This is a happy story.
It's about a mansion that was saved from the wrecking ball.
In the mid-1990s, the former summer home of wealthy owners was abandoned. It even looked a little mysterious.
There were a lot of overgrown weeds and a general aura of disrepair.
There were a lot of overgrown weeds and a general aura of disrepair.
When word got around Lenox, the small New England town in which Ventfort Hall is located, that it might be torn down, a group of people got together to try and save it.
They raised thousands upon thousands of dollars and began to renovate the fabulous old structure.
They also obtained various grants and individual donations to help with expensive renovation.
That just goes to show what a group of people with a cause can accomplish!
They also obtained various grants and individual donations to help with expensive renovation.
That just goes to show what a group of people with a cause can accomplish!
Little by little, they opened rooms to the public. They started offering programs there----theater, classes, and even a Medieval Faire.
Today, Ventfort Hall is a great place to visit.
On a tour this Christmas season, a look into the dining room was a heart-stopper. It had been set for Christmas dinner in a Scottish theme.
All of the photos in this post were taken in that room.
All of the photos in this post were taken in that room.
This rose-covered centerpiece included pheasant feathers!
More red roses could be found among the branches of the nearby Christmas tree and in the wreath above the mantel.
For a full overview of this magnificent mansion, go to the Ventfort Hall website.
You can even become a member on one of several different levels!
You can even become a member on one of several different levels!
Thomas Hayes, manager of Country Dining Room Antiques, at 178 Main St., in Great Barrington, another small New England town, has decorated the dining room at Ventfort Hall every Christmas for the past decade or ever since the mansion was opened to the public.
He did a splendid job of decorating. He seems to have that magic touch that transforms an already fabulous room into something even more enchanting!
He did a splendid job of decorating. He seems to have that magic touch that transforms an already fabulous room into something even more enchanting!
All of the china, glassware, etc., came from Country Dining Room Antiques and are for sale!
DO YOU LOVE TO TAKE TOURS OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS?
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8 comments:
Oh I LOVE going through historical places...homes, museums, gardens, anything like that. It is fun fun fun!
YES!! I do love to take tours of Historical places and definitely mansions!! However, I frequently only get to take the tours thru the eyes of others such as yourself!!
Loved this mansion and thanks so very much for sharing it's story and magnificent pictures with all of us!!
Happy and Healthy New Year's to you and yours!
Hugs,
Debbie
These are really beautiul pictures of a gorgeous place! I would love to live like that for a few minutes...
I really enjoyed this wonderful "tour" and felt as if I were there. Happy new year, Susan.
Wow! I am in love with those green glasses. Lovely place for sure! Kit
I do love taking tours of historical buildings and places. Isn't it a shame that some are so ready to just knock buildings down rather than making an effort to preserve the past. My uncle in OH lives across the street from the historical society that does this sort of work. Preserving buildings that otherwise would be in disrepair. It's already 2012 here and way past my bedtime. Blessings to you and yours, Tammy
I love to take tours - and this was pretty, I like that tall green glass - very unusual. Well I am tired and it is 2012. So I am hitting the sack. Happy New Year! sandie♥
Beautiful and love the story. I too love historical buildings! Enjoy your new year's day. hugs, Linda
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