"LILLIOTHEA"
"PLACE WITH A VIEW FROM A HILL"
The Home of Mr. George R. White,
Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass.
Bigelow & Wadsworth, architects; R. H. Wambolt, associate
Olmsted Brothers, landscape architects
MAIN ENTRANCE AND TOWER ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
"Lilliothea" was named by an Indian chief, on the occasion of his visit to the original house some time ago, because of the breadth and charm of its wonderful view. It was a clear day, so clear that the chief could see, looking south, much of the ragged outline of the coast, and, of course, the beautiful homes of Beverly Farms and Marblehead, and beyond Massachusetts Bay with many of its islands. Looking north as the fog lifted. Eastern Point came into view, marking the entrance of Gloucester harbor.
ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
That Mr. White selected for his residence that peculiar phase of the architecture which is forever associated with the Renaissance of Francis I is a source of congratulation by no means confined to the area worthily known as the Athens of America. It is not surprising to find that this type of building, wayward and charming, with picturesque grouping and wealth of ornament, appeals, because it is magnetic. Of the grand manner we have surely had more than enough. This school of architecture attracts by the gaiety of its color - red, white, purple and green - the distinction of its outlines. Think for a moment of the silhouette, examine it and see how the owner may have minaret or dormer adjoining that tall roof, balcony or loggia almost wherever he likes. We of the new America who have always flirted more with France than with England naturally prefer the French interpretation of this fascinating form of architectural independence to that more sturdy work adopted by the Lone Isle. This house reminds those of us who cherish such things seriously of an interesting but somewhat forgotten section of French chateau building, which happens to be singularly adapted not only to this property but to other properties belonging to other people along the great coast line of New England.
ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
RECALLING THE CLOISTER OF CASTLE BLOIS, THE LOGGIA IS SIGNIFICANT The most engaging view of the valley is the one obtained from the loggia upon the main axis of the house, opening upon the living-room. The flat arches, caps and diapered pillars are interesting. The balustrade is of bronze which is accepting tones of emerald and russet imposed by the sea air. |
Built in 1912, the main residence is a replica of a French chateau created using bricks imported from France. |
The architect of "Lilliothea" has accepted the circular tower as well as the octagonal tower, making of it the accent somewhat after the fashion of that adopted in the Castle Azay-le-Rideau, the Castle Chenonceaux and Chateaudun. The monumental chimneys, exalted dormers and many-membered cornices recall Chambord, the magnificent palace of the dancing, rippling Loire, whose valley is famous for its country houses.
SERVICE ENTRANCE ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
SERVANTS VERANDA ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
Rambling through the chateau land of France and remembering the opportunities of America with its rich material and brilliant climate, it is astonishing to realize that this style of architecture has waited so long to be acknowledged here, to be added to the equipment of the architect! It only requires to be known to be appreciated, to be adapted. True, we no longer have Leonardo, the magnificent, the incomparable, but we have splendid workers sensitive to the finger tips, who can drink as deeply of the spring which inspires. Samuel Howe
First Floor Plan |
Entrance Hall. |
A look back at mansion's front door. |
The mansion's main staircase is seen here. |
A look down the main staircase. |
RECEPTION ROOM ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
DINING ROOM ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
DINING ROOM |
LIVING ROOM ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
The carvers worked meticulously inside as well, exquisitely detailing ceilings, columns, and fireplace surrounds. |
BREAKFAST ROOM ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
Breakfast Room features an inlaid floor of green Connemara marble from Ireland and a skylight made of translucent stone. |
DEN ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
The 12,000-square-foot house has original elegant details - ornate moldings, elaborate carvings, leaded glass panes, and gilded hardware. |
SUN PARLOR ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO A HOUSE AT MANCHESTER, MASS. BIGELOW & WADSWORTH, ARCHITECTS; R.H. WAMBOLT, ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT |
SUN PARLOR |
Second Floor Plans |
Before alteration. |
Originally a modest frame house, built towards the end of the 19th century, White had the home completely remodeled in 1912 by the architecture firm Bigelow & Wadsworth, and the landscape was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
After White died in the 1920s, a second owner inhabited the home until 1944 when the Reeves purchased it for their year-round residence. "Lilliothea" was listed in 2004 for $23.5 million. In 2007 the estate was then offered as two separate properties, the main estate at $14.75 million and a three-bedroom carriage house with a six-car garage on 2 acres listed at $2.75 million.
The carriage house sold for $2.5 and the main house for $9.2 million in 2010.
"Lilliothea" The Home of Mr. George R. White |
lillio might come from lilas "blue" or "lily" fair/beautiful thea comes from the French "to see" so maybe a made up word having to do with beautiful view of the blue ocean.
Wikimapia location. BING. Architect Henry Forbes Bigelow.
Fascinating as always. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSuch a magnificent estate
ReplyDeleteDo you know where the architectural drawings above came from, and if there are other drawings available?
ReplyDeleteAmerican Architect and Architecture 1917. Unknown if others.
DeleteNice to find this after opening the latest (November2021) Architectural Digest. I was hoping to find out what town the house was in (the piece only spoke of Massachusetts coastal town) and now I know!
ReplyDeleteThe house was masterfully restored, remodeled and added to by The Lagasse Group out of Hopkinton MA in 2019.
ReplyDelete