On our 2018 trip to Washington DC, my mother-in-law was suggesting we go off the beaten path and visit an estate that is located far from the main tourist attractions. Seeing as we had an extra day we decided to experience something new and different, and I’m glad we did.
Hillwood Estate is home to the largest collection of Russian art outside of Russia and over 13 acres of meticulously maintained gardens. This property was bought and maintained by the daughter of Post Cereal’s Founder, Marjorie Merriweather Post. She was a successful businesswoman of the early 20th century and also owned property in New York and the famous Mar-a-lago in Palm beach.
She developed a taste for Russian art as well as the art and culture of eighteenth century France. Even though she personally enjoyed material luxuries, she was also known for her largesse and philanthropic endeavors which included taking in Vietnam veterans to her estate so that they may take in the scenery and forget about the stresses of war.
Upon entry of the house you can feel the architectural difference compared to today’s dwellings. The foyer itself contains portraits of many Russian aristocrats like Catherine the Great. Also on the first floor was a library and a room filled with Russian jewelry and perhaps the centerpieces of her collection, Faberge eggs. There was another room that was a theatre/dance floor where Ms. Post would entertain her guests as well as her servants.
Being on the estate was very relaxing because you feel embraced by nature. There were many greenhouses that housed the more sensitive plants such as orchids and gardens of tulips that were collected each morning and placed throughout the house. The gardens around the main house are still maintained to this day and are different from one another. My favorite garden area was styled as a Japanese landscape.
After we had seen all that the estate had to offer, I am glad that we were able to experience something out of the norm and I would recommend this stop on anyone’s next visit to the DC area. Please feel free to visit the website at https://www.hillwoodmuseum.org/ to learn more about events and the estate.