“Local Matters” from the Baltimore Sun
February 5th, 1852; Baltimore, Maryland
Improvements at “Clifton Park” Country Residence of Johns Hopkins, Esq.—This magnificent county residence, situated on the Harford road, a short drive from the city, has lately been enlarged by an entire re-modelling of the old mansion, whilst the grounds have been greatly extended by the addition of several hundred acres, constituting it on of the most elegant, extensive and beautiful villas in this country.
The central building has been raised one story, and received considerable addition on the north side, besides the extension of the wings, and the building of a prospect tower on the west, with a wide arcade, 109 feet in length, the building measuring 133 feet in extreme length, by 73 feet, its greatest depth. From the gate lodge, at the Harford road entrance, a well gravelled road winds majestically through the fine trees and lawns of the park, to the main entrance of the building, the Port Cochere in the tower, affording passage through an arched way into the principal hall, 23 feet high, paved with marble, lighted by four richly stained arched windows, and wainscotted with black walnut, of which the doors and massive stairway are formed. From the main corridor on the principal floor, the first door to the right leads to the parlor, 19 by 23 feet, adjoining which is the breakfast room, 18 feet square, both of which open on the large southern arcade, supported by 23 arches and pillars. Adjoining the breakfast room are the back stairs, running from the basement to the main chamber story and also to the servants’ rooms. Further east are the housekeeping rooms, closets, water fixtures, & c.
Opposite the parlor is the dining room, 18 by 26 feet, which opens on the west to a spacious arcade of 5 arches, whilst a door on the east conducts to the large saloon, which is of elegant proportions, and 15 feet high, with a semi-circular room on the north 18 feet diameter. A folding door in the east wall connects the saloon with a library 20 feet square, which opens on the eastern arcade, looking towards the garden and lake. All these elegant apartments are supplied with elaborately carved Italian marble mantels, made in Italy. The main chamber floor and tower contain 8 large chambers, bath room, etc, also a large billiard room, 20 by 30 feet, opening on a terrace, over the bay room, and to another over the north-eastern arcade, decorated by balustrades, with pedestals, supporting richly ornamented vases. The third floor of the central building has been appropriated for the use of the servants, containing a number of large rooms. The basement contains a large kitchen, servants’ hall, washhouse, pantry and store-rooms, milk, vegetable and fuel cellars, and a large covered area under the southern and eastern arcades. A convenient stair leads from the second floor of the tower through the various stories of the pavilion which is supported by twelve arches, and surrounded by an iron balcony, sustained by ornamental iron brackets. From the pavilion, a stair leads to the terrace of the tower, affording magnificent and extensive views of the entire city and surrounding country, the Patapsco and Gunpowder rivers, the broad, expansive Chesapeake, whitened by the sail of an increasing commerce, besides a bird’s eye view of the extensive park, with its richly ornamented grounds, the large artificial lake, with its islands and pretty little rustic bridges, the beautiful group formed by the Gardener’s lodge and conservatory in the terraced garden, and the extensive grapehouse and orangeries, stretching along several hundred feet, the ornamental structures scattered over the whole park with taste and judgement, as well as the finely tilled farm grounds beyond. The inviting panorama which meets the view from this point of observation is well worth a visit to the tower. The exterior of the villa is rough-casted to imitate free stone work, and develops the graceful proportions of the “Italian Villa” style of architecture, with massive arcades, projecting cornices and brackets, depending for its effect on the varied masses and outlines of the whole rather than on the minuteness of its details.
The entire improvement reflects credit upon the well known architects, Messrs. Niernsee & Neilson, who have designed the superintended the progress of the work, which viewed from a proper position, displays the most unexceptionable architectural beauty and excellence of design.
But attractive as is the building, it would be unjust not to render a passing tribute to the admirable, extensive and valuable conservatories and general out buildings of the place. The former contains exotic plants and fruit of surpassing excellence even superior to those of foreign countries in flavor and size, whilst the floral departments may be viewed as an extensive and inviting horticultural exhibition, well re paying the time expended in a visit. The manager of the park and grounds, Mr. William Waddel, an old and experienced horticulturist, has exhibited very rare skill in the management of these valuable plants and fruits, all of which are in the very best condition. It may be worthy of mention that the proprietor has spared no means in the improvement of this great residence, the appearance of which as well as the grounds, evidences the skill and ability of Baltimore, mochanics, and foreign artists. The production of the latter may be seen in the hundred beautiful specimens of marble statuary and sculpture which are observed from every point. The following persons aided in the improvements — H.J. Bayley, carpenter; James Murray, brick layer; Jas. Sullivan, painter; Andrew Merken, iron worker; John Rothrock, roofing, Bevan & Sons, stonework; Hayward, Bartlett & Co, plumbing; S. W. & H. T Gernhardt, glass strainers, George W. Starr, plasterer.
“Local Matters” article from the Baltimore Sun, February 5th, 1852; Baltimore, Maryland. This article was retyped as printed. Composed by Ann Lawson, October 2, 2018.