Adventures with Old Houses [Hardcover]

Richard Hampton Jenrette (Author), John M. Hall (Photographer), HRH the Prince of Wales (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2000

This is the story of one man's quest to breathe life back into some of America's most historically significant dwellings. Richard Jenrette's affinity for endangered historic sites has led to the restoration of such historic houses as Edgewater on the Hudson River; Millford Plantation and the Roper House, both in South Carolina; Ayr Mount in North Carolina; and Cane Garden in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This uniquely personal account of the quest, acquisition, restoration, and furnishing of each property is instructive and entertaining. Along the way, the author introduces the artisans, curators, furniture specialists, designers, antiquarians, preservationists, and collectors who have played a part in his adventures.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Scratch the surface of any self-respecting retired multimillionaire and chances are, there's a second, even third career underneath. In Jenrette's case, the former executive of a well-known Wall Street investment firm started collecting and restoring historic U.S. homes some three decades ago. All half-dozen--and his fascination with preservation--are documented in sharp detail. How did it start? It was a combination of Gone with the Wind, a southern childhood, and an instinct for the authentic antique. There are stories galore about early college influences, the first house (Gore Vidal's home on the Hudson), the one that got away (the Vanderbilt mansion on Sutton Place), and the accumulation of five other mansions from North Carolina to St. Croix. The second half is any decorator's dream: glorious color photographs of and sumptuous narratives about his homes and his devotion to historic preservation. A foreword by Prince Charles cinches Jenrette's dedication to the cause. Barbara Jacobs

Review

"Adventures with Old Houses is a gorgeous gift for anyone interested in old homes, architecture, and historic preservation." -- BookPage

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Wyrick (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0941711463
• ISBN-13: 978-0941711463
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 10.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #659,634 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Passion for Old Houses, March 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Adventures with Old Houses (Hardcover)

Mr. Jenrette's passion for old houses is evident in this glorious book. He is to be commended for saving these historical treasures and restoring them to their former glory. His authenticity to period American furniture and decorative arts as well as his decorating integrity exemplify his dedication. (Of course, it helps to have money) Bravo!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Appreciate Classic American Interiors? This book may be your new friend., June 13, 2006

By 

Erik Pedersen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Adventures with Old Houses (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my wife who is interested in classical American design and is a student of heritage preservation. The book is generously illustrated with large colour photographs of the exteriors and interiors of Mr. Jenrette's restored historic houses. The interior designs are neither museum-like nor a snobbish show of wealth, but impeccably tasteful, eminently liveable and absolutely applicable.

The text not only explains the history of the houses, their restoration and their decoration; it conveys the love and respect with which Mr. Jenrette undertook each project. This is among my wife's favourite books, and it never stays long on the bookshelf. (As a result of reading this book, my wife has put Mr. Jenrette at the top of her "person I most want to meet" list). Highlighting American furniture styles of the early 19th century in situ at six of America's most beautiful homes, there is a strong East coast and Southern flavour reminiscent of some of the rooms at the White House.

In these days of reduced heritage funding, many irreplaceable examples of fine American architecture are being lost. Mr. Jenrette has used his personal wealth to preserve endangered American architecture and antiques for future public enjoyment. Many thanks to him for sharing them in this excellent book.

-- Erik Pedersen, Victoria, B.C.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adventures with Old Houses, July 19, 2007

By 

Victoria "Book Lover" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Adventures wtih Old Houses (Paperback)

I have been a fan of Richard Jenrette ever since I first saw the Roper House in Charleston. This year I had the opportunity to visit it and see all of the public spaces and admire the many changes since my first visit. Next spring I will be with a small group invited for coffee and a tour of Edgewater. I suspect that this may be the only other one of his houses that I get to see, but I feel as though I have been to all of them after reading his book. It is lively, amusing and quite informative, and the photographs are wonderful. Thanks Richard Jenrette for preserving these wonderful properties!