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.
