Monday, December 30, 2013

Aloha to Montpelier Mansion (part 2)


Continuing our tour of the Montpelier Mansion (link),  

A fine example of Georgian architecture popular in Maryland in the late 1700's, Montpelier Mansion sits on approximately 70 acres of beautiful parkland. Architectural and building construction details, as well as historical research, suggest that the house was constructed between 1781 and 1785. Major Thomas Snowden and his wife Anne, original owners of Montpelier Mansion, welcomed many distinguished guests into their home, including George Washington and Abigail Adams. 


I found the upstairs connection to the secret passageway!


This bed, too, looks so comfy!


The top hat caught my eye ...


... as did the holiday decorations in the hallway!


Given Major Snowden served in the Revolutionary War, the fife and drum accented his house!


The children's room was also decorated on the mantel ...


... while the homemade doll enjoyed the warmth of the fire!


Across the hall, we found a rope-turned trundle bed.


Downstairs, I spied a dollhouse built into a cupboard ...


... with Santa Claus on the roof ...


... and cats in the kitchen!


Outside, the Osage orange tree frames the summer house in the distance.


The cook relied upon the spices grown in the herb garden.    Montpelier Mansion is one of many historic homes maintained by the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreations (link).  I look forward to exploring (and sharing) the other sites!

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

From my not-so-historic neighborhood


Thursday, December 26, 2013

Aloha to the Montpelier Mansion (part 1)


Major Thomas Snowden served in the Revolutionary War.   He built Montpelier Mansion near the Patuxent River in present day Laurel, Maryland.   From its website (link),

A fine example of Georgian architecture popular in Maryland in the late 1700's, Montpelier Mansion sits on approximately 70 acres of beautiful parkland. Architectural and building construction details, as well as historical research, suggest that the house was constructed between 1781 and 1785. Major Thomas Snowden and his wife Anne, original owners of Montpelier Mansion, welcomed many distinguished guests into their home, including George Washington and Abigail Adams. 

Notice the bronze plaque to the right of the door ... Montpelier Mansion is listed as a National Historic Landmark.


We entered through the kitchen, purchased our tickets, and wandered through the "hyphen" - the small galley that connected the dining wing to the living quarters of the house.


The staff pay homage to the nearby historic Laurel Park racetrack.


Who wouldn't love this high-and-comfy canopy bed?!?!


Notice the secret compartment with the servants' stairs.


The grand hall was decorated with cheer ...


... with timeless charm.


We'll explore more of this historic house in a future post.

How did you spend Boxing Day?

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City