New York's Wilderstein House Dresses Up for Christmas
See how local designers have transformed this historic Queen Anne–style home with stunning holiday displays
Design professionals have decked out the Wilderstein Historic Site in a stunning array of Christmas decor for 2012. Tucked away on a secluded knob overlooking the Hudson River in Rhinebeck, New York, this prestigious Queen Anne mansion is regarded as the Hudson Valley's most important example of Victorian architecture and has a Calvert Vaux–designed landscape. The Wilderstein estate has also played host to important figures in American history — the residence was once home to Margaret Suckley, an intimate companion of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The pair's close and well-chronicled relationship is the subject of the film Hyde Park on Hudson, starring Laura Linney as Suckley and Bill Murray as FDR.
Only a short drive from New York City, the 19th-century home provides ideas and inspiration for traditionally elegant Christmas decor, either in person or through this virtual visit.
Location: 330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck, New York
Hours: Weekends from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of December; open for guided tours May through October, Thursday through Sunday, from noon until 4 p.m.
Cost: $10 adults; $9 students and seniors; free for children under 12
Only a short drive from New York City, the 19th-century home provides ideas and inspiration for traditionally elegant Christmas decor, either in person or through this virtual visit.
Location: 330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck, New York
Hours: Weekends from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of December; open for guided tours May through October, Thursday through Sunday, from noon until 4 p.m.
Cost: $10 adults; $9 students and seniors; free for children under 12
Tess Casey of Aisling Flowers decorated the main dining room. Warm reds play off ornate coffered ceilings and the original chandelier. Roses take center stage on a gold-dressed table.
Metallic ornaments, traditional candelabras and glittery faux birds complete the tablescape. Pinecones, red roses and gold and silver ornaments decorate a tree in the corner.
Evergreen garlands draped in red fabric dress the fireplace.
Fresh flowers in the sink, vegetables in a colander and a simple hanging wreath add a sense of story to the butler's pantry, decorated by Marijane Grassie.
Designers from The Flower Barn gave the library splashes of holiday sparkle.
Greenery, pink poinsettias and red ribbons adorn the fireplace.
The pink and red color scheme continues with a bouquet on the desk.
Geoff Howell styled the salon, featuring a trio of tree-decorating polar bears.
The combination of blue, gold and white brings a different feel to this more traditional parlor, decorated by Wonderland Florist. This mini tree is trimmed with an unexpected combination of blue bows and dried hydrangeas.
Gargoyles decorated the entry hall with red poinsettias and vintage gold pieces.
Simple decorations are enough with wood this beautiful. A simple pile of red and gold Christmas balls is all this mantel needs for the holidays.
A wreath of dried citrus, berries, pinecones and faux fruits by Battenfeld Christmas Tree Farm greets visitors at the entry.
Standing window baskets with evergreens and red berries bring holiday color to the porch, decorated by Joyce Meisinger.
The land surrounding the Wilderstein house was first purchased by Thomas Holy Suckley in 1852, because his wife, Catherine Murray Bowne, wanted a building site with striking natural features. The cedar and evergreen trees on the property gave the couple the connection to nature they were looking for.
Evergreens, red berries and pinecones come together in a simple swag outside.
See more photos from this holiday home tour
Evergreens, red berries and pinecones come together in a simple swag outside.
See more photos from this holiday home tour