Mount Vernon in the Winter

Today is President’s Day and I could think of no better post to share with you that my recent visit to Mount Vernon in the Winter.

In late January most of the country fell under a blanket of extremely cold weather. I had planned a research trip to Virginia that occurred during this time. Putting on all our cold weather gear Mr. Decor and I set out to see the home of George and Martha Washington. 

 

Mount Vernon in the Winter

Members of the Washington family first acquired the land in 1674. The property was handed down through the generations. George Washington began leasing the estate in 1754. In 1761 he became its sole owner after the passing of both his half brother, Lawrence, from tuberculosis and Lawrence’s daughter, Sarah. 

The estate contained 8,000 acres (3,200 ha) while George Washington lived there along with numerous out buildings. 

The home and most of the outbuildings favor a Palladian design style.

You can read more about this era of design in this Georgian/Federal Style post. 

After several days of snow and ice the sunshine sparkled so beautifully over the earth that it sparkled like glass. 

Mount Vernon has been undergoing renovations in preparation to celebrate America250. While we visited the outdoor spaces were being cleaned and repaired. So the Windsor chairs that usually grace the front porch had been set out in the snow. I couldn’t resist capturing the image. 

The beauty of touring Mount Vernon when it is only 14 degrees out is that you may have the entire place to yourselves. 

My veteran was given the honor of placing the daily wreath at the tomb of George and Martha Washington. 

Glorious Rooms of Color

We began our tour of the home itself in the New Room. It could serve several purposes. Dinners were often hosted in the room as well as receptions and dances. 

The ceiling design reminded me of works done by notable Neoclassical architect and designer Robert Adam. 

Washington chose farming tools and grapevines to symbolize the Earth’s abundance. 

In the central passageway there is a lovely black walnut staircase. 

In between two doorways hangs a key to the Bastille given to Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette. 

The reproduction French neoclassical wallpaper was inspired by Roman wall paintings. 

The Little Parlor is located through the left doorway. It was primarily used as a parlor and music room. 

I spied a reproduction of Mrs. Washington’s chair cushions. It took her 36 years to finish 12 cushions. A testament to commitment. 

Cousins

Fun fact: Laura Ingalls Wilder and George Washington were 9th cousins. The first President and I are 13th cousins!

Her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, wrote the Book of American Needlework which features the instructions and patterns to make Mrs. Washington’s cushions. 

The Dining Room

The doorway on the right leads to the dining room. It features absolutely stunning glazed verdigris green walls. 

A classic black and white floorcloth covered the wood flooring. Having painted a floorcloth myself back in 2010 I admired the work that it took to create it. 

The stucco work on the ceiling is also spectacular!

The wood chimney piece features a lovely Rococo design carved by Bernard Sears in 1775. 

The Bedrooms

Several pieces of furniture were returned to Mount Vernon by descendants of the Washington and Custis families. The following rooms were so delightful to visit. 

This is the aptly named Blue Room. It was restored in 2017 and truly gorgeous!

The striking Yellow Room. It was one of the most finely furnished guest rooms in the home. 

Most of the woodwork in the Chintz Room is original. I adored the elaborate bed hangings. The current design is based on a 1774 pattern found in the collection of the Winterthur Museum. 

 

The Washington’s bedchamber features a bedstead that measures just over six feet six inches long. It accommodated George Washington who stood six feet two inches tall. 

   

The pretty room was Mrs. Washington’s sanctuary. This is her lovely desk where 1000’s of letters were penned.

The Archives

In the afternoon I was beyond thrilled to tour the archives. I had written well in advance requesting a visit based on research needed for my upcoming National First Ladies Day presentation. 

Mrs. Kathrin Breitt Brown, Mount Vernon’s historical costumer, graciously set up the appointment. We met with curator Amanda Isaac who cares for the collection that includes George and Martha Washington’s personal effects.

I am incredibly grateful two these two amazing individuals who gave so much of their time. I learned SO MUCH!

While I was able to take numerous photos, the rules of viewing the archives is that the photos must be kept private for my own educational purposes. 

However, everything I saw has also been cataloged by Mount Vernon and can be viewed on their website HERE. 

I will say that it was absolutely amazing to see President Washington’s first inaugural coat and Mrs. Washington’s wedding shoes. 

   Museum Displays

In another building there are also many amazing artifacts on display. 

This was a fantastic display featuring the variations of clothing that were worn by the enslaved workers. I welcomed the opportunity to learn more. 

 

I studied this painting of Martha Dandridge Custis Washington by John Wollaston for a good long time. 

This visit to Mount Vernon was so special and extremely helpful to my upcoming presentation What Martha Washington Might Have Worn. The first lecture will take place on National First Ladies Day, Saturday, April 25th, 2026. More details will soon follow. 

Happy President’s Day!

Laura