Those with copies of the Mark Twain Journal for Spring/Fall 2006 
(44:1-2) can make the comparison for themselves. That two-in-one issue 
prints my virtual tour of Stormfield based mostly on previously 
unpublished photos of the interior and exterior of the original 
structure that later burned in the 1920s. It also includes the original 
floorplans and plat map which are big folding inserts, and of course my 
essay which describes the physical structure in detail as well as its 
history. Copies of that issue can be ordered from the MTJ website.

The present structure more or less sits on the footprint of the original 
structure and parts of the floor plans do align with the original plans 
(the library, hallway, stairs, part of the kitchen, etc., but the entire 
loggia was not rebuilt, nor was the room above the loggia where Twain 
kept his desk. The pergola at the foot of the pathway is long-gone but 
its foundation seems to be intact under the lawn, to judge from 
discoloration of the grass at that location. The steps leading down to 
the pergola site are intact, but the gravel pathway itself, which could 
easily be unearthed or recreated is oddly absent. Jean's farm and 
farmhouse survive nearby but are now a separate property. The owners of 
Stormfield generously allowed me access to the entire home and grounds 
years ago, and I spent most of my time studying the cellar (which 
survived the fire) and the grounds, but I did walk through all the rooms 
to get a feel for the dimensions and layout. The long hallways and rows 
of rooms gave it sort of a hotel feel, a big empty hotel. It must have 
been a very lonely place for an aging widower with one daughter and son 
long dead, and two living daughters--one estranged and the other 
striking out on her own. It's no wonder he craved visitors and kept a 
guest-book to memorialize their visits.

Kevin
@
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------ Original Message ------
From: "Peter Salwen" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: 4/1/2022 11:22:31 PM
Subject: 30 Mark Twain Lane, Redding, CT

>Inside, the mansion that replaced Twain's Stormfield seems to have just
>about nothing to do with the house Sam Clemens built (I guess Kevin can
>tell us for sure), but this link will let you see for yourself. And the
>grounds, at least, are worth a visit:
>
>https://www.seetheproperty.com/story/387175/b
>