The Mount

The September issue of Vogue features a gorgeous photo spread by Annie Leibovitz of Edith Wharton’s former home the Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts, with an essay by Colm Tóibín. The Mount is an amazing place to visit. I spent a day there a few years back and have wanted to return ever since (I almost got my chance last year but Hurricane Irene got in the way).

Although known for her novels, Wharton was a keen interior designer and gardener. In fact her first book was The Decoration of Houses, which she co-wrote with architect Ogden Codman, Jr. in 1897. Both the Mount and its gardens were built in 1902 to Wharton’s specifications. The house is quite lovely but the surrounding gardens and grounds will take your breath away, including a flower garden with English and French influences, a walled Italian-style garden, and rock garden. Walking around, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported back in time.

The photos are beautiful with Edith Wharton and her circle represented by a cast of actors and writers. I particularly like Jack Huston as Morton Fullerton and the fact that they included lookalikes of Wharton's dogs. As for the clothes, they are swoon worthy. Polka dots! Hats! The dress in the library!

Check out more photos here or pick up a copy of the magazine. To find out more about the Mount, visit their site here.