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| The Parlor |
As part of my husband's birthday weekend, we kicked off the evening by touring Victoria Mansion in Portland, Maine - it was stunning! I took about 90 photos, and I've compiled them in these collages. To view the photo's click on the image to enlarge.
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| The Master Bedroom - The Red Room |
Victoria Mansion was built between 1858 and 1860. It is the finest example of Italianate style in the United States.
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| The Green Bedroom |
The owner, Mr. Ruggles Morse was a hotel businessman from Maine. This was his "summer home." He mainly lived in New Orleans. He spent the summers in his home state.
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| The Library |
The house and it's contents were sold in 1894 to the Libby family. Today, 90% of the original furnishings are intact in the home - amazing. The Libby family took very good care of the home.
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| The Dining Room |
In 1940, the home was slated for the "wreaking ball," thankfully due to the efforts of Dr. William Holmes a group came together and saved this stunning home.
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| The Receiving Room |
I hope that you get a chance to tour this beautiful home if you are ever in Portland. I can assure you that it's worth the trip. The craftsmanship is amazing!
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| The Foyer |
Tomorrow is my husband's "official" birthday, and we'll kick it off with breakfast at home, then a trip to L.L. Bean in Freeport, ME and dinner at the Good Table in Cape Elizabeth, ME. Sunday is a trip to his favorite in-door farmers market in Scarborough, ME!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
It is beautiful - a bit over the top (i.e. I wouldn't want to live in it, I'd feel very insignificant and small among so much deco), but beautiful to look at! Is that a dolls house I can spot on one of the pictures?
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your husband! Your plans for the weekend sound lovely; enjoy!!
It's a replica of the house made out of gingerbread!
DeleteWhat an amazing place!! and your weekend sounds wonderful. Happy Birthday to your husband, have a great time.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing place. You were so lucky to see it at Christmas time when it is decorated so beautifully. Maine has so many fun things to do. Wish the "old man" Happy Birthday for me.
ReplyDeleteThough I've had the joy of taking the tour, I have never visited in December. Wow. It really is something all decorated to the nines. I found the style of the home ostentatious even in July, but that is what defines Italianate. It rather makes me smile that such homes exist in Maine. (Though I was also shocked that such a home as my hairdresser lives in is in my own hometown.) Sounds as if a delightful and celebratory weekend is planned. Have a lot of fun and happy birthday to your hubby!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your husband. A trip to LL Bean would make any gentleman very happy.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting and lovely in a special way home. I'm thinking Mr. Ruggles got the seasons mixed up. You're supposed to be in Maine in the summer, not the sultry Gulf coast. Well, to each his own. Thank you for a tour of his house. I'm so glad to know it was saved from the wrecking ball.
Sam
Thankfully someone was wise enough to know that this magnificent structure should not be torn down. It is beautiful. Happy Birthday to your husband. L.L.Bean...on your birthday? Doesn't get much better than that. Enjoy the weekend. Susan
ReplyDeletehow beautiful. happy birthday to your husband! your plans are exciting! have fun!
ReplyDeleteOh my. I'd have to start in June to do all that decorating. And it would take me until May to get it all down! Really over-the-top cool!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a beautiful showcase of this lovely place! It would definitely be putting my in the Christmas Spirit! What a fun outing for you and your husband!
ReplyDeleteMy mom and I shall be visiting the Victoria Mansion on Tuesday, it is part of our Christmas tradition. Mr. Dog Trot and I toured the Longfellow home last weekend, also another tradition. The Tate House was also a favorite to visit, however it is no longer open at Christmas, funding issues. Thank you for the wonderful tour, can I ask where the farmers market is located in Scarborough? Happy Birthday to your husband, I too have a December birthday, visiting historic homes at Christmastime makes it even more special. Greetings from Maine, Julie.
ReplyDeleteWOW! That is JUST stunning, what an amazing place and so FESTIVE! What a lovely outing for you both, raising a glass to you this festive period! Karen
ReplyDeleteThe collages were a great way to share these!
ReplyDeleteMaine is a beautiful spot and it's on my bucket list as I've yet to visit. Lovely home and despite the elaborate decor, it is surprisingly welcoming :) Thanks for the virtual tour!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend and hope you are enjoying the holidays.
xx
leslie
www.trouverlesoleil.blogspot.com
Wow, that place sure is gorgeous. I really like the decorated gazebo on your header, too. Not to mention that funny about getting cremated. No wait... I DID mention it. Happy birthday to your hubby. I hope you have a super weekend.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful day! Miss Portland during the holidays but glad you are visiting some of my favorite places!
ReplyDeleteCarol
What a stunning place. Looks like a wonderful birthday weekend. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! I would love a day trip up to Maine! Maybe this spring. Happy December!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great way to celebrate a birthday. Happy Birthday to your husband.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday to your husband!
ReplyDeleteThis mansion is magnificent and in such pristine condition. The red carpeted staircase made me swoon...how gorgeous! Your photos were a treat to see, Mary!
Absolutely Gorgeous!Inspired by this post, I scouted around on the website for the VM, all the while asking myself: "Now,why haven't I gone here?".
ReplyDeleteIts really something, I'd love to see the kitchen, is it open to the public too?
ReplyDeleteAnd your header, very Maine!
Merry Christmas
xx
julie
Best wishes to the birthday boy.
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a fantastic weekend - it started really well.
How lucky you are to live near such beauty; my birthday was on the 6th; wish I could have joined you.
ReplyDeleteRita
What an amazing house to visit - so luxurious and beautifully decorated.
ReplyDeleteI hope your husband had a great birthday!
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas Mary, and Logan sends doggy greetings to Duke!
Gill xx
What a gorgeous house. Thank you so much for the tour. Wanted to pop in and wish you and your a very Merry Christmas!~Melissa
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a very beautiful Christmas, Mary and that 2013 will bring more joys and blessings! Happy New Year!
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