The Danes
Most likely your most memorable part of your stay, our two resident Great Danes.
Dining Room
Well known for their elaborate dinner parties, the dining room has hosted many guests over its years. Comfortably seating 12, but with a few adjustments could seat up to 20. The walls are a rare Cuban Mahogany and the ornate "House Of Cards" style ceiling is unique for its bold colors. The family had many priceless sets of china and hand-cut crystal. Of all the gorgeous light fixtures in the mansion, you won't find anything special in this room. Merrette insisted to dine by candlelight until her death. Today, some of her original china is on display at the Minneapolis Institue of Art.
Grand Drawing Room
With a commanding view of the veranda, terrace, and formal gardens the Drawing Room is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful rooms in the Mansion. Traditionally the room would have been for the women to enjoy the company of one another while the men were in the smoking room. However, the family found many uses for the room over the years. Merrette hosted weekly luncheons and banquets in the room and even was known to roll up the rugs and allow dancing after dinner parties. The room is decorated with handpainted murals with hints of gold accents. Designed to emulate the feeling of gardens while in the winter months. If you look closely, you'll see many native plants and animals incorporated in the lush tropical scenes.
Eugene's Library
Upon entering the mansion, immediately to your left, you'll find one of the homes most cozy and inviting rooms. Eugene's Library was where he carried out his letter writing, daily telephone calls, and enjoyed an afternoon cigar. After Dinner Parties, the room was also used as a gentlemen's smoking room. The room is decorated in the Arts & Crafts style and is intended to bring in soothing earth tones and give the illusion of a smaller intimate space. The walls are floor to ceiling oak panels crafted by hand, the windows are dressed in long olive pleated drapes. The Light Fixture was designed to emulate a vine-like plant with "blossom" shades.