Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1872-09-11
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Juderc.ytfe the fire residence of Col.
Franklin Fairbanks, Is now complete and
has received its fortunate occupant. It
is one Of the most imposing and elegant
private dwellings Id the State. ana IS
another gem added to the increasing mum
Der Of delightful New England homes 1T
occupies 3 commanding emineHce at the
west end Of the town, and on every side
the eve reIoicez in a varied and pictur-
esque view OF greenhills. rich valleys. with
cultivated fields, dark forests, and white
farm houses Ii is Ia the heart OF the
glori0u hill country and strength aud
beauty are its twin guardians At y0ur
feet Is the vigorous and growing town.
with all itz church spires visible and at
the north lofty woodland cliff. reached
by graded foot paths and crowned with
evergreen and a solitary pine appropriate
ly giving name 10 the place. In the rear
at a distance q wn the sIape the waters
Of Sleeper river sparkle through a native
forest OF undertrimmed trees
The house was admirably designed by
Lambert Packard, of It. Johnsbury. and
was built by home artisans 1t is of
brick with granite foundations and trim
mings OF Nova Scotia stone Ii is Two
stories high. with a graceful Mansard
root. and stately symmetrical tower sur
mounted. house and tower, by light IRON
cresting. \ high-pjIared porte cochere is
arched over the front entrance. Wide
piazzas run along the east and south sides.
Bay windows happily break up the base
lines, and an artistic orieI window projects
-. 80 -.
As you enter, spacious hall extends
quite through the first floor, and the walls
are ornamented with oil paintings, and
curious and attractive works Of art The
horns of the moose and elk and deer branch
from over the doors. On the left OF the
hall are a richly furnished drawing-room
and parlor, and beyond these = large
library apartment with its well-stored
mahogany book eases, maps and globes,
and among other interesting things,
telegraph communicating with the outside
world Adjoining the library on the
south. is unique glass porticO, to be filled
in winter with flowers On the right of
the hall. are situated a waiting room, a
broad flight of stairs ascending through
wide open space to the tower, and the
family dining room. In the third story is
a cabinet of curiosities. Years Of careful
cleaning have made it equal in extent and .
interest to many public collections. It is
full in stuffed birds. Besides
many of our native ones, there are great
numbers of brilliant plumage from South
America. Australia, Europe and Mexico.
The house Is warmed BY steam and open
fire places. and lighted by gas made on the
premises. Hot and cold water are carried
throughout the roomy chambers, aud bells .
and speaking tubes connect the different I
stories. The rain and snow falling on the .
fat roof are brought down on the inside,
and no unmelted snow and ice are thus
left to accumulate. The interior Of the .
house is finished with native woods, except
the doors which are mahogany. Ash,
black walnut and birds eye maple are
combined, and with the finest effect. 1t Is
frescoed, and the rooms are
decorated with choice paintings and
statuary, and rare objects of virtu and
taste Some of the pictures are tran
scripts of memorable European landscapes,
by the best modern artists, and possess
striking merit. An air of refinement and
home like comfort pervades every part Of
this ample and commodious mansion. Both
ancient substantlals and modern convent
ences. meet and blend here in comfortable
adjustment.