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Innisfree is a sprawling country estate nestled in the Hudson Valley in Millbrook, New York. The estate was established in 1930 by Marion Burt Beck, who was the daughter of the eccentric lumber baron Wellington R. Burt from Saginaw. She inherited the 384-hectare property along with a small part of the family fortune in 1919. The estate's name was inspired by a famous poem by Irish poet William Butler Yeats.
The garden at Innisfree was designed in the style of an English landscape garden, with the Tyrell Lake serving as its centerpiece. Walter Beck, Marion's second husband and a widowed painter, played a significant role in the garden's design. He was deeply influenced by classical Chinese painting, particularly by Wang Wei and his images and poems in the Wang-ch'uan cycle. Beck created numerous small gardens within the estate that depicted picturesque scenes, which he fondly referred to as cup-gardens.
In 2019, Innisfree was recognized for its historical significance and was included in the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the garden is open to the public and welcomes visitors who wish to explore its beauty. Guided group tours are available for those interested in learning more about the garden's history and design.
History & Anthropology Art & Design Garden & Park Historic house
No exhibitions in Innisfree Garden have been found.
Innisfree Garden has 1 rating.
Innisfree Garden in Millbrook, United States, is a serene and beautifully designed landscape that offers visitors a peaceful retreat into nature. This 185-acre public garden is inspired by Chinese landscape design principles and features a harmonious blend of Western and Eastern gardening traditions.
The garden's centerpiece is a large, picturesque lake surrounded by carefully curated plantings, rock formations, and meandering paths. Visitors often praise the garden's tranquil atmosphere and the way it encourages contemplation and relaxation. The changing seasons bring different aspects of beauty to Innisfree, from spring blooms to autumn foliage.
Many reviewers appreciate the garden's natural feel, which differs from more formally structured gardens. The use of native plants alongside non-native species creates diverse ecosystems that attract various wildlife, adding to the overall experience.
While most visitors find Innisfree Garden to be a delightful experience, some mention that it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues due to uneven terrain and limited paved pathways. Additionally, a few reviewers note that the garden might feel underwhelming during certain times of the year when fewer plants are in bloom.
The staff is generally described as friendly and knowledgeable, offering guided tours that provide insights into the garden's history and design philosophy. However, some visitors mention that more informational signage throughout the garden would enhance the self-guided experience.
Innisfree Garden is not a traditional museum but rather a living, outdoor exhibition of landscape art. Its unique approach to garden design and the immersive natural experience it offers make it a worthwhile destination for nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.
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