Yesterday was beautiful. Spring. Sunshine and a light breeze.
The perfect day to tour a country home.
Blairsden House is open to the public this year, for the very first time. This spectacular home is the centerpiece of a fundraiser dubbed 'Mansions in May', organized and run by a nearby hospital's women's association.
The house was built at the turn of the 20th century and was originally the country home of NY financier C. Ledyard Blair. It is a gorgeous piece of property and architecture.
More than 50 well known designers from the NY-NJ area had a hand in making the home show-worthy, both inside and out.
Wouldn't that little alcove be the perfect spot for a nap?
Or really anywhere on this magnificent patio?
The original owner (Mr. Blair) lived in the house from 1903 until he died in 1949. I'm glad he was able to enjoy his vision because it seems so often these big homes were built and then the owners lived in them about three minutes.
Originally the estate was 500 acres, but it was sold and broken up after his death. In 2002 the property went back into private ownership, and it was sold again more recently with the new owner planning to live there and restore it.
I love big old houses. I love the glimpse into a different time and another way of life. I like to imagine how they manage heating bills and house cleaning.
Mostly though I love imagining what in the world I'd do with all that property and space.
I'm sure I could think of something.
