Front Room: A favorite guest room because of view, decor and privacy. The furniture is mahogany in the Empire style. The only exception is the fruitwood, marble topped Italian commode of the Louis XVI period (1774-1793). The gilt bronze candelabra and clock are of the Empire period. The carved ivory statuettes are of Napoleon and an 18th century Belle and Beau. Notice lovely view of the front entrance including fountain and pagoda from the bay window.
Italian Room: Winged back, Italian sleigh bed is covered with silk damask. The marble topped Veronese commode, circa 1790, has carved rosette and leaf spray decorations. The clear glass decanters are Venetian, circa 1870. The furniture is 17th century
Library: The library overlooks the grand living room and reflects Jeff Penn's interest in Spanish decor with wrought iron balconies and flowerpots.
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Chinese Room: This room was copied from a room the Penn's saw in a friend's house in Shanghai, China. The furniture is teak wood painted green in the Chinese style. The 18th century gilt bronze Buddha statuette on the chest is from Nepal. The fire screen and bronze andirons are from China. The ceiling lantern is from Manila. The door knobs are thought to be jade.
Empire Room: The mahogany furniture is French Empire style. The pictures are French colored engravings. The statuettes of the Oriental dancer and the nude maid are Rosenthal porcelain. The bronze tiebacks are 17th century Venetian. Notice how wallpaper columns match lamp bases on beside table.
Velvet Room: Walls are covered in silk velvet. Molded plaster ceiling is of ducks/geese in flight. Open arm chair is Chippendale style. The other chairs and mirror are Italian. The heartshaped piece is an 18th century Spanish, alter vigil lamp. Bronze candlesticks are Japanese. Statue of Vishnu (Hindu god) is from East India. The restored Skinner house organ is one of only three in the state. The hundreds of pipes and other working parts of this instrument are located in two rooms in the basement. When the organ is played the music comes up through grates on both sides of the living room.
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