Watching all those Victorian Kitchen Garden shows made me remember a day trip we took in 2010 to tour the Pittock Mansion. This grand estate of 22 rooms on 46 acres was built in the west hills overlooking Portland in 1909. It was the private home of Henry & Georgiana Pittock, who both died within ten years after moving in. Then the property went to successive family members and eventually fell into ruin after storm damage in 1962. The remaining descendant, a grandson, was hard-pressed to keep it up and sold it to the city of Portland, supported by funds raised by the community, to repair and restore it. It's been open to the public since 1965 and has been an historic landmark ever since. It has also made an appearance in several films.
The mansion has grand, elegant, sweeping rooms at every turn. More photos can be seen on the website (see link above). But really, I found the kitchen spaces most charming, and the views breathtaking. This main kitchen was the cook's domain. I imagine it was a favorite place for biscuit and pastry making with Mount Hood rising up in the distance. Today, the cityscape adds a modern view.
Anyone know what the little gadget on the left is for? A nutmeg grinder, perhaps?
A fine, serviceable sink!
I love this supply and food pantry. Every house should have one!
A second house on the property, the Gate Lodge, was provided as a servant's quarters and was outfitted with a darling little stove, with lots of compartments for baking, warming, roasting and such.
The Gate Lodge kitchen work table also had one of the best window view's in the house; which must have helped keep the cook content despite all the long hours preparing meals from scratch.
This sweet little butler's pantry is tucked into the back of the Gate Lodge kitchen. That sink probably had a cute skirt at one time.
The breakfast table in the mansion; a beautiful way to start the day.
