Pres. F.D. Roosevelt’s Historic Home
By Jane F ~ September 10th, 2009. Filed under: House Tours.
One of the pleasures of living in the Hudson Valley is the sense of history preserved by numerous historic houses. One of my favorites is Springwood, the vast farm and birthplace of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in Hyde Park, N.Y.
The house was built by the President’s parents, James and Sara Delano Roosevelt as a Victorian cottage. Later, it house was remodeled in the style of regional Dutch stone houses with Neoclassical flourishes, and enlarged by the President’s mother.
Mint green shutters are a unique color at Springwood. Stone houses in the region usually have reddish brown or white trim.
Sara Roosevelt decorated the house in her taste, the dark style of the early 20th century. It’s hardly a showplace — particularly compared to the neighboring Vanderbilt Mansion on the same road — even though the King and Queen of England stayed there during a visit. It was viewed as the family’s beloved farm. Currently, it’s a bit sad to see it less than well preserved.
The first floor has a huge paneled library with a lovely rug and traditional furniture.
The music or Dresden room combines chintz, an Aubusson rug and Sara Delano Roosevelt's collection of Chinese ceramics. She lived in China as a child. photo via wallyg
It’s fascinating to see bedroom furnishings of this period. Some of the President’s clothes hang in his tiny closet, large rooms had very little light, and the stupendous views from the bluff overlooking the Hudson River were largely blocked out by layers of heavy curtains.
Upstairs "pink" bedroom suite where King George and Queen Elizabeth stayed when they visited Hyde Park. photo via wallyg
President Roosevelt's boyhood room. photo via wallyg
Sara Delano Roosevelt's bed, where the President was born. photo via wallyg
The gardens are lovely, the greenhouse is 100 years old, and the stables were beautifully built. A large library on the grounds houses the study where the President worked during his term in office as well as memorabilia from both the President and his wife Eleanor. History buffs would certainly enjoy this tour.
Rare view of the kitchen, recently refurbished. Note the large refrigerator, which was kept cool with blocks of ice.
The laundry house is just out the back door.
Inside the laundry house in the days before electric or gas dryers.
The 100-year-old greenhouse is still in use.
One corner of the vast rose garden.
A charming cottage garden surrounds the rose garden.
The stable housed race horses at Springwood.
Names of the horses are still on the elaborate stalls. Note the hardwood floor and ceiling. This is definitely a luxury stable.
A rear view of Springwood which faces the Hudson River. The ramp from the second story is where the house tours exit. Photo viawallyg
One of my favorite books is an intimate glimpse of the life with the Roosevelts in the White House during World War II. Titled “No Ordinary Time,” it was written by Doris Kearns Goodwin more than a dozen years ago and anyone who is intrigued by Springwood and wishes to learn more might enjoy reading it as much as I did.
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September 10th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Thanks for the tour. I love seeing historic houses. Just recently I toured Montpelier, the home of James and Dolley Madison which is not many miles from my house.
September 10th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
It’s owned by the government now…, and less than well preserved! That is not good…, after all it was the Roosevelt’s!!
September 10th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
What a fun post. I love touring houses with history. That kitchen looks like it would take you back in time!
September 10th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
What a cool tour!!
My favorites are the outdoor photo with the green shutters and the beautiful refurbished kitchen. Very neat! Stopping by from Julia’s party. 
September 11th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Love it! Especially the kitchen. BUT…the stager in me cringed at the busyness of the decor in some of the rooms. Really needs help creating conversational groupings with all those scattered chairs. lol
September 11th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Fascinating look at history through his home. I loved the music room. I would love to have a greenhouse like that – fabulous!
Christi
September 11th, 2009 at 11:42 am
What a great post! Love the tour.
As for favorite rooms: I’ll be the plebian in this bunch – I *LOVE* the laundry room – the colours and the absence of stuff suits me right down to the ground. I’d be so at home at the stables – gorgeous.
September 11th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
What a beautiful house! I can’t even imagine what it must have been like to live there when FDR was a boy and it was filled with people. Historical houses are so amazing.
September 11th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
I remember visiting this home as a high schooler, on a field trip, and having no appreciation for the beauty and history of the place. Thank you for giving me another chance to appreciate it – now through the eyes of an adult!
September 12th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I love the outdoor patio, and the stables and gardens will always be where my heart is