1. Brad Reifler Visits the Wethersfield Estate
Gardens, museums, grand homes on large estates can do such wonders for the soul for those looking to
get away from the day to day doldrums and wrap themselves in a bit of beauty, history, nature and
glamour. The Wethersfield Estate offers visitors such privileges on its 1,200 acre-estate in New York
where people can tour a beautiful home (now a museum), lush gardens, a traditional Carriage House
and dairy farm – all with panoramic views of the Catskills and the Berkshires as the backdrop, says Brad
Reifler.
The Wethersfield Estate offers its guests many opportunities to leisurely stroll through its lovely grounds
to explore the garden, the museum, the dairy farm and the Carriage House.
The history of the Wethersfield Estate stretches back to the 1930s when conservationist Chauncey D.
Stillman (1907 – 1989), a man with incredible vision that was clearly ahead of his time, purchased the
two adjacent Dutchess County dairy farms of 600 acres in 1937 and continued to purchase the
surrounding properties until he died in 1989. The farm had by then grown to 1,200 acres and has a
ground home, gardens, carriage house and of course the working farm.
Visitors will find the farm to be on beautiful grounds surrounded by soft rolling hills and lovely trees
dotting the landscape. But the farm was more than just beauty. According to the Wethersfield website,
Wethersfield was one of the first farms in the US “…to practice soil and water conservation. Twelve
ponds were constructed for irrigation and the prevention of soil erosion. Early conservation practices
included crop rotation, contour strips and biodynamic farming.”
The Wethersfield gardens were also the brainchild of the astute and nature-loving Stillman who was
inspired by the Italian Renaissance and its use of water, sculpture, topiary and terraces in his initial
designs, explains Brad Reifler. As the gardens expanded over the years, Stillman (working hand in hand
with renowned architect Evelyn N. Pohler) added in elements from English gardening and classical
styles, according to officials at the Wethersfield estate. Visitors will come across many surprises in
addition to a variety of flora and fauna including an intimate Inner Garden as well as dolphin-shaped
fountains that spout into a long narrow canal. The Arborvitae Alleewith a Naid Fountain, the Peacock
Walk and the Belevdarer are some of the wondrous sites visitors will encounter, according to
Wethersfield Estate experts.
In addition to the farm and gardens, the Wethersfield Georgian-style colonial brick residence, designed
by architect Bancel LaFarge in 1939, is now a museum, offering framed portraits of the gardens and
surrounding areas. In addition, the museum also features Stillman’s collection of antiques, sculptures
and paintings.
Guests may also tour the Carriage House, which Stillman built in 1937. Among his many talents, Stillman
was also an accomplished equestrian and wanted to provide facilities for fox hunting and recreation,
says Brad Reifler.

2. Wethersfield Estate is open Wednesday, Fridays and Saturday s noon to 5pm June through September.
Admission varies – for garden only adults are $10; $8 for seniors and students; and for garden, Carriage
House and Main House the price jumps to $15 per adult and $12 for students and seniors. Children
under 12 are free. Advance reservations are required to tour the buildings.
For more information, please go to www.WethersfieldGarden.org.