William Faulkner wrote, "The past is not dead. In fact, it's not even past." You get a good sense of that idea here at his grand former home, Rowan Oak.
For all the acclaim of his works, Faulkner is not an easy read. But writers hold a certain mystique and fascination for other writers, and we have visited quite a few homes of writers over the years.
I realize that a post like this feeds a very small stream of the Cabin & Cottage readership. But aside from the writer's pilgrimage, I just love peeking into old homes! Especially when they are preserved for all time from the long distant era of the occupant's life, as is this one. It certainly gave me a feel for the earlier south. And this lovely gem is open to the public year round in Oxford Mississippi.
I admit to a smaller appreciation of the formal rooms downstairs, even with the bookcases full of Faulkner's own collection of books and all of the antiques, paintings, portraits, and belongings. The living and dining rooms don't inspire me quite like the more personal spaces. But the kitchen remains as it was in the thirties, and I love that there are many phone numbers written right on the walls as far as you can reach next to the phone in the corner down here.
The place is full of memorabilia and displays like this landing on the upper floor.
I loved this little space opposite, overlooking the front entrance, and seeing the views through the old wavy glass.
The spaces are lighter and brighter up here. Not what I would expect from such an old house. And the pretty old wallpapers are still intact.
Rooms of gracious old southern living.
The grounds are no less captivating.
Easy to imagine other lives unfolding in the daily past of this grand old house.
Faulkner's childhood Mammy Callie's quarters are on the property. She lived here until she died. And her life was the one on whom many fictional characters were based in Faulkner's tales of the old south.
The graceful old outbuildings and barns are preserved as they were.
I loved this picturesque old barn and its features in back.
You can learn more by clicking here for info on this site now owned by the University of Mississippi.
Saying "so-long" along the cedar lined walkway of Rowan Oak, The William Faulkner House.
Pretty dreamy.
"How often I have lain beneath rain on a strange roof, thinking of home."
--William Faulkner
I hope all is as lovely where you are!
Jacqueline
