What influenced Eastman in the design and furnishings of the mansion?
Traveling in Europe and the United States, he researched architectural styles extensively and formed his preference. According to Mr. Eastmans biographer, Betsy Brayer, his man, Frank L Babbott, hired William Rutherford Mead as interior consultant and Burt Leslie Fenner as consultant for lighting features and architectural details. McKim, Mead and White had also performed President Theodore Roosevelts renovations at the White House. Mr. Eastman may have been aware of this work. This resulted in a comfortable blend of classical and 20th century elements. His house design is an example of grand American Colonial Revival, and the furnishings mirror the American Empire style.
