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synopsis

Frederick Law Olmsted planned the estate of publisher Whitelaw Reid in 1888. While Reid was interested in transforming the estate into a gentleman’s farm, Olmsted was focused on improving the grounds immediately surrounding the residence. A devastating fire burned down the house, known as “Ophir Hall”, and existing farm buildings the same year. Olmsted was forced to create a new plan.

Frederick Law Olmsted planned the estate of publisher Whitelaw Reid in 1888. While Reid was interested in transforming the estate into a gentleman’s farm, Olmsted was focused on improving the grounds immediately surrounding the residence. A devastating fire burned down the house, known as “Ophir Hall”, and existing farm buildings the same year. Olmsted was forced to create a new plan. To replace the original structure on the White Plains, NY property, Reid shipped in elements of an ‘unnaturally large’ castle from France. Olmsted designed an attached south-eastern facing terrace to overlook the grounds extensive views. He designed a formal perennial flower garden, a series of open-air apartments, and several elaborate barns. Additionally, Olmsted created specifications for a greenhouse “to consist of a Conservatory 50’ x 50’…two Plant Houses each 22’ x 59’–8” for a general collection of flowering and ornamental plants” (plan 01058-49-sh5) [Specification of a Greenhouse_1893_LOC-OAR-B-01058_im.50] Although the farm officially opened in 1892, the complex design of the barns caused a delay in their construction and they were not built for another three years.

Today the house and landscape are owned by Manhattanville College, and are known as “Reid Hall”.

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