The Brick House of the Shelburne Museum

Even before we entered this historic house, I had my camera ready and I began taking photos. "This is a great place for taking pictures," one of the guides said to me.

The Brick House was the summer home (and frequently a fox hunting retreat) of Electra Havemeyer Webb, the founder of the Shelburne Museum. It is located at the Shelburne Farms in Vermont. Our guide said this house may be seen as a microcosm of the Shelburne Museum because it is furnished with pieces from the founder's collections.

Once inside, I turned to see the view from the front entrance, the tree-lined drive.

   Here's a close-up of the reproduction of the original wallpaper.

         We took the very elegant staircase to the second floor.

The family's bedrooms were on one side and the servants quarters on the other. All rooms were comfortably furnished. I do think each bedroom had its own full bathroom.

In one room I spotted a quilted fabric chair. (I was surprised it wasn't a lot more well worn!) One of the rooms had fabric "wallpaper."


















One bedroom has a photograph from 1938, showing how the room looked at that time. It's easy to see the similarities and the changes that have taken place.

  

I like the image of the lily on this wooden mirror.

The doll looks quite at home here.

What I really like are all the arched doorways. I wish we would have these in our home!

 This open door is leading into one of the many bathrooms.

         The photographer at work: 

                                                                                                                  

         We returned to the first floor.

This is the very first item Electra collected at age 15. Apparently her mother, not as appreciative of folk art, was quite dismayed at her purchase.

The room for entertaining is very much like a den or family room. The guide pointed out that the "curtains" are actually made of wood. (Hmm, fabric on the walls and curtains made of wood!)

                  The living room is also comfortably furnished.

       From the dining room we can peer into the breakfast area.

             I again note the arched doorway.

Here's a centerpiece of glass globes.

This view is of the oldest portion of the home. It had been the site of a circular drive and where the foxhunters would gather with their horses.

From the patio there are stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. It is not hard to imagine the family and guests gathering here to enjoy the summer breezes off the lake.

Not far off is a little cemetery for the hounds. I was told there is also one here for the horses.

Our tour concludes with refreshments.

Tours are available at appointed times during the summer by reservation. This was our first visit.