During Labor Day weekend we decided to stay local and do a couple of day trips. We were hoping to visit the Philip Johnson Glass House, but alas (and as usual), it was sold out. So we tried our luck and were able to get reservations for the Olana house in Hudson, NY.
The home is special for several reasons. First, because it was the home of Frederic Edwin Church– famed artist of the Hudson River School of landscape painters. Also because of its location. It sits on a hill top overlooking the Hudson River and the Catskills region just across the river.
But, the reason that makes it interesting to us, would be its unique architectural and design styles. The house was originally meant to be done in a French Manor style. But, upon their return from travels abroad to Europe and the Middle East, Church and his wife had a complete change of heart and decided on an unconventional (for the times) style that joined Victorian and Moorish elements inside and out.
No pictures were allowed inside (along with the threat that anyone caught sneaking pictures would be immediately asked to leave the tour!), but I did find some online. The interiors have been preserved and are almost fully intact as they were during Church’s time.
I love these ‘out and about’ posts you do! I have bookmarked this beauty for our next USA trip! I love the first picture – how the house just peeks out over the tree line! Beautiful!
Would you believe I took that from across the river looking up at the hills? The power of the zoom!
That is such a cool mixing of styles – I can’t even picture it in my head. It’s really too bad they didn’t let you take pictures
What an amazing place! I adore your stories and photos, darling
🙂 Happy Monday!
What a beautiful house, inside and out! Can’t believe I didn’t know about it. Have to visit it sometime too.
Wow, that place is beautiful! I’ve never heard of it before but the architecture is just jaw-droppingly stunning. I’d definitely make the trip up there. I wonder what the aversion to photos inside is all about. At least you found some online!
Wow, that is gorgeous. Im going to have to put this on my places to visit list. Thanks for sharing.
and if you don’t mind me asking, what camera do you use? Your pictures are always sooo gorgeous.
Bloglovetherapy.blogspot.com
Thank you- I use a Panasonic Lumix (DMC-ZS5)
Ah! I *adore* these photos. Looks so lovely!
xo,
LelaLondon.com – WIN three dresses!
WOW! This is in your neck of the woods? I definitely don’t see anything like this in Chicago, and it’s so well preserved, I can understand the no-camera policy.
Wow, what incredible architecture and history. New Zealand is so young in comparison, I’m always fascinated with the history found in Europe and America. x
Wow…gorgeous! Who knew this was so close to NYC…I may have to make a trip.
Wow, who knew this was in New York. I love the Moorish influence – the tower reminds me a lot of the Italianate Victorian landmark we have in our town (minus the colorful tiling). OUr landmark was built by Chico’s (our town) founders, and very dear to our hearts.
Reminds me of the pictures you had took from Turkey.
I have heard of the Hudson River School, but not this specific house. It looks like a fun place to visit {almost like upscale 1800s hippies} so maybe it was good the Johnson house was sold out.
I love the detailing of the exterior and interior. Hmmm, weren’t you tempted ‘just a little’ to take photos??! Maybe snap one at the end of the tour haha …I would be too nervous to be a rebel thinking they would tackle me!
I would be lying if I didn’t admit I had that very same thought
“…hmmm, maybe I can snap a quick one just before the end..”