10 Historic Estates in New York You Should Visit
When anyone thinks of New York, they probably just think about Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and all the typical attractions. Did you know though, that New York is also home to so many beautiful historic estates and former mansions of wealthy families of former centuries? A lot of these estates are still maintained and have since been converted into museums open to the public. Want to see how the rich lived it up back in the day? Here’s a list of some beautiful historic estates in New York you should visit. All of these mansions/estates are also included in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places!
**Make sure to check with their websites beforehand! Due to the unpredictability of Covid-19, opening hours/ rules are subject to change. They may be operating at limited capacity and accepting online-only reservations, or may just be completely closed until further notice.**
Lyndhurst Mansion
635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Located in Tarrytown, Lyndhurst Mansion is an easy day trip out of NYC by train or car. You can also access the mansion by foot if you’re walking along Old Croton Aqueduct State Park. Lyndhurst is part of the former estate of railroad tycoon, Jay Gould. With lots of open space, you can enjoy the rose garden, the fountain and also picnic on the grounds while enjoying a beautiful view of the Hudson River. Oh, and you can also bring your doggies here, so major thumbs up to Lyndhurst for this!
As of August 1, Lyndhurst is open 7 days a week, but a grounds pass is required for those arriving by car. Cost of a grounds pass ranges from $10-$30. Tarrytown residents can enter for free. Masks must be worn when in close contact to other people. Tours of the property are also now running again. See their site for more info.
Hempstead House (Sands Point Preserve Conservancy)
127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY 11050
http://sandspointpreserveconservancy.org/
This estate is located in Sands Point, Long Island and is accessible by car or LIRR. While far away from Lyndhurst, it was actually started by Jay Gould’s son, Howard. The inspiration for the “castle” here was actually Kilkenny Castle in Ireland. Eventually, the estate was sold to the Guggenheim family and the main castle was renamed the “Hempstead House.” The Hempstead House is actually part of the larger Sands Point Preserve, which also includes another castle-like building. You can enjoy beautiful architecture and gardens here, overlooking the Long Island Sound. Dogs are allowed here as well, and there is a dog run for them too!
As of August 1, the Sands Point Preserve is now open from Wed-Sun. This includes the gardens, playground and walking trails, but the mansions, dog park and tours remain closed. Admission ranges from $4-$15. Social distancing is required and masks must be worn if less than 6 feet apart.
Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
945 N Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701
https://www.untermyergardens.org/
Located in Yonkers, Untermyer Gardens is a historic park just an hour north of NYC. It was previously part of the estate of former NY governor, Samuel Tilden, until it was purchased by Samuel Untermyer, a famous NYC-based lawyer. Overlooking the Hudson River, Untermyer wanted the gardens to be one of, if not the “finest garden in the world.” The famous Vista at Untermyer was even modeled after a set of descending stairs overlooking Lake Como in Italy. Take a trip here and you will be transported to Italy as soon as you walk in!
As of August 1, Untermyer is open only on weekends (Fri-Sun) through free, timed online reservations (12-6pm). If there are open time slots, you may be allowed entry at the door. Masks must be worn when 6-feet social distance is not possible. At times, masks may still be required by security even if 6 feet apart from people.
Boscobel House & Gardens
1601 NY-9D, Garrison, NY 10524
http://boscobel.org
Another historic estate in New York with a view of the Hudson River, Boscobel also faces the military academy, West Point. Boscobel was built in the 1800’s by States Dyckman, though it has since been restored. It is currently made up of multiple gardens, a hiking trail, an orchards, and the house museum.
As of August 1, the grounds, gardens and trail remain open Fri-Mon, but advanced reservations are required. Admission ranges from $6 to $12.
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Rd, Old Westbury, NY 11568
https://www.oldwestburygardens.org/
This next estate is located in one of the richest towns in Long Island and the U.S. One trip to this historic mansion and you can see why. It is the former estate of businessman John Shaffer Phipps, and was designed to resemble a residence in England. Old Westbury Garden screams opulence, which is perhaps why this is also a popular wedding/ photo venue. Complete with beautiful lush gardens, you can find all sorts of interesting and unique plants here. There are multiple gardens around the property, as well as a trail that surrounds the lake and leads to the secluded “Temple of Love.”
As of August 1, Old Westbury Gardens is open everyday except for Tuesday. In order to limit capacity, you will only be allowed entry if you pre-purchased tickets online. Admission ranges from $7-$12. The Westbury House is under renovation and remains closed. Masks must be worn when social distancing is not possible. Visit their website for more info.
Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate
https://hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites/kykuit-the-rockefeller-estate/#info
The name gives it away. Kykuit is the former home of four different generations of the famous Rockefeller family. Kykuit is made up of of the main house with a view of the Hudson River, gardens, a terrace and golf room as well as art galleries. Admission to the estate is by tour only, and departs from the vistor center at the nearby Philipsburg Manor.
Vanderbilt Museum
180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, NY 11721
https://www.vanderbiltmuseum.org/
Another beautiful estate located in Long Island, the Vanderbilt Museum, not to be confused with the Vanderbilt Mansion, provides a great view of the Long Island Sound. The Vanderbilt Museum, as you can guess, belonged to an heir of the powerful Vanderbilt family, William K. Vanderbilt II. The property was designed to showcase Vanderbilt’s marine and natural history collections. It’s made up of a Spanish-style mansion, a planetarium, gardens, a marine museum and more. The museum also runs educational programs and workshops. One thing’s for sure, there is no shortage of things to see here!
As of August 1, the Vanderbilt Museum grounds are open at limited capacity, but the planetarium and part of the mansion remains closed until Labor Day at least. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, price runs from $5 to $8. Masks and social distancing are required.
Vanderbilt Mansion
https://www.nps.gov/vama/index.htm
Owned by another member of the Vanderbilt family, the Vanderbilt Mansion was one of the many homes of Frederick W. Vandebilt. This mansion, located in Hyde Park, is made up of 54 beautifully designed rooms and lush gardens overlooking the Hudson River. Dogs are also allowed on the grounds too!
As of August 1, the website lists this mansion are closed, but I emailed them and the grounds are open even if you cannot enter the building. As more places are opening up, call ahead to see if anything changes.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Definitely a secluded little gem in Oyster Bay, Long Island, Planting Fields is one of my favorite places to visit in the summer. If you visit in late June-early July, you will get to enjoy both their lavender as well as their rose tunnel in full bloom! Planting Fields is the former estate of William Coe, a railroad and insurance executive of the early 20th century. The property is made up of the arboretum, the famous Coe Hall house, as well as a state park which takes up over 400 acres. The arboretum is very popular, and is made up of multiple greenhouses and gardens. Coe Hall is a also a popular attraction, as you get to tour the interior of the historic mansion.
As of August 1, Planting Fields is open daily. Only an $8 parking fee is required (for most visitors). It is operating on limited capacity, so depending on the time you arrive, you might not be allowed entry if arriving on busy days, like weekends. Masks are required when social distancing isn’t possible. The greenhouses remain closed, but Coe Hall has opened for tours. See website for info.
Oheka Castle
135 W Gate Dr, Huntington, NY 11743
https://www.oheka.com/
Located in Huntington, L.I., the Oheka Castle is former home to philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn. Oheka is perhaps one of the most famous of the historic estates in New York. This historic home was converted into a hotel that has since been used for weddings as well as photo shoots and music videos. The property also features a restaurant, which is also open to the public. The grounds are open to the public, when there are no special events going on, and you have the option to book a tour of the mansion.
As of August 1, the grounds are open but mansion tours are still not available. Outdoor dining and take out is available from the restaurant. Masks are required when social distancing is not possible.
The previously mentioned estates are just a small fraction of ALL the historic estates across New York. In fact, these are only a few of the ones that are within two hours or so from the city — there are many more within a short distance. So, you can imagine how many more exist beyond a two hour distance. If you know of any more historic estates in New York that are worth a visit, feel free to name them in the comments! I know I will definitely be adding more to this list as time goes on!
