Thomas Suckley and his wife Catherine Murray Browne wanted a building site endowed with striking natural features in the best traditions of the picturesque aesthetic. The landscape setting for Wilderstein fulfilled this criteria by virtue of its varied terrain and the scenic views it afforded of the river and distant mountains --- the vistas framed by tall cedars and evergreens.

Suckley named the property "Wilderstein" (wild man's stone) in reference to a nearby Indian petroglyph, an allusive reminder of a cultural heritage that preceded European settlements in the region.

In 1983, Miss Margaret Lynch Suckley, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Suckley, donated the house and 35 acre grounds to Wilderstein Preservation, a not-for-profit educational corporation. Active since 1980, the organization is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the architecture, interior design, collections, landscape and natural open space of this significant site. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Wilderstein is a major feature of the Hudson River National Landmark District.

The original Italinate villa designed by John Warren Ritch was remodeled and enlarged in 1888 by Thomas's son Robert Browne Suckley and his wife, Elizabeth Philips Montgomery. Poughkeepsie architect Arnout Cannon was hired to transform the two story villa into an elaborate Queen Anne style country house. The structure now soared upward with the addition of a third floor, multi-gabled attic and a dramatic five story circular tower with a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. The fanciful, asymmetrical skyline of the house was enhanced by the addition of an imposing porte-cochere and an expansive verandah.

The fashionably appointed interiors were designed by the New York City decorator, Joseph Burr Tiffany. With the ground floor rooms executed in contrasting historic revival and aesthetic movement styles, the interiors at Wilderstein offer a splendid microcosm of the decorative arts during this period of American design.

The self-conscious opulence of the newly remodeled Wilderstein was complimented by the Picturesque Landscape design of Calvert Vaux who laid out the grounds at Wilderstein according to the principles of the American Romantic Landscape style. The Vaux firm created an intricate network of drives, walks and trails adorned with specimen trees and ornamental shrubs. The landscape plan entailed well-chosen prospect points marked by rustic gazebos and sheltered garden seats. Eclectically designed out buildings were also erected during this period, ranging form a turreted carriage house to the Shingle style gate lodge and Colonial Revival style potting shed.

Where to Go, Play, Stay & Eat Nearby! Places to Stay Nearby Places to Eat Nearby Places to Shop Nearby Recreation Nearby Historic Sites Nearby Arts Nearby 5 Miles Around 10 Miles Around 15 Miles Around 20 Miles Around 25 Miles Around

Until 1991 three generations of Suckleys occupied Wilderstein, amassing personal and ancestral effects that attest to the lively social history of the estate, its family and their relationship to the Hudson Valley. The books, letters, photographs, furniture, paintings, art objects and china - some ordinary and some exquisite - are intriguing to the scholar and the casual visitor alike.

Directions

From the center of Rhinebeck, proceed south on Route 9 to first right, Mill Road. Turn onto Mill Road, East, and proceed 2.2 miles to Morton Road, (County Route 85). Turn right onto Morton Road and proceed one-quarter mile. Wilderstein entrance is on left.

The descriptive text for this presentation is taken with the generous cooperation of Wilderstein Preservation, Inc. from their latest brochure. The interview with Mr. Duane Watson happened on May 19, 1997.