Today, it sits tucked in the far corner of a huge parking lot, on the backside of Broadway and honestly, it’s kind of tough to find. After a winning ( or losing ) day at the track, though, you will want to find this hidden gem, as it has a unique history of its own, with strong ties to Saratoga’s race course.
The History of Mouzon House
Mouzon House was built in 1883, surrounded by other Victorian homes, much like it. During the Revolutionary War, wounded soldiers were sometimes brought to the house, nursed back to health with help from the medicinal waters of historic High Rock Mineral Springs, which lay just beyond.
Ardel Mouzon bought the house in 1919. She was a Cherokee Indian who fought an uphill battle, more than once, to save the house. In the 70’s, when the urban renewal movement declared eminent domain and other homes were demolished, Ardel enlisted the help of anyone she could think of, to save her own. She organized church folk and recruited professors from Skidmore College to help fight the battle. Her modest home, amazingly, was the only residence that survived the razing.
Ardel often went to the racetrack while she lived in Saratoga. She loved to attend the festivities in fancy hats and colorful dresses. Perhaps she bet on the longshots, horses that seemed to be a bad bet in the win/place/show game.
Her daughter, Mia Mouzon, inherited the home that now sits proudly between the old world and the new. Hotels rise high above the house and there’s talk of yet another parking garage, which will certainly try to hide her completely from view.
Mia was the first woman of color to graduate from Skidmore in the 1930’s and still resides in Saratoga. She visits Mouzon House every so often and has a chair of honor in one of the restaurant’s unique dining rooms.
The Pedinotti family purchased the home and were so moved by the story of Ardel and her struggles to save it, they asked permission to name their restaurant Mouzon House. It seemed fitting.
The inside has been restored to its 1883 era. You’ll find charming rooms with personality galore. The walls are covered with colorful murals that the Pedinotti daughters have painted themselves. Some of these depict the Mouzon women and others are of the sisters.
Click on Images to View Full-Size
A Farm to Table Restaurant
A true farm to table restaurant, the family is committed to working with local farmers and vendors. Many of their menu choices lean towards Creole flavor. Menus change often, depending on availability of product and Mouzon House takes pride in what they create in the kitchen and present to the guest.
From the looks of it, racing season or not, Mouzon House is a winner. Visit their website by clicking here.
Photos courtesy of Theresa St. John
I remember Saratoga track and the concerts I’ve seen there when I lived in NY. I don’t recall this though. So lovely a home and enjoyed learning a tad about the house. Farm to table restaurants, always a great place to eat and experience the local goodies.
This is a wonderful restaurant and so unique! I love farm to table and the personality of this particular one was fascinating!
It is downtown, hidden in the corner of a large parking lot. Urban Renewal in Saratoga, this is one of the only ones who remained. I loved it there and the owners are such friendly, welcoming people!
Oh, I love farm to table restaurants and history as well. Love Saratoga but it’s been a long time since I’ve been there. I’ll have to go now to have some food at this restaurant. This was a fascinating post!
Oh, yes, please be sure to visit this wonderful place when you get to come visit again! Quite charming and the food is so good!
Sorry so long in answering, did not see this post! Yes, please come back to Saratoga, there is so much history and interesting places here in the SpaCity. Make sure you go to Mouzon House. 🙂
I grew up in Kentucky surrounded by horse racing and since I’m part Cherokee Indian this really touched my heart. I’d love to visit there someday it looks absolutely stunning.
The history of this restaurant is very moving! I am glad it touched a chord in you. 🙂
What a fascinating house and a great tale. This is new to me, even though I was born in NY State. It’s a place I would love to visit one day. Next visit!
I found it by accident, just walking by one day. It’s a great place, have never seen an inside like this and I just fell in love. Hope you get to try it next visit to the Spa City.
If I’m ever in the area, I’m going. Looks like my kind of place, and the food looks yummy too. I love it when a lovely building with a unique history is saved and celebrated rather than destroyed.
It definitely has made it through a lot to escape an ‘ending.’ I love it here and it is a big part of Saratoga, even though many still have not discovered it.
What a charming place! I would love to have dinner there. Hopefully, I’ll have a chance to visit one day.
It is very charming and a hidden gem for sure. I am anxious to get back there again and will, sometime this Summer.
I love those full length portraits – they capture the essence of the woman don’t they? Thanks for sharing a peek of another beautiful home.
Even under the stairs there are portraits. The daughters who have painted these are so talented!
Hi Rena,
I am a history teacher, so I appreciated this.
Janice
I love the history behind places I visit,too. Makes it more interesting.
So sorry, I meant Rebecca.
Janice