Design professionals have decked out that the Wilderstein Historic Site in a stunning array of Christmas decor for 2012. Tucked away on a tropical knob overlooking the Hudson River in Rhinebeck, New York, this prestigious Queen Anne mansion is considered 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 — that the home was once home to Margaret Suckley, an intimate companion of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The pair’s near 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 supplies ideas and inspiration for traditionally elegant Christmas decor, either in person or through this virtual trip.
Location: 330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck, New York
Hours: Weekends from 1 to 4 p.m. throughout the end of December; open for tours May through October, Thursday through Sunday, from noon until 4 p.m.
Price: $10 adults; $9 students and seniors; complimentary for children below 12
Rikki Snyder
Rikki Snyder
Tess Casey of Aisling Flowers decorated the main dining area. Warm reds play ornate coffered ceilings and the first chandelier. Roses take centre stage on a gold-dressed dining table.
Rikki Snyder
Metallic ornaments, traditional candelabras and glittery artificial birds finish the tablescape. Pinecones, crimson roses and silver and gold decorations decorate a tree in the corner.
Rikki Snyder
Evergreen garlands draped in crimson fabric dress the fireplace.
Rikki Snyder
New 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.
Rikki Snyder
Designers in The Flower Barn gave the library splashes of holiday sparkle.
Rikki Snyder
Greenery, pink poinsettias and crimson ribbons decorate the fireplace.
Rikki Snyder
The crimson and pink color scheme has a fragrance on the desk.
Rikki Snyder
Rikki Snyder
Geoff Howell styled the salon, with a trio of all tree-decorating polar bears.
Rikki Snyder
Rikki Snyder
The combination of blue, gold and white brings a different feel to the more conventional parlor, decorated by Wonderland Florist. This miniature tree is trimmed with an unexpected combination of blue bows and dried hydrangeas.
Rikki Snyder
Gargoyles decorated the entry hall with red poinsettias and classic gold bits.
Rikki Snyder
Simple decorations are sufficient with timber this lovely. A simple pile of red and gold Christmas balls is this mantel requires for the holidays.
Rikki Snyder
A wreath of dried citrus, berries, pinecones and artificial veggies by Battenfeld Christmas Tree Farm greets visitors at the entry.
Rikki Snyder
Position window baskets with evergreens and red berries bring holiday color to the porch, decorated by Joyce Meisinger.
Rikki Snyder
Rikki Snyder
The property surrounding the Wilderstein house was first bought by Thomas Holy Suckley in 1852, because his wife, Catherine Murray Bowne, wanted a construction site with striking natural features. The cedar and evergreen trees on the house gave the couple the link to nature they were trying to find.
Evergreens, crimson berries and pinecones come in a simple swag outside.
See more photographs from this holiday home tour