The Casements

 What to do when it rains?  A museum of course!  And there are so many to choose from in the area.  It was narrowed down to a few since only a handful are open on Mondays.  Narrowed down further by cost of admission.  The final decision - The Casements. (Free, donation requested)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Casements

Originally built in 1913 and named after the many casement windows, this mansion is located just over the Granada bridge and sits on the Halifax River.

John D Rockefeller bought it as a winter home in 1918 and threw lavish parties until his death (in the house) in 1937.

Sold several times it was a girls' prep school, an elderly home and almost a hotel.  Bought by the City of Ormond  in 1974, it was meticulously renovated.  


The gardens are of course beautiful and are used for morning yoga, scavenger hunts, movies, festivals and weddings.  







                                                    One of the two pianos.

                                                The main dining room which now hosts different 
                                                artists every month.  Presently empty as the new
                                             exhibit of photographs is not yet displayed for March.

                                     The ballroom now hosts yoga, pilates and of course ballet.

             Pictures of the original kitchen and then the "before the remodel" picture. 
                     The new kitchen hosts cooking classes from fresh pasta to St Joseph's pastries.  



                                        The view from the dining room to the front door.


                                        The rotunda on the second floor.  The woodwork, redone 
                                            after a fire, is not as elaborate (in my opinion).

                                                Upstairs dining room.

                         Upstairs sitting room.  Dedicated to the history of "The Birthplace of Racing".


                                            Rockefeller's desk overlooking the gardens and river.

Definitely worth a visit.  The docents were very knowledgeable, the intricate details and the light open space was enjoyable.  I would even be tempted to attend cooking classes and visit the different artists every month.  


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