Photography by Bruce A deArmond
Riversdale Mansion: Riversdale is stuccoed covered Federal brick architecture and exceptional neoclassic interior, built between 1801 and 1807 by Belgian émigré Henri Joseph Stier, Baron de Stier. Part of its character is the blending of Flemish and American architecture - Joseph Stier's daughter and American husband completed Riverside.
Baron de Stier brought his family first in 1794 to Philadelphia to escape the French Revolution which had spread to Belgium. Steir started preparations months ahead and worked out a plan of a portable wealth to prepare for a new future. Part of this process included a remarkable art collection. Being related to the painter Ruben's, the Steir collection was unique in its size and quality. After an intense introduction to the politics and culture of Philadelphia, Steir moved his family to the Marland countryside to conserve family finances. With Annapolis blooming into a center of commerce and culture, the family became part of this important emerging city. The Steirs lived in the William Paca House in Annapolis, Maryland, immediately before building Riversdale. Stier planned the house in 1801 to resemble his Belgian residence, the Chateau du Mick. However, only the central portion was built by Stier, with the hyphens and wings added c. 1830 by his son-in-law, George Calvert. Stier returned to Belgium in 1805 - Napoleon took power and promised to return confiscated property by the French. There had been a distressful ebb and tide of good and bad news coming from Europe as the forces of the French Revolution shifted and the violence grew. Napolian actively catered to the dispersed nobility to build his own version of a New French Empire. However, learning from the past, he would keep the option of reversing gears an open secret.
Riversdale South Elevation: Riversdale is a unique blend of American Federal design and the native Flemish of its emigrant builder Henri Joseph Stier at the beginning of the 1800s.
Riversdale South Elevation: Riversdale was the plantation of the Belgian émigré Rosalie Stier Calvert (1778–1821) and her husband, George Calvert (1768–1838), a planter and direct descendent of the Proprietary Governors of Maryland.
Baron de Stier Home: Chateau du Mick - The Stiers's Belgian home was used as a design reference for Riversdale in Maryland.
Riversdale North Elevation: Steir's Belgian home, Chateau du Mick, inspired the architecture of Riversdale, especially the East-West orientation of entertaining rooms, a style more popular in Europe than in America.
Salon: Riversdale Salon's architectural details showcase the elaborate Federal interiors. For example, the canvas floor covering is an intricate geometric pattern popular with Federal design.
Salon: Design drawings of sophisticated Federal era molding details showcased throughout Riversdale.
Salon: Some of the beautiful detail drawn together for Riversdale. The curated paint colors are of the period.
Riversdale Artwork: One of the features of Riversdale is that it housed the Stiers' renowned sixty-three masterpieces. This inclued ten Rubens. The art remained at Riversdale for safekeeping for twenty-two years - until the wars and politics of Europe finally settled down.
Drawing Room: The Drawing Room, Salon, and Dining Room make up the entertaining spaces at Riversdale. These were all laid out on the garden side of the house - in European custom. The Stiers were accustomed to this arrangement and used it for Riversdale.
Dining Room: The east parlor served as the dining room. The west parlor, with the salon in between, was the principle receiving parlor for guests. A portrait of Henri Joseph, Baron de Stier, is on the wall.
Dining Room: One feature of Riversdale is the 16-foot ceilings. Glass was very expensive then, and heating costs would have been much more costly - but the effect is priceless.
Office: The dedication to the symmetrical exterior meant that inside, windows awkwardly spanned two stories in the library with its historical scenic wallcovering.
On the north side is a central entry hall, with a stair hall on the right and a service hall on the left. All spaces have elaborate original woodwork.
Master Bedroom: Located on the second floor, the master bedroom includes this beautiful desk.
Landing Two at Second Staircase: A second staircase at Riversdale goes to the master bedroom.
Son-in-law George Calvert and daughter of Baron de Stier, Rosalie Stier Calvert.
Riversdale - At its completed stage, as developed between Rosalie and George Calvert in 1827.
1795-1821 "Mistress of Riversdale, The Plantation Letters of Rosalie Stier Calvert" - A reflection of life in early 19th-century Maryland and the newly emerging Federal city of Washington. 'These letters document the timeless elements of domestic life--family relationships, childbirth, illness, household chores--but they offer far more than the familiar fare of the plantation mistress.'