a neat place to visit in portland, me ~ the tate house July 26, 2007
Posted by Sandy in photographs.trackback
I have been in Maine for years, but had never been to this place! Yesterday, I finally went with some friends to see the house and herb garden. It was the home of a ship’s mast agent from England and is located in the historic Stroudwater Village area of Portland. The house was built in 1755, and the glass in the windows shows it. I tried to get a little of that detail in this shot. Look here for more info on the Tate House.
The herb garden located behind the house. Lots of medicinal things growing here, and even a plant used to stuff mattresses. At the bottom of the sloping backyard is the Stroudwater River. A nice view, don’t you think?
Gorgeous view indeed! It looks like the house has been kept in good repair. Were you able to go inside?
Yes, Lynne, we took both tours. The house was modern and up to date for 1755! It it is in excellent condition, and the tours were full of information about life in that area. The kitchen interested me most, and of course the herbs used by the lady of the house to treat her family.
The house is beautiful - still looking wonderful after all these years. The herb garden must have been a fascinating place to explore. And talk about a peaceful vista … I would have enjoyed sitting on the banks of the river.
Sandy: What was that herb for stuffing mattresses? Bedstraw or Galium odoratum aka Sweet woodruff? I love that herb. Lovely house, lovely garden!
So much history. If only the house could talk! Love the view, someday that is the kind of view I would like to wake up and see. Thanks for sharing!!
We seldom venture south, but I will definitely put this on my list of places to visit
layanee, it was bedstraw, but can you imagine how much you would have to grow to fill a mattress? The tour guide said that bedstraw doesn’t crush down, so that is why is was favored.
I was going to ask about the bedstraw too, but now I know.
Thanks for the mini-tour.