables which you can view the inside, grab of drink of water from the water cooler, and watch an introduction video to learn more.

The Mount is an exciting experience whether you are a fan of Edith Wharton or not. It has plenty for everyone to see and well worth a day trip where you can also explore other nearby attractions. Public restrooms are located in the Stables, tickets can be purchased online or at the outdoor stand, and parking is available on the property. You will learn a lot about Edith Wharton at The Mount and how the house was built. More importantly, you may walk away like I did and feel more connected to Wharton's writing process on how she was able to capture her society social circles well and convey the drawbacks of wealthy life and unhappy romances.

Definitely...

The Mount is an historic house museum that belonged to Edith Wharton which she built and designed in 1902.  It contains a  vibrant cultural center with a variety of tours, programs, and events for the public to enjoy.  It is considered a National Historic landmark.  The Mount celebrates the intellectual, artistic and humanitarian parts of Edith Wharton.  Her works include classic novels such as The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth, as well as authoritative works on architecture, design, and travel.  The estate includes the main house, stable, greenhouse, and formal gardens.  The entire estate was designed as a complete work of art, informed by French, Italian and English traditions, yet adapted for the American landscape.  There's also a Terrace Cafe that serves seasonal fare and refreshments against the backdrop of the gardens.  The Mount is the perfect day trip for the family, couples, and groups.  Take a guided tour or go at your own pace . The rich history will take you back and appreciate Edith Wharton's generosity and academic brilliance she...

Imagine yourself writing a best selling book in bed as the sun rises. The Mount was designed by Edith Wharton and architect with spacious sunny rooms and an unusual entrance hall with a fountain. After the tour you can watch a movie about her life and examine the displays about her era. I particularly enjoyed the sewing room and having a lemonade and ginger bread cookie on the veranda overlooking an amazing garden. Nice salads and sweets can also be purchased. Their gift shop is as good as Mark Twain's. There are fantastic sculptures on the walk up to the house. We drove up to the house when a gulf cart wasn't available. Handicapped parking is available. You will be inspired to write the next American novel or read Edith Wharton's. A woman of many firsts in her time. The color palette of her gracious home is very doable in your own. She liked wood floors, too which is very prevalent now. A must see when you visit The Berkshires. For me I'm going to keep writing in bed visualizing decorating my own room in those soft...