New England has no shortage of historical sites to visit, and if you’re like me, visiting historical homes is a favorite tourist pastime. I always try to scout out any old homes of famous writers, so I was pretty excited that Edith Wharton, one of my favorite authors, once lived in my home state.
Located in the Berkshires in Lenox, Massachusetts, is the Mount, a 42-room estate that was designed by Wharton in 1902. Wharton’s interest in design and architecture is apparent as you stroll through the impeccably decorated rooms that you can tour either on your own or through a guided tour. Wharton’s ingenuity extends outside to the beautiful gardens, which are a must-see during the spring and summer months. However, if you’re visiting during the fall, the estate offers ghost tours.
It always fascinates me to see the environment where a role model once lived and worked, especially one as talented as Wharton. Over 40 years, she wrote more than 40 books and she was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for The Age of Innocence. During her time living at the Mount, she wrote some of her best novels, including The House of Mirthand Ethan Frome.
In addition to a museum, the house is now a cultural center for all things Edith Wharton and also hosts other historical events. Even if you’re not familiar with Wharton’s writing, it’s still a beautiful architectural site to visit!
Image credit: David Dashiell, 2006
