Rosecliff's dining room in the Louis XVI style, 1905.
English: Title: American homes and gardens Identifier: americanhomesgar00newy (find matches) Year: 1905 (1900s) Authors: Subjects: Architecture, Domestic; Landscape gardening Publisher: New York, Munn and Co Contributing Library: The LuEsther T Mertz Library, the New York Botanical Garden Digitizing Sponsor: BHL-SIL-FEDLINK View Book Page: Book Viewer About This Book: Catalog Entry View All Images: All Images From Book Click here to view book online to see this illustration in context in a browseable online version of this book. Text Appearing Before Image: March, 1906 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS i59 the ends of the pavilions are identical in each front; but those in the center of the entrance front consist of a single window to each bay, each with a molded frame; while those of the ocean front are in pairs and are without the elaborated frames. The simple cornice of the attic is surmounted by a balustrade which, as has been stated, veils the third story in the central building. Of the remaining external character- istics it is sufficient to point out that the wings of the en- trance front project further forward than those of the ocean front, a distinction of no very great importance save as it affects the size and disposition of the rooms within. The external adjuncts to these fronts form an essential feature of the aspect of the house and add immensely to its grace and beauty. Once more there is a similarity in disposi- tion, although the effect of each front is highly individual and distinctive. The space between the wings of each front constitutes a terrace. Each terrace is reached by a broad Might of steps, quite filling the space occupied by three bays of the house. Sculptured lions guard the center of these steps on the entrance front; here each end of the terrace is tilled with a flower garden; and splendid bay trees and orna- mental vases add to the decorative features which are com- pleted by a small fountain directly before the central win- dow. A larger fountain plays in the center of the space be- low, where the decorations include great marble seats placed before clipped hedges. The terrace of the ocean front is completely different in design. It is somewhat higher than the other, and the ends beyond the steps are inclosed within balustrades, the corner piers of which are surmounted by vast closed vases. Bay trees are arranged around the ends of the terrace, and an awning is hung before the three central windows. Immedi- ately below, on the lawn, are three impressive groups of sculpture. Smaller groups stand on pedestals on either side, thus extending the ornamental treatment almost to the ends of the house; and in the center is a noble fountain, the chief feature of which is a seated figure of a woman that faces the terrace. The ground supporting this fountain constitutes a raised terrace surfaced with grass, from which, at the center, a flight of steps, with vases at top and bottom, leads to the lower lawn. Here, then, is a thoroughly charming summer home, one built with every outward aspect of magnificence, and yet, as the architects will tell you, by no means as costly a structure as it seems to be. Whether actually built of marble or not is a somewhat immaterial point, since the material used is a thoroughly legitimate building material, used, in this in- stance, with rare taste in a thoroughly legitimate way. Ami everything that might be brought into service in obtaining a fine result has been employed. The elements of the design are essentially elegant, and they have been developed in an elegant manner, that is to say, with a real feeling for elegance artistically developed. The house is large enough to be im- pressive as a building, and its external embellishments—the garden, terrace, walks, fountains, vases and plants—are all arranged and combined to yield the most interesting results. The entrance to the house is through the right wing of the entrance front. The space immediately within constitutes a vestibule; then comes the staircase hall, with the main hall beyond, the whole of the right wing being thus given up completely to the approach, to hallways and to the stairs. The magnificence that is suggested by the sumptuous exterior is immediately realized. The entrance-hall and stairs are finished in Caen stone, white marble and cement. The walls are treated in panels separated by pilasters carrying a cor- nice decorated in relief. Engaged columns stand in the angles of the doors, whose great decorated arches inclose sculptured tympanums. The stairs are at right angles to the visitor, and directly Text Appearing After Image: The Dining-Room is Designed in a Severe Louis XVI. Style Note About Images Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfectly resemble the original work.