Until this trip, I didn’t realize how prolific Edith Wharton was; she wrote over 30 works of fiction and 85 short stories over the course of her life. I also didn’t know that she was the first woman to be honored with the Pulitzer prize for literature in 1921 for The Age of Innocence, which has always been one of my favorite novels.
She was an incredibly interesting and independent woman; way ahead of her time. Edith’s mother convinced her to enter into a marriage of convenience at the age of 23, but she and her husband weren’t very compatible. They divorced in 1911 and Edith lived the balance of her life alone in Paris, much like her character, Countess Olenska in The Age of Innocence. When in Paris during the 1st World War, Edith was involved in many charitable efforts for refugees and was one of the only foreigners in France allowed to visit the front lines during the war.
Below is the side view of The Mount, my favorite view of this gorgeous estate as it showcases the beautiful gardens along the side of the home.
These pink flowers were at their peak the day we visited.
I love how these flowers below look like they’re reaching towards the sun.
Here’s the front entrance to The Mount. Apparently Edith was a bit anti-social and didn’t welcome too many visitors. You can see from the high walls surrounding the estate that she sure protected her privacy.
I always love to see what type of library writers have and this one didn’t disappoint. Look at the beautiful built-in book shelves with their gorgeous wood work and the colorful book spines.
According to our tour guide, Edith did most of her writing in bed each morning. The bed was covered with hand written pages of her actual, original writings.
If you’re a fan of Wharton and get a chance to visit Lenox, Massachusetts, you have to visit The Mount – it’s such a treat!
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How wonderful! Your photos are beautiful. I’m a huge fan of Wharton’s works, but didn’t know there were so many. Now I’m going to have to get busy researching what I haven’t read yet.
Thanks! I didn’t realize she had written so many either. I bought her NY Stories – a compilation of short stories which I’m just starting. Thanks for stopping by! I’m such a huge fan of your site, I read it every day and have recommended it to friends.
dear Claudia, how lovely you were able to tour the Mount, and that you had such spectacularly fine weather. thank you for sharing, both about Ms, Wharton and the gorgeous photos. much love, karen
Isn’t it beautiful?! If you ever have the chance to go visit, it’s a real treat. xo
I love visiting old estates and this one wouldn’t disappoint. Oh, that library!
I know, isn’t that library to die for?
I’ve been to Lenox but never visited the Mount. Thank you for the visual tour!
Glad you liked it, if you ever get a chance to get back to Lenox, I heartily recommend it.
I love touring historic homes of the famous – whether its writers or politicians. There are lots of them on the East Coast I would love to tour – I’ve just added another one to the list! Thanks for the tour.
I love visiting historical homes, they are so rich with history and the glimpse into life in that era fascinates me. Glad you enjoyed it, the pictures are all just from my iphone.
Edith Wharton is one of my all-time favorite writers. I’m definitely going to have to visit next time I’m back on the East Coast. The pictures are fantastic!
It was a real treat, Lois!