AMERICAN ESTATES AND GARDENS 



through the upper parts of the house presents a succession of pleasant pictures, admirably 

 arranged for the comfort and convenience of the many guests who frequenth' throng this 

 delightful home. 



The elevation of the house on a hillside, and the necessary luiilding of terraces on which 

 to support it, provide some additional space below the main floor, which has been ])ut to good 

 use. Here are a squash court, a plunge and Turkish bath, and Mr. Blair's lounging-room. 



Like all great country houses, "Blairsden" is amply provided with sumptuous gardens 

 and grounds. Viewed from below, the house is supported by a great stone terrace, with double 

 flights of steps. The space thus created forms a species of o]_ien court l)efore the house, and 

 is treated with lawns and paths, and decorated with many bay trees. From the stone terrace 

 descend the great terraced gardens of the estate, closely hned with trees and treated in a 

 formal way, a superb approach, by which the traveler on foot may reach the house. 



At the farther end of the house, from the entrance doorway, is a pergola leading to an 

 outdoor lounging-room, a unique apartment, with brick walls, open arches, high wooden roof, 

 and a fireplace, a spot not only agreeable with all the agreeableness of good taste, luit from 

 which can be had most charming views of the surrounding country. Within, and behind 

 the connecting pergola, is a small enclosed flower garden court. 



The house is the center of a great estate, with stables, carriage houses, an automol)ile 

 house, farmhouse, dairy, and other essentials of a like nature. Mr. Blair is much interested in 

 his stable, and the finest possible accommodations have bqen provided for his blooded stock, 

 all of which are housed and cared for in a state almost regal. 



[II] 



