In the early 19th century, wealth and extravagance were a hallmark of many prominent businessmen throughout the United States. These men accumulated great fortunes by purchasing shares in various businesses, such as railroads, steel production, and mining.
During this time, they also built impressive mansions to house their growing families and art collections. Some of these houses are still standing today and can be found in the greater Philadelphia area.
One of these homes is Widener Mansion Jenkintown PA, which was built in the late 1890s for streetcar tycoon Peter A. B. Widener and designed by architect Horace Trumbauer.
When it was completed, Widener’s 110-room mansion had 55 bedrooms and a vast art gallery. It was also home to a ballroom that could hold 1,000 people and an indoor pool.
Its interior design was based on the Prior Park mansion in Bath, England. Its exterior was also influenced by that country’s famous landscape, which helped to create an imposing setting for the mansion’s magnificent art collection.
The architecture of Widener’s mansion is incredibly grand and commanding, and it was designed to reflect the wealth of its owner. This includes the oversized front doors with their bronze and gold finishes. The entryway has an archway and alcoves on either side of the stairs that lead to different areas of the house.
In addition to a formal entryway, the house had a large hall that had many different features that helped to define it. This room has a coffered ceiling and stained-glass windows by Violet Oakley that gave the room a more baronial feel.
This hall is a beautiful example of the elegance that Trumbauer had in mind when designing Widener’s house. The ceiling is a beautiful and intricate design with a wavy pattern.
The room is spacious and features an elegant chandelier that hangs in the center of the room. It has an opulent marble floor that makes the room seem even more impressive.
On the other side of the hallway, is the bedroom with a fireplace and a walk-in closet. This room also has a renovated bathroom that was designed to be stylish and contemporary in nature.
Another room in the hall has a French door that leads to the garden. This room is large and also has a very nice fireplace that is designed to look like a French tapestry.
In addition to having a large and impressive entrance hall, the house also has a very elegant dining room that has an elaborate marble fireplace. The walls are also lined with mirrors that create an opulent look.
There is also a formal living room with a gas fireplace that can be opened to the kitchen. The living room is decorated with an antique rug and a wall of bookcases that make the room seem even more grand.
The house is filled with gorgeous art work that was commissioned by Widener. These paintings are mainly works by European masters. Some of these works have been exhibited in the National Gallery of Art.
