Hillwood Estate Jewelry

Last week we went to Hillwood Estates - one of the homes of Marjorie Merriweather Post. We were there five years ago to see the Pret a Papier exhibit, which was lovely. The paper dresses ourshown the mansion, the gardens, and everything in between. While listening to Pandora radio a while back, there was an ad played about the jewelry display at Hillwood Estate, so that was another reason to visit - aside from the delightful autumn weather. After watching the introductory movie about Marjorie Merriweather Post's life, we decided to take a guided tour through the gardens and the mansion. It was all very interesting, but quite detailed. We tend to like to observe things quickly and then move on at our own pace. Without the paper dresses on display, things seemed quite dreary and rather sad to us - especially with all the curtains drawn. After the house tour was concluded, we walked back through the gardens to the adirondack house where the jewels were on display. Everywhere we looked there were armed security staff. Inside were several pieces in the collection that were not only outlandish, but definitely came from another point in time. I'm not much of a jewelry person anyway. The diamond and turquoise studded tiaras, emerald brooch, and all other precious stone earrings, pins, and what not were interesting. I found the whimsical pieces most pleasing - the birds, rabbits, and ballerinas. But it was stuffy and pretentious and dark inside. I found the real beauty in the gardens and the flowers and the surrounding views from the hill top. I guess we just aren't in to museums that much anymore, but I suppose we never were. 

Hillwood Estate Gardens

It's a lovely time of year to walkabout and see the seasons change. Fall is my favorite; my husband prefers spring. We usually walk along the Nationsl Mall every day. But to change it up a bit, we decided to visit Hillwood Estate - home of Marjorie Merriweather Post - to walk the gardens, see the house, and visit the jewelry exhibit. We were at the Estate five years ago for the Pret a Papier exhibit and I loved the paper dresses. We did not take a formal tour last time, so we went with a docent for both the garden and the house tour. It could not have been a better day temperature wise. The varieties of mums were interesting. The cutting garden and green house were huge. In front of the house was a grand entryway. We were then taken to the French Partere, the rose garden, the friendship walk, a putting green, and a Japanese style garden with running water elements and terraces. The grounds have defined seating spaces along the way - complete with a very mid century embellishment of blue plastic ribbed chairs and metal umbrellas. It is hard to imagine that one person not only owned all of this, but at least two other just as extravagant properties. It was nice to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there.