File:American homes and gardens (1909) (17533270054).jpg

Title: American homes and gardens
Identifier: americanhomesgar61909newy (find matches)
Year: 1905 (1900s)
Authors:
Subjects: Architecture, Domestic; Landscape gardening
Publisher: New York : Munn and Co
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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Text Appearing Before Image:
R. TOWER'S residence at Lexington, Mass., is a good example of the modern Co- lonial mansion. The rambling brick dwell- ing had its prototype in the old Colonial mansions of the South, such as Westover, Martin's Brandon and White Hall. There is the central building with its de- tached extension, connected by a butler's pantry, on the Hrst floor and a passageway on the second floor; the plan has provided for a duplicate wing to be added to the other side of the building. The great portico of the facade is, of course, derived from the house of the ideal Virginia planter. The walls are built of red brick, laid in Flemish bond, with white mortar. The roof is covered with shingles left to weather finish. The approach to the house is from the road- way, leading in from the street and sweeping up to the portico at the front of the house. The portico is particularly dignified and the entrance-doorway, recessed into a semicir- cular vestibule with a domed ceiling, is an attractive feature. The portico has stone steps, while the floor is laid of brick in herringbone pattern. The rear of the house, facing the gar- den and the wood- land, has a portico with a terrace extend- ing from it in either direction. The interior is generous in its pro- portions, and the high ceilings and spacious rooms make a de- lightful house for en- tertaining. The hall has a paneled wall from the floor to the ceiling, which is white enameled. The stair- case is recessed and has a neatly turned balustrade in white enamel, and a ma- hogany rail. The walls of this part of the hall, and extend- ing to the second story, have a wall- paper with a large blue design on a white background. The highly polished floor is covered with a rug with a blue body and a yellow and old-rose figured border. The stair- carpet is of a plain color in an old-blue tone. An inlaid card- table and Chippen- dale chairs complete the furnishing.
Text Appearing After Image:
The portico is the feature of the front To the right of the entrance is the reception-room, fin- ished with a white-enameled trim, and a wall paneled and covered with watered silk and finished with a gilded border. I he fireplace has gray marble facings, and a carved mantel, with a paneled overmantel and mirror. The floor is covered with a Persian rug in white with an old-rose and blue center. Soft lace curtains hang at the windows. Opposite the reception-room and across the hall is the den, which is fin- ished with a black-painted trim. The wall is covered with Japanese grass cloth finished with a molded and carved cornice. The furniture is of mahogany and the upholstery is in green. White lace curtains hang at the windows, while green and brown brocaded silk curtains are hung at the door open- ings. The open fireplace is built with black and white mar- ble facings and hearth and it has a mantel of good design. The li\'ing-room has a white-enameled trim and a wall covering of crimson brocaded silk. Crimson velvet draperies are hung at the doors. Similar curtains are hung at the win- dows over softer ones of lace. The fireplace has white and black marble facings and hearth, and a Colonial mantel and overmantel of attrac- tive style. The s u n-r 00 m, which opens from the living-room, also has a white- enameled trim and walls. The windows are hung with green and yel- low cretonne curtains. Opening from the living-room, and also from the hall, is the dining-room, which is one of the most im- portant and delight- f u 1 rooms in the house. The color scheme is gray and white. The trim is painted white. The walls have a low pan- e 1 e d wainscoting, above which they are covered with a forest wall decoration In a gray and white. The east end of the room is very attractive, with fireplace, fluted pilasters and arch- ways. The fireplace Is built of brick, laid In white mortar, and has a mantel and pan- eled over-mantel. The Important feature of the dining-room is the furniture, consist- ing of a most unusual

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