I grew up in an old house, which is probably why I love historic homes so much. Whenever I travel, I like to tour manors and estates, which are often lifesize time capsules. So while Jon was off getting off-road lessons at the Land Rover Experience in Manchester, Vermont, I stopped for a visit to Hildene. Hildene is the summer family home of Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s eldest son and only child to survive into adulthood. The name of the estate is derived from the old English words meaning hill and valley with stream. It was completed in 1905 and inhabited by Lincoln’s descendants until 1975. Today, the Georgian Revival house is run by a non-profit that restored and manages the property. What’s amazing is that the furniture is all original, including a massive pipe organ that was restored in the 1980s. Robert Lincoln was the president of Pullman Company, which explains the magnificent and original 1903 Pullman train on the property. The family collection includes Lincoln’s stovepipe hat and even the former president’s death mask (which is so realistic that I was a little frightened).

Aside from the early American furniture, a highlight for me was the stunning wallpapers. Enjoy the following photos, I had a wonderful time visiting and sharing these with you!

What do you love most about the house?