Private Hudson River Valley: Celebrating the Quadricentennial of the Voyage of the Half Moon
September 30 – October 4, 2009
Come celebrate explorer Henry Hudson’s 1609 discovery of the river later given his name with a fabulous tour of three centuries of some of the region’s finest country-house architecture—Dutch, Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Hudson River Bracketed, Beaux Arts, and the latest Classical work. Experts, specialists and homeowners will lead the way.
Select Highlights:
Edgewater (c.1825), is owned by financier Richard H. Jenrette, a collector of some of the East Coast’s finest historic houses. Its proximity to the Hudson River gives it a breathtaking combination of nature and a Federal-style house fronted by a Roman Doric two-story portico. Originally owned by members of the Livingston family, an Italianate library and bay windows were added later by famed architect Alexander Jackson Davis. Mr. Jenrette has filled the house with period antiques, having bought it in 1969 from writer Gore Vidal.
Astor Courts (1906), now a stunningly restored and decorated private home, was originally the 40,000 square-foot sports and guest pavilion for the Ferncliff estate owned by John Jacob Astor IV, who hired Stanford White to design the pavilion. The consulting architect for the restoration and revamping was Samuel G. White, Stanford’s great-grandson. The owners will host a reception for the group.
Teviotdale (c.1773), possesses both Georgian and Federal characteristics, built of stone and brick construction. Owned originally by Walter Livingston, it later was the home of Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat, who married Livingston’s daughter, Harriet, in 1808. Of the few 18th century estates located along the Hudson, Teviotdale is the most prominent and intact example of its style and period. The present owner will show us through.
Haight-Gantley House (ca. 1812) stands on a knoll with a commanding view of the river. Legend has it that the mistress of the planned house wanted an oval ballroom and had it constructed while her husband was away fighting the British in the War of 1812. Exquisite detail, from the unusual recessed entrance doorway to the most minor of interior finishes, reveals the sure taste of the builder. We will be given an exclusive tour.
Anson Pratt House (ca.1802-12) has been restored and wonderfully decorated with antique furnishings, colors and materials under the professional hand of one of the owners. Not to be overlooked is the extensive collection of late 19th century and early 20th century paintings. The beautiful details of this charming American Federal country house reflect the style of Robert Adam. The owners will host a lunch for us.
Drumlin Hall was recently built by Peter Pennoyer Architects and decorated by the Thomas Jayne Studio to house a collection of Federal style furniture and Hudson River School and American Impressionist paintings. The pedimented south façade of this spectacular Classical country house commands the long approach from the south, while the north elevation is more romantic in character and heroic in scale. One passes through the front door through a groined vaulted hall, past the spiral staircase and library, to the parlor. Mr. Pennoyer will be our guide.
Additional highlights:
Springwood, Vanderbilt Mansion, Staatsburgh, Howard Hall, Plumb Bronson House, Olana, Crow Hill, Luykas Van Alen House, Lindenwald, James Vanderpoel House, Longfield Farm (newly built and designed by ICA&CA board member Gil Schafer), and Middlefield (architect Gil Schafer’s own Classical home where he will host a brunch). For more information, click here.
Brought to you by Classical Excursions. Reservations and Information: Lani Sternerup (contact@classicalexcursions.com) at Classical Excursions or by calling (800) 390-5536.
Cost/Learning Unit:$1,875 per person; double hotel occupancy (single supplement, $300). A tax-deductible $300 donation to ICA&CA is included in the tour price. Registration deadline: Monday, August 24, 2009. Please register early, as this tour will sell out long before the registration deadline.