Saint-Gaudens Rd, RR 3 Box 73, Cornish, NH 3745
Phone: 603-675-2175
Fax: 603-675-2701
Overview. In western New Hampshire, overlooking Vermont's Green Mountains and the Connecticut river, Augustus Saint-Gaudens turned an eighteenth-century country inn into a landscaped, Greek-columned artist's retreat. At the turn of the century Saint-Gaudens was America's premier sculptor, achieving this status with works like the exquisite memorial for Henry Adams' wife, which is tucked away in Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, D.C.. From 1885 to 1897, Saint-Gaudens spent his summers here at "Aspet" among his studios, home, and gardens. It was his permanent residence from 1900 until his death in 1907.What to see and do. The site offers two distinct seasons. If you're interested in the artist's life and work, visit during the summer, between 9 AM and 4:30 PM. Sign up at the entrance kiosk for a guided tour of the historic home. Familiarize yourself with Saint-Gaudens life and work by watching the 28-minute video presentation; a closed captioned version is available. Either a conducted one-hour walking tour or self-paced audio tour will then take you through the other buildings, which include galleries, studios, and a stable with antique carriages. An artist-in-residence will demonstrate sculpture technique, and the "Picture Gallery" offers changing exhibitions throughout the summer. Call ahead for details about these and other programs such as the Sunday afternoon concert series. After you've been through the buildings, take advantage of the site's location in the New Hampshire countryside. The Ravine Trail, one quarter mile long, and the Blow-Me-Down Trail, about 2.5 miles long, lead you through the site's 150 acres. For winter adventurers, these same trails remain open in winter, even though the buildings close October 31. From 8 AM until dusk, you may hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski on the grounds and along the trails. Note: The trails and grounds, while open, are not maintained for skiing and hiking. Visitors should take care when using the grounds during the off-season. Be prepared for extreme New Hampshire winter conditions: bitter winds and sudden snows. After Memorial Day weekend, the buildings open again to the public. Groups desiring a guided tour should make reservations with the park. Some buildings are accessible to disabled persons, but "Aspet," the "Picture Gallery," the "Ravine Studio," the formal gardens, and the nature trails are not.
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