Edith Wharton - The Mount
Estate and Gardens at the Mount

The Estate

The Mount was Edith Wharton's "first real home."

Wharton designed and built The Mount in 1902, based on the principles outlined in her influential book, The Decoration of Houses (1897), co-authored with architect Ogden Codman, Jr. This classical revival house represents the only full expression we have of Wharton's architectural interests.

The Mount is the only U.S. monument to Edith Wharton.

It is also one of the mere 5% of National Historic Landmarks dedicated to women.

Purchase the definitive history of The Mount online at The Bookstore at The Mount.

Edith and Teddy Wharton standing on the future site of The Mount, 1901. Edith Wharton Collection, Beinecke Library, Yale University.

An early postcard image of The Mount, before the gardens were installed. Foxhollow School Archives, Edith Wharton Restoration.

 

Important Facts about The Mount

Location Lenox, Massachusetts, overlooking Laurel Lake
House Design Edith Wharton
Architects Ogden Codman, Jr.
Francis L.V. Hoppin (Hoppin & Koen)
Builder R. W. Curry
Garden Design Edith Wharton
Additional Landscape Architect Beatrix Farrand
Principal Buildings Main house, inspired by Belton House (17th-century Palladian-style English country house), with classical Italian and French influences; Georgian Revival gatehouse; Georgian Revival stable; greenhouse with potting shed
Restored Gardens Italian walled garden; formal flower garden; rock garden; lime walk; grass terraces
Land Parcel Original farm plot of 113 acres bought for $40,600; additional 15 acres purchased at a later date; current size: 49.5 acres
Construction July 1901 - Autumn 1902
Cost Main house: $57,619
Stable: $20,354
Gatehouse: $5,356
Main House Dimensions Footprint: approx. 138 ft x 65 ft
Height: west elevation (entrance side) 3 stories; east elevation (garden side) 2 stories