Wildercliff facts for kids
|
Wildercliff
|
|
|
U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
|
HABS image of the front yard of Wildercliff from an unknown date.
|
|
| Location | Mill Road Rhinebeck, New York |
|---|---|
| Part of | Hudson River Historic District |
| NRHP reference No. | 90002219 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | December 14, 1990 |
| Designated NHLDCP | December 14, 1990 |
Wildercliff is a beautiful old estate located on Mill Road in Rhinebeck, New York. This historic home was once owned by Freeborn Garrettson, an important early Methodist minister, and his wife, Catherine Livingston. Catherine was from the famous Livingston family, who lived at the Clermont estate. Wildercliff might also be part of the larger Hudson River Historic District.
Contents
A Glimpse into Wildercliff's History
Wildercliff was built in 1799. It's a large house with a style called Federal, which was popular back then. It sits high up on a bluff, giving it amazing views of the Hudson River. This house was the home of Reverend Freeborn Garrettson (1752-1827). He was an early Methodist minister who traveled a lot, often on horseback, to preach. His wife, Catherine (1752–1849), was the daughter of Judge Robert Livingston and sister to the famous "Chancellor" Livingston.
The land where Wildercliff stands was first part of a large land grant called the Artsen-Kip Patent. Later, it became a farm owned by John Van Wagenen. Freeborn Garrettson met Catherine Livingston in 1792. They married the next year and moved to a small house in the Town of Rhinebeck. In 1799, Garrettson bought 160 acres from Van Wagenen. The name "Wildercliff" comes from the Dutch words "Wilder Klippe." It refers to an old carving on a rock near the river, which showed a Native American with a tomahawk and a peace pipe. The Mohican people lived in this area first.
In 1802, Garrettson sold some land to his brother-in-law, Morgan Lewis. This land later became part of the "Ellerslie" estate, which was once home to Vice-President Levi P. Morton.
What Wildercliff Looks Like
The original house had two stories and was covered with clapboard siding. It had a special kind of roof called a gambrel roof. A writer named Benson Lossing said the house was "modest" compared to other big homes nearby. This fit the simple lifestyle of the Garrettsons.
The Garrettsons were known for being very welcoming. They often hosted other Methodist ministers who traveled like Freeborn. Their daughter continued this tradition. According to Freeborn's will, the house was meant to be a home for young Methodist ministers starting their careers. Preachers for nearby Rhinecliff and Hillside churches lived at Wildercliff. Many famous people visited, including Union College President Eliphalet Nott and author Susan Warner. A frequent visitor, Francis Asbury, even called it "Traveler's Rest." Because so many people visited, the house needed to be made bigger over time. A third story with dormer windows was added at some point.
Around 1850, a veranda (a covered porch) was added. Later, more rooms were built on the east and west sides of the house. The Garrettsons' only child, Mary Rutherford Garrettson (1794-1879), inherited the property. She needed more water for the house, so she had a well dug in the lawn. The water was very clean and cool. Workers from the nearby railroad would even climb the hill to get water from her well.
Wildercliff's Later Years
In 1853, Mary Garrettson sold some land to Thomas H. Suckley. His father had been a friend of Freeborn Garrettson. Thomas Suckley then built another country house nearby called Wilderstein. Mary Garrettson never married, and she was known for being very kind and generous. After she passed away, Suckley bought Wildercliff from her estate. It then went to his son, Robert Bowne Suckley, though he continued to live at Wilderstein.
Wildercliff stayed with the Suckley family until 1958. Then, Professor and Mrs. Frederick Dupee bought it. They sold it to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rockwell in 1971. In 1979, writer Sam Hall and his wife, actress Grayson Hall, purchased the estate. More recently, in 2012, journalist Fareed Zakaria and his wife, jewelry designer Paula Zakaria Throckmorton, bought Wildercliff.
Wildercliff is one of many beautiful estates located along the east bank of the Hudson River.
Images for kids
-
HABS image of the front yard of Wildercliff from an unknown date.
For more pictures and information about Wildercliff, you can check out these links from the Historic American Buildings Survey:
- 11 photos
- 5 measured drawings
- 8 data pages
