The Washington times., 1904-05-15

new 1orks May IA.
tx THEN the wife of Colonel Astor
Nv takes her place in the new
v athletic club for women which
has just had its inception she will be nc
novice at any of the sports and exercises
in which women may indulge. HeI
eliminates In this newest club OF the
Five Hundred and Fifty will find heI
an adept at swimming and diving, al
fencing and swinging lignt Indian clubs
at squash. tennis and golf.
Already Up at Ferncliffe, the regal
Astor estate near Rhinebeck-on-the
Hudson, Mrs. Astor is taking regular
and systematic exercise in the gymna-
stun which the architects have now
turned over 10 her after two years
work.
Technically they call it the tennis
house" In reality beneath the roof of
the new structure is everything that
could delight the hearts OF those who
love sport for sports sake. And. more.
II is so arranged that, no matter the
weather, any game save golf may be
played indoors as easily as under the
roof of the sky.
Ferncliffe Mansion.
The mansion at Ferncliffe is old. but
il has been done over within the last
few years. II is set within several
acres of meadow. lawn, and wood
land. all under high cultivation. The
estate runs down TO the Hudson and
atop the plateau is the mansion.
Up the drive. 100 yards away. is the
new building where Mrs. Aston enjoys
her daily exercise II Is long and low,
so as not to hide the panorama of river
and mountain down the Hudson to the
south. In design II is pure Grecian; in
material of dull gray stucco. set with
stone columns at regular intervals.
The long building stretches from east
TO west, the main facade facing the
mansion. 1t is shaped like q squat ''T;''
shank the great steel Grched tennis
court. The entrance is a loggia set in
the main facade and opening on the
great lounging room or main hall.
Many Large Rooms.
Within this house Of stucco and stone
and steel are more rooms and larger
ones than in any ordinary city dwell
Ing. Two wings stretch away TO the
east and west. In the eastern end is
the great marble plunge. where Mrs.
Astor may swim and dive 10 her hearts
content. Stretching back from the CEN
ter toward the south is the great in
door tennis court, all arched and Cir
dered with steel and rooted with plate
glass.
a great room presents itself. m for
the palace of any king. 1t is a baronial
apartment, even IL 1t is the entrance to
q house devoted TO tennis and SQUASH
The walls are finished in pure white
after the fashion of Louis Quinze From
the great circle in the paneled ceilings
drops great electrolier of gilt. on
the side walls are single electroliers Of
the same lustrous material. To right
and left, as well as straight ahead. are
great double doors Of French glass set
In many panes.
Grand Fireplace.
But the chief beauty in the room is the
fireplace Of dull brownstone, touched
with gold. This is nine feet high and
big enough TO hold dozen men within
its cavernors depths. 1t Is capped with
a superb stone mantel, eiaborately
carved. The entire piece was brought
intact from Rome. where once it stood
liz some mobiles palace.
Facing the fireplace with its big and
irons piled with giant logs is the lounge,
a yaWning sofa, ten feet long wide
deep. and capaciOuS. ell r1nholSfared in