The Schuyler Mansion
One of my favorite things when writing a novel is creating an evocative setting. My next historical, The Lacemaker, is a tale about a home as much as it is about people. While there are many beautiful places in the colonial period, one is a shining example of all that is unusually beautiful and artistic, even breathtaking, to me. ‘Tis the Schuyler Mansion in New York along the Hudson River, originally called The Pastures. Once you go in you don’t want to come out! At least that’s how I felt!
No, I haven’t seen Hamilton, the musical, but I love the house associated with him. Maybe it’s the ‘Fall of Rome’ wallpaper or the airy rooms or timeless elegance or color scheme, but it became the template for my hero’s home along the James River in Virginia. My heroine finds herself there quite out of the blue and I wanted to create such an inviting haven that she would feel like I did when I stepped inside and never want to leave! I don’t want to give too much away before you open the first page of Lady Elisabeth’s story. I’ll leave the name of my hero unsaid as well as his James River estate. But here’s hoping once you’ve entered those fictitious mansion doors you don’t want to leave either!
Be the first to receive writing updates, try her favorite recipes, and get her FREE guide: 10 Beloved Books (that inspire me professionally and personally).
With these stunning pictures, I can’t wait to get my hands on “The Lacemaker”. What a teasing morsel you’ve placed before us. Would love to see (or hear) more ‘teases’ to help make the wait until January more bearable….hint! hint!
Dear Amy, What a joy to come home to your delightful comments here! It’s all the inspiration needed to do more of these posts leading to Lady Elisabeth’s debut. 🙂 I’ve let the journal fall by the wayside the last couple of years but am gladly resurrecting it for YOU. Thank you for stopping. These next posts will be written with you in mind!
Hi Laura,
Something told me to visit this site today. Lo and behold–the Schuyler mansion! How wonderful! I’ve been there several times, and attended high school in Herkimer with many descendants of the “valley people” (Mohawk & Hudson)
In any case, one of my long time friends, and a real gentleman, was R. Schuyler. He inherited his Dutch ancestors good looks, blue yes and dark hair.
CAN’T WAIT to read “The Lacemaker!” And it’s because of you I’ve become a fan of early colonial stories and the Revell line.
Dear Pat, What a treasure you have in your neck of the woods! Fascinating to get a closer look at the ‘valley people’ and you, too. Truly, the Virginia estates are jaw-dropping but there’s something about The Pastures that set’s it apart. Now I must see Hamilton! Love how you describe those Schuylers with those characteristics. Positively novel-worthy:) Thank you for coming by. Always enjoy seeing you here, there, or anywhere!
Such beautiful photos and a delightful teaser for the story to come! I am eagerly anticipating my time spent reading The Lacemaker! Thank you for sharing this wonderful sneak peek.
Thanks, Trisha! I do hope you want to lock yourself in our Welsh hero’s estate:) You are such a gem of a reading friend!
Truly love these little tidbits into the story, Laura. Counting down the days until I can read The Lacemaker.
Love your heart for my books, Andrea:) Thank you. And happy you throw in a little baking, too! <3
Are you still considering making a sequel to “The Frontier’s Daughter” novel?
Dear Jessica, I so wish I could continue Lael’s story! But my publisher has me contracted for other books through 2022. Just last week another reader asked me the same and talked about Captain Jack needing his own story. Thank you for asking and I hope I’m not disappointing you but probably am!
I love the way you bring your stories to life. A feast for all five senses every time 😊. I know The Lacemaker will be the same…which is why I can’t wait to read it! ☺️
Love how you describe the use of all those senses, Stacey – definitely the hope of every historical author. You sure bless me as a reader. Thank you!