From the original collection
Since The Mount did not remain in Wharton’s family, most of the furnishings are not original. This was a disappointment to me, having grown up spoiled by perfectly preserved house museums such as Hearst Castle in San Simeon. One major acquisition that was restored for just under $1,000,000 was Wharton’s 2,600-volume personal library. A committed effort to collect period appropriate furniture has made the interiors of The Mount similar to Edith’s time in residency but her keen eye for specific (and expensive) details cannot be recreated in a nonprofit setting. However, it is still a very worthwhile place to visit.Set in the lushly forested Berkshires, The Mount is a beautiful destination for garden enthusiasts as well as history buffs and art lovers. Large scale sculptures dot the leafy path past the Georgian revival stables through to the front of the house, which looks a lot like the back of most large estates. The docent stationed at this entrance, seeing a confused look on our faces, explained that Edith purposely planned the front of the house to not look inviting. She wanted to save the grand view of the house for guests returning from the grand gardens.
Refreshments are available on the wide porch overlooking the renovated gardens and Laurel Lake. I could imagine Edith with guests, lounging with cocktails or at teatime, enjoying the home she’d so long imagined. ​
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