Edith Wharton designed the mansion herself, drawing heavy inspiration from the 17th-century Belton House in England.
The Mount is one of the few surviving homes in the United States that was both designed by a woman and remains open to the public.
Wharton wrote several of her most famous works at the estate, including The House of Mirth.
The library at The Mount contains a curated collection of books reflecting Wharton's personal literary interests.
The grounds include a lime walk, a walled Italianate garden, and a kitchen garden, all reflecting the precise aesthetic layouts detailed in Wharton's garden design writings.
The property underwent a multi-million dollar restoration in the 2000s to repair significant structural damage and preserve historic interior finishes.
During the 1940s and 50s, the estate served as the home for the Shakespeare & Company theater troupe.
The Mount is an early 20th-century estate designed and lived in by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton. Built in 1902, the main house serves as a primary example of Wharton's design principles established in her book The Decoration of Houses. The estate grounds span 49 acres, featuring formal gardens designed by Wharton that reflect the influence of classical Italian and French landscape architecture. The house exhibits Gilded Age aesthetics and remains a significant site for the study of American architectural history and literary heritage. It functions as a cultural center hosting seasonal exhibitions, literary lectures, and theatrical performances. The property is maintained by a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the author. Visitors can access both the restored interiors of the residence and the surrounding landscape during the operational season. The estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The terrace overlooking the walled Italian garden, offering a view of the house's architecture contrasted against the formal greenery.
Download the self-guided mobile tour app before arrival to access historical commentary while walking through the rooms.
Check the online event calendar in advance, as the estate frequently hosts evening lectures and outdoor performances that may impact site access.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain in the formal gardens and wooded paths can be uneven.
Do not attempt to walk to the estate from Lenox center, as the local roads lack pedestrian infrastructure and are unsafe for walking.
The estate operates on a seasonal basis, typically opening in spring and closing in late autumn; it is closed during the winter months.
Photography is permitted without flash, but tripods are prohibited inside the house; touching of interior furnishings and textiles is strictly forbidden.
