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Edith Wharton Restoration-the Mount
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2 reviews for Edith Wharton Restoration-the Mount
When we decided to visit Lenox, MA, I didn't know much about the area, so I did some research. The Mount came up imediately as a place to visit. Having enjoyed some of Wharton's short stories, I put this on the top of my "to visit" list. I also read (both on their website and in the LA Times) that The Mount was on borrowed time -- they had been given the summer season to make enough money to pay their creditors so that they could remain open.
Upon visiting, I understood better why money was such an issue. Upkeep alone must cost a fortune, and they are undergoing a first-class restoration. (In the years since Wharton sold The Mount, it has been, among other things, dorms for a private girls' school.)The first two floors and the gardens have been beautifully restored, and they're currently at work on the third floor. The gardens and views are spectacular, and you can enjoy lunch or a glass of iced tea on the terrace, where you can enjoy the views.
We found all of the staff (which was surprisingly young) to be very helpful and knowledgable. As Dan C. said, entry fees are a bit stiff ($16 when we were there), but given the financial challenge they are facing, I didn't mind paying. Hopefully, this home will be open for years to come! Even if you aren't a fan of Wharton, it's worth seeing The Mount to get a view of how the "liesure class" lived in the early 1900s.
A real pleasure to visit. Even though my family would visit Tanglewood once a summer for a good 10-15 years in a row, I'd never known about this place until really recently. Restoration only began in the late 90s I believe, and they've done a fantastic job - so far. They're still raising funds to renovate the upper floors of the mansion. For the time being, they are being used to display exhibits on various Edith Wharton things, which if you haven't read any of her novels (which I haven't) aren't really interesting. There is a very nice gift shop which includes rare editions of Wharton's books, a nice cafe on the terrace, with a wonderful view of the gardens/grounds, which they have done a great restoring. Friendly staff too.
Oh also, tickets were maybe a touch pricey but...I suppose that whole area is rich person playground so no real surprises I guess...