Another surprise. Hadn’t been here in over 40 years, pre-Jeanie. It has changed much and to my delight upgraded, and even more amazing.

Front View.

Had a great tour with an insightful guide. There were only two of us. After the tour, my fellow tour mate and I cruised the grounds, and had a wonderful chat about life and Clermont.

What an exquisite day on all counts.

The interior

This was the home of wealthy landowners, the Livingston’s, who rented their lands to farmers in the late 17th century.

The home was 🔥 burnt to the ground in 1777 by the British but much saved by the mistress of the home. She buried items on the grounds and placed much in a wagon to hide away.

After the fire she pursued the then Governor for support, and he wearied of her requests and sent men to rebuild the home.

There is a good movie 🎥 in the visitor center to preview your tour. However, there is another exhibit speaking to the black slaves who worked the property. Apparently, Philip, the landowner, would rape and impregnate the slaves then sell off the children.

Beyond repulsive, little more to say.

Due to the expense of upkeep the last tenants of the home lived in cottages on the property. The last 2 female children- one married and one was a single female stockbroker in NYC relinquished the property upon their death.

One of the cottages

The other.

There are lovely, simple gardens associated with the home. Many events such as weddings occur on the property.

Daffodil Bed

Natural Gazebo

In development

Packasander

Gardening shed

And then there is the mighty Hudson River at Clermont’s front door. I often wonder what Henry Hudson thought as he traveled up this River the first time.