Front view
We were in Claverack this past weekend, and on Sunday we decided to head to Rhinebeck for a tour of Wilderstein. We have visited most of the historic homes in Dutchess and Columbia counties in the last twenty-five years, but somehow never got to this one. It is a worthwhile way to spend an afternoon.
Wilderstein was built by Thomas Suckley (pronounced Sookley), a descendant of the Beekman and Livingston families, in 1852, as a much more modest Italianate house, then remodeled and greatly enlarged in 1888 in the Queen Anne style, by Thomas’ son Robert.
Side view
The last occupant of the house, Margaret Suckley, known as Daisy, was a close friend and confidante of Franklin Roosevelt. Whether there was a romantic involvement has never been confirmed, but she spent a great deal of time with him after he and Eleanor began living separately. There is a wonderful interview in the introductory video that begins the tour, of Daisy and her sister Elizabeth, when Daisy was ninety-five, four years before her death.
View of the Hudson from the house
The interior is fascinating in its ornateness, along with the Victorian preference for very dark rooms. I took these photos of the entrance hall before we were informed that photography was not permitted:
For more information and visiting hours, visit the website:
Robert Rems' Open House 