On the busiest part of Route 9, admist all the chaos, the hustle and bustle, speeding cars, the maddening traffic lights, is a beautiful refuge that goes by the name of Locust Grove.
Nearly impossible to see in normal traffic, I was very happy to find that approaching from the south it was a left at a stoplight!
The most remarkable thing about this estate is that in 1901, new owners William and Martha Young occupied the house until 1975. Upon Martha Young's death she bequeathed her home at Locust Grove, together with all it's contents and family papers to an independent not-for-profit corporation charter to preserve the estate. As per her wishes for the enjoyment, visitation and enlightenment of the public.
Don't forget to check out the event building on the website. Available for weddings.
Nearly impossible to see in normal traffic, I was very happy to find that approaching from the south it was a left at a stoplight!
 |
| William and Martha Young |
The House.
Locust Grove Estate is a beautifully preserved property from the 19th century. This gem has been privately owned ever since Henry Livingston, Jr. named the estate for the black locust trees growing along the driveways. Not until 1830, later owners John and Isabella Montgomery built a house on the bluff to take advantage of the noteworthy views of the Hudson River. The Montgomery's house for its time was a typical Greek Revival-style building set well back off the Post Road, known today as US Route 9.
 |
| View of the Hudson River from the wrap around porch. |
In 1847 the Montgomery's sold their estate to Samuel Morse, (inventor of the Morse code), and from 1851 to 1852 Morse remodeled the house extensively and change the character forever. He was inspired by the colors and architecture of rural Tuscany as he was an artist himself and had an eye for such. Morse and his family lived there for more than twenty five years until his death in 1872.
 |
| The bones of the garden after an autumn snowfall. |
The Grounds.
Samuel Morse designed the grand scheme of the beautiful landscape at Locust Grove during the 1850s. Throughout his lifetime improved the grounds, planting trees and moving stone walls to make the most of what he called his home's capabilities. After William and Martha Young bought the estate 1901, they continued to preserve the great maple, locust and beech trees that define the landscape. Also purchasing adjoining property to preserve and protect the grounds from development. Marthy Young was an enthusiastic plant collector and ordered enormously large quantities of flowers and shrubs for the estate gardens. The gardens have been restored using original plans and seed orders from the Young family archives. In many cases using the same varieties ordered a century ago. The original kitchen garden has been restored as a display garden for heirloom vegetables.
There is a $10 fee for admission. A large and atteactive gift shop that will keep you busy for quite a while. When you're ready to tear yourself away to take a tour of the house, as you walk through the gardens and see the Hudson River off in the distance behind the house, you become transported back in time. This house is a veritable time capsule and an absolute joy to visit. I didn't want to leave and you may not want to either!
Don't forget to check out the event building on the website. Available for weddings.
Locust Grove event and reception venue.
No comments:
Post a Comment