The incredible architecture, the history, the absolutely stunning mahogany throughout the mansion... read more
The incredible architecture, the history, the absolutely stunning mahogany throughout the mansion... read more
Lovely tour and a wonderful way to step back in time. I didn't know anything about the families... read more
We happened to arrive during a free musical program which was nice as we had to wait for the next tour time. We spent our time exploring the grounds and listening to a solo artist. The grounds were pretty with floral displays including a garden that was part of a Garden Quilt display throughout the area.
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and there were only 4 of us on the tour, so we had time for individual questions. While not all the items are original to the home, there were pictures of the home from when it was first furnished and they tried to duplicate this by adding in appropriate items from the time period. There are many things in the home that show it was designed by forward thinking individuals. Taking photos is not allowed inside the mansion.
Not something we would see often in the east, but this was an interesting house. Our first impression from outside was that with all the brick and stone and the straight lines was that the house would be cold and formal on the inside. It is fairly formal inside, but it reflects early 20th century money and the owner's desire to show his success. It actually did feel fairly homey. Virtually all of the original woodwork, walls, etc., are still there. Amazingly, no one ever painted over the cuban mahogany woodwork. The architect was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and it shows in the lines and finish of the of the house. Beautiful stained glass windows and even a stained glass panel in the ceiling on the upper floors.
The docent was a young woman who clearly knew her stuff. She was able to answer most of our questions and she clearly enjoys her work. We were the only people on our tour and the next tour had only one person. Not sure how they keep this place up, but it was immaculate and well decorated.
It was nice to see the owners spent money on the staff part of the house, providing decoration even there and providing large rooms for the staff. You don't see that in all homes of the period.
Don't miss the garage out back. Three cars that were not owned by the house owners, but all are of the period and the electric car was owned by the friend of the original Mrs. Beardsley.
A well displayed mansion home just north of downtown, showing an accurate representation of how things were here just after the turn of the twentieth century. The museum has a knowledgeable staff that shows you little known and easily missed objects and their use in that period. The museum home also is a wonderful place for photos and the occasional summer wedding. Many photo ops, and a nice place to visit.
We stopped here on a Saturday morning for their "coffee on the front porch" event, which included live music. Very pleasant activity, although we weren't able to tour the house (just the gardens) due to family conflicts. It's a fabulous-looking Beaux Arts style mansion, dating to the early-20th century.
This place is very special place here in Elkhart. The history and the beauty of the mansion is unbelievable. The court yard is so very pretty. The basement is full of pictures of the family's that has lived there. My favorite room is the dinner room. Had a special feel to it. The garage is so cool it has it's own car turn table in it ! To cool. So of your elkhart stop on in.
Not able to take pictures inside which was disappointing because the rooms were some of the most spectacular that I've seen. The decor was grand but subtle, colorful but soft, powerful but calming.
If you have a problem with stairs, don't go, but if you can make it, at all, it is definitely a must for anyone visiting Elkhart.