Stop 8: SECOND FLOOR HALLWAY

Stop at the second floor landing. Notice here again the classical ornamentation of the Colonial Revival style and the beautiful staircase that continues to the third floor. Notice the transom windows on the internal hallways and the slatted doors. Bessie got the idea for these from summer hotels where she had stayed. She had architects Kilham and Hopkins include them in the mansion’s design for ventilation and to bring the cooling ocean breezes to the east-facing rooms. In addition, the loggia would have been open, allowing the air to flow between the wings and to the front of the house. These architectural features demonstrate that the house was planned with summer living in mind.

The red flocked wallpaper on the second floor and hallway was replaced in 2014 with an exact replica of the original. It was custom-made in France, and is double-flocked, wool on wool. Special blocks had to be made for the hand-blocked printing process.