Hildene's house and Hoyt Formal Garden, on a promontory overlooking the Battenkill Valley, were designed for Robert Todd Lincoln, the eldest son of President Abraham Lincoln, by a Boston architectural firm in a Georgian style. The garden was designed by Robert Todd Lincoln's daughter, Jessie Lincoln Beckwith, in a French Parterre style: the design resembles a stained glass window. Most of the hedges and many of the peonies are original plantings. The surrounding grounds were designed by Frederick Todd, a pupil of Frederick Law Olmsted. Recently renovated are the Cutting and Kitchen Gardens behind the Welcome Center and several projects are in progress including the new Apple Tree Allee and Robert's Rock.
