Meadowbrook Hall
Meadow Brook Hall, located in Rochester, Michigan, was once the home of Matilda Dodge Wilson and her second husband, Alfred Wilson. Matilda was the widow of John Dodge, of Dodge automobiles.
In one of the main rooms, the portrait of Matilda’s second husband, Alfred, hangs on the wall to the right.
A sprawling estate, Meadow Brook Hall was constructed between 1926-1929 in the beautiful Tudor Revival style that was so popular at the time.
Like the two other Tudor Revival Manor houses I’ve written about, it includes beautiful glass treatments, gardens and interiors with period appropriate furnishings, though this particular manor is styled with fine-crafted reproductions rather than authentic pieces from the Tudor era.
Details abound…
Elegant Details…
At Meadow Brook, I was struck by the beautiful detailing in the plaster ceilings, wood paneling and even on pieces like the bespoke bed posts shown below. The guide told us they are replicas of two of the chimney designs (there are numerous chimney on the house).
Fine woodworking, indeed.
To continue with this observation, I’m including a close up of the fireplace stone carving below - so lovely.
And an imposing colonnaded stone door surround, the panels of the door carved out in a pattern that reminds me a bit of Florentine work.
Stone fireplace surround with heraldic and botanical designs.
This door was on the back side, if I recall, not even a front door but such regal-ness.
Another wooden post, this one for the stair (right), takes the opportunity to be decorative - is it reminding you of The Game of Thrones? Winter is coming, and in Michigan, it will be cold!
In the above photo to the left, you can just see the decorative cut windows, again reminding me a little of Italy, Venice perhaps.
A bedroom at the Hall
A Most Beautiful Bedroom…
This was my favorite room in the whole of the house. I believe the guide said it was one of the son’s bedrooms.
The reason I love this room so much is simply because of the bay type window nook and it’s rows and columns of gorgeous windows.
The ceiling is high with exposed timbers which makes for a very atmospheric feel as well.
Classic details
More classic details in another bedroom, I think this may have been a guest room.
The monogrammed bed coverings with postive/negative designs have a modern-retro feel. The vent in the wall has a screen decorated with lions rampant and, I think, arrows. Wait, I think that was a vent, yes I’m pretty sure it was.
In the hall, there was a linen closet and I took the photo on the above right (it’s not part of the room, though it looks like it is) because again, details, and the pretty little scalloped fabric shelving liners.
Sitting room
I didn’t have my notebook with when I toured, which I should always have, because you think you’re going to remember everything, and then you don’t. I think this was a sitting room that was attached to the guest room shown in the photo above this.
I love the table.
Shades of pink.
This was Matilda’s bedroom.
Those swaggy, filmy curtains are reminding me of Rebecca’s bedroom in the Hitchcock version of the movie, Rebecca. Fortunately, no Mrs. Danvers in sight.
Matilda’s bathroom
A Tortoise in Residence…
This was Matilda’s bathroom. And apparently, she shared it was an African Tortoise named Pete that was brought back from a world tour by her daughter, Frances, for her younger siblings, Richard and Barbara.
Inside the foyer…
Just inside the main door and more examples of detailing in the carved faces on the beams.
Handcrafted furnishings…
Finely Crafted
Matilda and her second husband Alfred went to England on their honeymoon and drew inspiration from many of the great Tudor houses.
Matilda took copious notes on furniture styles so that she could have her own fine reproduction made by American artisans.
A sunroom type space.
Beautiful stone vaulting ending in finials…
Part of the garden.
Outside, a wonderful winged horse fountain. There are many weddings that are performed on the estate, and you can’t see it, but to the left we saw chairs set up for just such an occasion.
When we first arrived, bridal photos were being taken in front of the house.
A Few More Notes of Interest…
Meadow Brook Hall has 88 rooms and about 110,000 square feet.
Matilda was very involved in all aspects of design - from selecting the wood for paneling to picking out the switch plates for lighting.
Although Matilda and Alfred went to England for their honeymoon and found inspiration for Meadow Brook’s architecture, a second trip was taken to examine historical rooms that could be used for reference in their new home.
Meadow Brook Hall was finished in 1929 at a total cost of $4 million.
There was a housewarming party that 850 people attended. It was thrown 3 weeks before the stock market crash.
There are 39 chimneys on Meadow Brook, each with their own unique design.
Meadow Brook Hall was donated in 1957 and in 1971 it became open to the public.
And there ends the tour, I encourage you to make your way to Rochester, and Michigan in general, to see Meadow Brook Hall for yourself!