A Rhinebeck Victorian - Wilderstein
Wilderstien, is a well-preserved and restored Hudson Valley house museum that was occupied by three generations of the Suckley family, in Rhinebeck, NY. Thomas Suckley was a descendant of two prominent New York families: the Beekmans and Livingstons.
The estate included the main house, carriage house and boathouse and constructed in 1888, followed by a potting shed, greenhouse and gatehouse in 1890.
The present Queen Anne-style home was built in 1888, using the latest technology and styles, by architect Arnout Cannonm Jr. Rather than tear down the previous house, built in 1852, on the site, Robert Suckley had his new house built around the first house, completely enveloping the original structure. The interiors of the house took four months to complete, and were the work of Joseph Burr Tiffany, the nephew of Louis Comfort Tiffany.
In 1907, the Suckley family made Wilderstein their primary residence. Robert Suckley dies in 1921, and the family fortune and Wilderstein start on a steady decline.
The last resident of Wilderstein was “Daisy” Margaret Suckley, a distant cousin and confidante of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She gave FDR the famous black Scottish Terrier Fall, and helped with the establishment of the his Presidential Library in Hyde Park and collaborated with him on the plans for what would become FDR’s private retreat, Top Cottage.
The interior of the home is like a time capsule, and I was only able to tour the first floor rooms. Unfortunately, I was told that interior photography was not allowed.
This is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!
Do you like the images posted?
Click here to explore the shop.
In 1980, Daisy Suckley establishes a not-for-profit organization responsible for maintaining and restoring Wilderstien as a house museum, and in 1991, Daisy dies in the house she was born in nearly 100 years before.
What you need to know:
There are walking trails, and there is not charge for ground entry only.
Guided mansion tours are available.
Reservations for house tours are recommended.
Open seasonally; check the website for days and hours.
You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day.
Grounds are open daily, year-round
The site has exhibits and other activities; check the website.
Restrooms are available.
Location:
330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck, NY
For more information: Wilderstein
