Welcome to

Drake Hall

at

Bradley Gardens

 
 

The Elegance Of the gilded age

In the pollinator garden 🐝. #DrakeHallBradleyGardens #GildedAgeMansion #gardening #pollinatorgarden #flowers #perennial
Drake Hall’s 1909 dining room #DrakeHallBradleyGardens #belleepoque #edwardian #gildedage #historichome #iowa #imariporcelain #imari #fineliving #tableware #fineporcelain #elegance #GildedAgeMansion
This afternoon Drake Hall served as the backdrop for an upcoming episode of the program “Iowa Life” featured on Iowa PBS. This episode focuses on the historical tapestry project that depicts major highlights of the rich history of Appanoo
This afternoon Drake Hall served as the backdrop for an upcoming episode of the program “Iowa Life” featured on Iowa PBS. This episode focuses on the historical tapestry project that depicts major highlights of the rich history of Appanoose County in needlepoint art. Program producer Theresa and multi Emmy-winning videographer Eric conducted the interview of local historian, author and former teacher Enfys McMurry about the inspiration behind the creation of the historical tapestry. Also interviewed was Deb Robinson who spearheaded the big artistic project that took many years and many skilled, loving hands to complete. The feature will be aired this Fall.
Antique English “ Imari” style porcelain dating to the late 1800s and early 1900s, paired with sparkling vintage Waterford crystal stemware. - The Drake Hall Collection #coalport #belleepoque #waterford #waterfordcrystal #imariporcelain #imari #edwardian #fineliving #tableware #fineporcelain
Here are just a handful (pun intended) of the fragrant heirloom roses that were overwintered in pots in the veranda last year that will soon be planted in the future formal tea rose garden. #rose #roses
Here are just a handful (pun intended) of the fragrant heirloom roses that were overwintered in pots in the veranda last year that will soon be planted in the future formal tea rose garden. #rose #roses
Original maid’s room on the second floor. Currently set up as a guest sitting room.
Original maid’s room on the second floor. Currently set up as a guest sitting room.
The Sentinel
The Sentinel
Someone asked how tall the vitrine in the music salon is. It’s fairly tall, maybe 7 feet or so. We found it at a Nashville antique mall a few years ago. Little did we know back then how perfectly it would fit here at Drake Hall!
Someone asked how tall the vitrine in the music salon is. It’s fairly tall, maybe 7 feet or so. We found it at a Nashville antique mall a few years ago. Little did we know back then how perfectly it would fit here at Drake Hall!
I found this stunning hydrangea for the pollinator garden at Ogle's Greenhouse the other day. It’s from Proven Winners ColorChoice Flowering Shrubs called TUFF STUFF™ Reblooming Mountain Hydrangea that can handle full sun and stays relati
I found this stunning hydrangea for the pollinator garden at Ogle's Greenhouse the other day. It’s from Proven Winners ColorChoice Flowering Shrubs called TUFF STUFF™ Reblooming Mountain Hydrangea that can handle full sun and stays relatively small.
A perfect Spring morning in the dining room
A perfect Spring morning in the dining room
The original 1909 two-story carriage house. The 850 square foot upper floor will be turned into a special events space with a bar, lounge seating area and restrooms. The lower level of approximately the same square footage will be renovated into a sh
The original 1909 two-story carriage house. The 850 square foot upper floor will be turned into a special events space with a bar, lounge seating area and restrooms. The lower level of approximately the same square footage will be renovated into a short term rental unit including two bedrooms, a bathroom and living/entertainment space.
A double-gourd form vase in a black flambé over a green crystalline glaze. Fulper Pottery of Flemington, New Jersey. Circa 1915. The Drake Hall Collection
A double-gourd form vase in a black flambé over a green crystalline glaze. Fulper Pottery of Flemington, New Jersey. Circa 1915. The Drake Hall Collection
The rear “service” staircase is the only one in the house that runs from the basement all the way up to the third floor maids rooms and ballroom. Compared to most typical service stairs of the day, it is wider and a lot less steep as it s
The rear “service” staircase is the only one in the house that runs from the basement all the way up to the third floor maids rooms and ballroom. Compared to most typical service stairs of the day, it is wider and a lot less steep as it served a dual purpose - on a daily basis for the maids to service all floors, and for guests during special events in the ballroom.
A quiet afternoon in the parlor
A quiet afternoon in the parlor
Late last year, we found this rather sad end-of-season lilac at a great price on clearance at a big box store. We kept it indoors through the winter, cared for it and now it’s happy blooming! We’ll need to pick a suitable spot in the gard
Late last year, we found this rather sad end-of-season lilac at a great price on clearance at a big box store. We kept it indoors through the winter, cared for it and now it’s happy blooming! We’ll need to pick a suitable spot in the garden and plant it soon.
Exotic, Chinoiserie design majolica glazed ceramic coffeepot and teapot set. Made by Choisy-le-Roi Pottery, France circa 1880s. The Drake Hall Collection
Exotic, Chinoiserie design majolica glazed ceramic coffeepot and teapot set. Made by Choisy-le-Roi Pottery, France circa 1880s. The Drake Hall Collection
Taking tea in the breakfast room
Taking tea in the breakfast room
The veranda becomes a relaxing oasis at night, with the tropical lady palms we brought with us from Orlando.
Banquet “daisies” oil lamp by Doulton & Co. Each glazed ceramic section was hand-sculpted by artist Joan Honey. 33 inches tall. Lambeth, England circa 1890. The Drake Hall Collection
Banquet “daisies” oil lamp by Doulton & Co. Each glazed ceramic section was hand-sculpted by artist Joan Honey. 33 inches tall. Lambeth, England circa 1890. The Drake Hall Collection
Playing records on the 1925 Victrola in the living room
Playing records on the 1925 Victrola in the living room
 
 
 

Relive the romance of a bygone era

A Gilded Age time architectural time capsule of superb design and craftsmanship

Learn more about Drake Hall

 

Become a champion for historic preservation

Historical sites and architectural wonders are important connections to our past, and without your help these stories could easily be lost to time and progress. Preserving important examples of architecture like Drake Hall is not solely about upkeep; it is about honoring our shared heritage and ensuring that the beauty and craftsmanship encapsulated in these grand homes remain a source of valued learning and inspiration for generations to come.

 

Drake Hall

an arts and crafts

architectural masterpiece