| Wyndhurst | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival |
| Address | 55 Lee Rd. |
| Town or city | Lenox, Massachusetts |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 42°20′22.9″N 73°15′56.8″W / 42.339694°N 73.265778°W |
| Year(s) built | 1894 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Peabody & Stearns Frederick Law Olmsted |
| Main contractor | Woodbury & Leighton |
Wyndhurst is a Tudor Revival Berkshire Cottage designed for John W. Sloane (brother of William D. Sloane). Designed by Peabody & Stearns, built by Woodbury & Leighton. Landscape designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Notable guests include William McKinley and Ida Saxton McKinley. Carriage house destroyed by a fire in 2010.
History
editThe estate stands on the former site of Henry Ward Beecher's Blossom Farm, known as "Beecher's Hill"
Originally known as Blossom Farm, the land held significance as Reverend Henry Ward Beecher's sanctuary before passing into the hands of General John Finley Rathbone in 1869. Rathbone's decision to name his new abode Wyndhurst, instead of Beecher Hill as intended, set the stage for the estate's future identity.
Wyndhurst, an iconic Berkshire summer residence located in Lenox, Massachusetts, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.
The estate was initiated in 1892 by John Sloane, a prominent figure whose vision transformed the landscape into a masterpiece of architectural and natural splendor. Designed by the esteemed architectural firm Peabody and Stearns, Wyndhurst stands as a testament to the evolving concept of cottages in the Berkshires.
Situated on two hundred and fifty acres of picturesque land, Wyndhurst's construction was completed in 1894, with landscape architecture by Frederick Law Olmsted. The estate's origins trace back to Henry Ward Beecher's Blossom Farm, a beloved sanctuary in the 19th century. General John E Rathbone, who acquired the property in 1869, initially intended to name his new home "Beecher Hill" as a tribute to Beecher. However, Rathbone ultimately christened his cottage "Wyndhurst," a name that endured through subsequent ownership changes.
Under Sloane's stewardship, Wyndhurst underwent significant architectural enhancements, including the construction of a magnificent residence crafted from Perth Amboy brick. The estate featured a striking three-story tower affording panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, along with elegant touches such as a leather-covered ceiling and a stained glass window inscribed with the words, "Follow me to Heaven."
Throughout its storied past, Wyndhurst transitioned from a private residence to a hub of social and recreational activities. It served as the Berkshire Hunt and Country Club before becoming the Cranwell School in 1939 under the auspices of the Society of Jesus. Today, Wyndhurst stands at a crossroads, with plans for its future ranging from condominiums to conference centers pending approval by the town of Lenox.
Architecture
editWyndhurst's architectural design is a blend of Tudor and Italian styles, characterized by a symmetrical layout, varied roofline, and picturesque yellow Perth Amboy brick. The estate's strategic positioning atop a hill offers sweeping views of Laurel Lake and the surrounding Berkshire Hills, creating a captivating panorama for visitors.
The landscape of Wyndhurst features meticulously planned gardens, expansive lawns, and native trees, reflecting a harmonious integration of natural beauty and human craftsmanship. Notable features include a formal garden adorned with a sun-dial and a vine-clad pergola leading to a rustic summer house.
Wyndhurst's architectural design is a testament to the Gilded Age opulence that characterized many of the summer residences in the Berkshires during the late 19th century. Designed by the prestigious architectural firm Peabody and Stearns, the estate's main residence exhibits a harmonious blend of Tudor and Italian architectural styles, creating a distinctive and visually striking façade.
The main section of the house is characterized by its symmetrical composition and varied roofline, which adds to its picturesque quality. Constructed using yellow Perth Amboy brick, the residence stands out against the verdant backdrop of the Berkshire landscape, its grandeur visible from a distance. A notable architectural feature is the castellated three-story tower located at one end of the building, which not only serves as a visual focal point but also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and Laurel Lake.
While the main façade faces the lawn and the road, the entrance to Wyndhurst is through a porte-cochere on the rear façade, enhancing the sense of arrival and grandeur for visitors. The house is strategically positioned on the crest of a hill, ensuring prominence and offering commanding views of the surrounding countryside.
Internally, Wyndhurst is designed with both elegance and functionality in mind. The layout of the house is spacious and well-proportioned, with ample room for entertaining guests and accommodating the needs of its residents. A central great hall welcomes visitors upon entry, adorned with a leather-covered ceiling dyed and stamped with fleur-de-lis motifs, adding a touch of sophistication and refinement.
One of the most notable architectural features of Wyndhurst is the stained glass window located in the staircase, inscribed with the words, "Follow me to Heaven." While the origins of this window are uncertain, its presence adds an element of spiritual significance to the estate, inviting contemplation and reflection.
Surrounding the main residence, the landscape of Wyndhurst is meticulously planned and maintained, reflecting the influence of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Expansive lawns, manicured gardens, and native trees contribute to the estate's natural beauty, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting for leisure and relaxation.
Overall, Wyndhurst stands as a masterpiece of Gilded Age architecture, blending timeless elegance with the natural splendor of the Berkshire Hills. Its architectural significance, coupled with its idyllic surroundings, ensures that it remains a cherished landmark in Lenox's rich cultural heritage.
Legacy:
Wyndhurst's legacy as a symbol of elegance and refinement in the Berkshires endures to this day. Its historical significance, coupled with its architectural and natural splendor, continues to captivate visitors and residents alike, embodying the timeless allure of Lenox's summer retreats.
Wyndhurst is a prominent Berkshire summer residence designed to be visually striking from a distance while capitalizing on scenic views. Built by architects Peabody & Stearns in collaboration with landscape architects from the Olmsted office, it features a symmetrical main section with a picturesque yellow brick roofline and a castellated three-story tower. Despite its long and low profile, its position atop a hill gives it prominence. The estate stands on the former site of Henry Ward Beecher's Blossom Farm, known as "Beecher's Hill" in the 19th century. The original farmhouse was moved to accommodate the first Wyndhurst, constructed by General John Rathbone. Later, John Sloane, of furniture fortune, bought the property, replacing Rathbone's house with a new one for his daughter, Mrs. William E. S. Griswold. Although occupied by the Griswold family, it remained known as "John Sloane's place" during his lifetime. The estate underwent various transformations, including a stint as the Wyndhurst Club in the 1920s, before becoming the main clubhouse for the Berkshire Hunt and Country Club in 1929. This club aimed to preserve Lenox society by hosting recreational and social activities that had traditionally taken place in private homes. However, like many other grand estates of the era, it eventually succumbed to changing societal trends.[1]
Located amidst the picturesque Berkshire Hills, the summer residence of Mr. John Sloane of New York stands as a stately testament to architectural and natural beauty. Constructed in the late Middle Ages Italian style by renowned architects Peabody and Stearns, the estate boasts a symphony of elegant design elements and breathtaking views. Surrounded by lush vine-clad gardens, the mansion gazes out upon the famed Laurel Lake, its azure waters mirroring the verdant splendor of the Berkshires.
Upon ascending the tower, visitors are greeted by a panoramic vista of rolling hills, with the majestic Greylock Mountain looming in the distance. The estate, spanning 250 acres, blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings, with expansive lawns, woodland, and meticulously tended gardens. Noteworthy features include a formal garden with a central sun-dial, a vine-clad pergola leading to a rustic summer-house, and greenhouses teeming with exotic flora.
Rich in history, the estate bears witness to the visits of notable figures such as President McKinley and the renowned preacher Henry Ward Beecher, whose "farm" once occupied the grounds. The legacy of these luminaries is preserved in the estate's flourishing oak trees and meticulously maintained gardens.
Beyond its aesthetic charm, the estate also boasts practical amenities, including stables housing sixteen horses, greenhouses cultivating a diverse array of plants, and a productive farm supplying the household with dairy, vegetables, and flowers. Despite its opulence, Lenox retains a rustic charm, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty, temperate climate, and impeccable infrastructure.
Access to Lenox is facilitated by modern transportation, with convenient rail connections from nearby cities and well-maintained roads offering easy access to the town. Renowned for its clear, dry air, pristine water supply, and superior drainage, Lenox stands as a premier destination in the Berkshires, offering a harmonious blend of natural splendor and refined living.
https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015084599433&seq=184&q1=wyndhurst
Wyndhurst, an architectural gem nestled in the Berkshire Hills, boasts a rich history intertwined with prominent figures and evolving architectural styles. Commissioned by John Sloane in 1892, the estate marked a departure from the prevailing shingle style of his brother's nearby Elm Court, embracing a Tudor aesthetic under the design expertise of Peabody and Stearns.
Originally known as Blossom Farm, the land held significance as Reverend Henry Ward Beecher's sanctuary before passing into the hands of General John E Rathbone in 1869. Rathbone's decision to name his new abode Wyndhurst, instead of Beecher Hill as intended, set the stage for the estate's future identity.
Under Sloane's ownership, Wyndhurst underwent significant transformation, with the original structures razed to make way for a magnificent residence crafted from Perth Amboy brick. Adorned with a tower offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, the estate exuded grandeur and sophistication. The interior boasted intricate details, including a leather-covered ceiling and a stained glass window bearing the inscription "Follow me to Heaven."
Throughout its storied past, Wyndhurst changed hands, eventually serving as the Berkshire Hunt and Country Club and later the Cranwell School. Today, the estate stands at a crossroads, with plans for its future as a condominium or conference center awaiting approval. As Wyndhurst awaits its next chapter, its legacy as a bastion of elegance and charm remains intact, a testament to the enduring allure of the Berkshires.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b "Historic Building Detail: LEN.265 – Sloane, John House". Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System. Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, William F. Galvin. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ a b Owens, Carole (1984). Schein, Jerome; Montgomery, Elizabeth; Smith, Claudia Chyle (eds.). The Berkshire Cottages: A Vanishing Era. Cottage Press, Inc. ISBN 0-918343-00-3. LCCN 84-71191 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ Holden, Wheaton A. (May 1973). "The Peabody Touch: Peabody and Stearns of Boston, 1870-1917". Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians. 32 (2). University of California Press: 114–131. doi:10.2307/988826 – via JSTOR.
- ^ Robinson, Annie (2010). Peabody & Stearns: Country Houses and Seaside Cottages (1st ed.). W. W. Norton & Company. ISBN 978-0393732184.
- ^ Gilder, Cornelia Brooke (January 5, 2011). "Legacy survives the fire". The Berkshire Eagle. Andrew H. Mick. p. 4.
- ^ Woodbury & Leighton Co., Building Contractors. Boston, Mass.: The Tudor Press. 1912 – via HathiTrust.