AMERICAN ESTATES AND GARDENS 



over the openings. The balustrade which crowns the cornice has sculptured groups of children 

 on the corner piers. 



The grounds which surround the house have been arranged in fine harmony with it. 

 The building stands on a terrace, much of which is enclosed within balustrades. The approaches 

 of the two fronts are much alike, with broad flights of steps, balustrades finished at the ends 

 with large vases, and very symmetrical bay trees. On the right of the entrance front is the 

 stable, and a service yard which is placed at a lower level than the spacious fore court and other 

 grounds. On the other side of the house is a great green garden, with paths of grass marked 

 off with low borders of flowers, and a vast central fountain, whose jet throws a stream of water 

 high into the air. Stone benches are placed around the fountain, and groups of statuary stand 

 on decorated bases. On the sides of the house the view is closed with a latticed pergola, with 

 piers of small open circles and latticed panels. Sculptured figures stand under the openings, 

 and at one end is a great domed summer house, also of lattice design. 



With such a splendid exterior, a sumptuous interior follows as a matter of course. The 

 entrance hall is designed in a monumental manner, with walls of Caen stone and columns of 

 polished marble. The door openings are flat, with round arched niches between them, and 

 the cornice is richly detailed. To the right, the stairs to the upper story ascend in a graceful 

 curve; behind them are the pantries and service-rooms which connect with other rooms and 



THE HALL. 



[95] 



