Staff Wing intro

The living and working spaces of the staff

The servants in the house used these back stairs and hall – notice the shift to simple paneling and furnishings. The floor plan refers to this space as a sewing room, though it may have been used as an informal sitting room space for staff as well.

Please note the staff rooms and back stairs are off limits to visitors so please do not enter those areas.

Architect William Ralph Emerson designed a unique servant’s wing on the east end of the house. All the servant spaces are arranged in a column, with the work rooms on the basement and ground level; living quarters on the second floor; and an additional bedroom and storage on the third floor. This wing receives the first light of the day at sunrise, a helpful detail for those in the house who rose first and started work early.