The Best Mansions In Westchester County to Tour This Spring
New York has long been home to some of America’s most successful and wealthiest families. Throughout the generations, these families have built impressive estates and mansions. Some of the most beautiful and intriguing are in Westchester County. These oversized homes served as a peaceful escape from the hustle of the city. While these homes are no longer the private paradise for America’s most prosperous, they serve a greater purpose. By remaining open to the public, a piece of history is preserved and celebrated. Tour these stately homes and experience what life was like in these mansions in Westchester County.
Lyndhurst Mansion
Also known as the Jay Gould Estate, this Gothic Revival country house was owned by railroad tycoon Jay Gould, merchant George Merritt, and New York City mayor William Paulding Jr. Gould is the one who gave the house the Lyndhurst name. The estate sits on 67 acres and is open seasonally from April through December. It’s closed for three weeks in November to prepare for seasonal tours and events. The open season begins with the famous Lyndhurst Bloom Flower Show at the beginning of April. The home was completed in 1842, with a carriage house complex, laundry building, bowling pavilion, greenhouse, and swimming pool buildings added in the following years. While the house tours are worth taking, the grounds draw many visitors. Landscape tours take you through gardens and grounds. The Lyndhurst Mansion is only one mile from the Sleepy Hollow Hotel, making the drive there less than 5 minutes.
Kykuit
The famous Rockefeller family owned the Kykuit estate for four generations. Today, the home is a National Trust for Historic Preservation site. The house is open for tours from May 3rd through November 10th. Three tours are offered. A Selected Highlights Tour includes the main floor, Inner Garden, and West Terrace. The tour takes one and a half hours, making it perfect for visitors with limited time. The Classic Tour takes about two hours and is ideal for first-time visitors; it includes the main floor of the house, art galleries, Inner Garden, and West Terrace. The Grand Tour is perfect for visitors who want to see it all. It takes three hours and includes everything in the Classic Tour with the addition of the home’s second floor, plus additional time in the gardens and art galleries. The drive takes 10 minutes at about three miles from the Sleepy Hollow Hotel.
Glenview Mansion
This beautiful country estate was the home of the Lyon family and served as a plantation for the Bowie family. Today, the Glenview Mansion is part of Rockville Civic Center Park. The house serves as an event space. While not the most adorned home on this list, it boasts an elegant main foyer, grand staircase, library, and marble-floored conservatory. A large, six-room art gallery is located on the second floor. Surrounding the mansion are elegant formal gardens perfectly manicured with flagstone walkways and stone archways. The drive to Glenview Mansion from the Sleepy Hollow Hotel takes about 20 minutes, depending on the route.
Philipse Manor Hall
Unlike the other mansions on this list that sit on grand estates surrounded by rolling hills and gardens, Philipse Manor Hall sits in the center of downtown Yonkers. The manor was built in three stages starting in the 1680s and was home to four generations of the Philipse family. The house was recently closed for renovation and restoration, reopening in 2022. The home is famous for its beautiful example of classic Colonial architecture. It features original Dutch doors, a grand staircase, and an intricately adorned paper mache ceiling. There are also six fireplaces throughout the house. Each has its own striking style. Driving to Philipse Manor Hall from the Sleep Hollow Hotel takes about 20 minutes.
The Armour-Stiner Octagon House
This impressive house makes a bold statement with its octagon shape. It’s the only known fully domed octagonal residence in the United States. The Armour-Stiner Octagon House has been carefully restored to its original 1872 appearance. Touring the house is a visual delight, with detailing and adornments on almost every surface. It is a beautiful example of American neo-Roman styling that was popular in the late 19th century.
Tours of the home begin in March and continue through Christmas. The one-hour Classic Tour is perfect for first-time visitors. The Nothing is Impossible Tour gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive restoration of the home. There are also several themed tours throughout the year. When staying at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel, driving to the Octagon House takes about 5 minutes.
Explore the Mansions in Westchester County
The mansions in Westchester County are a beautiful testament to American history. These stately homes began as private homes that have become a protected part of history. Visiting them can be as simple as an enjoyable day to look at stunning architecture and art. It can also be a deep dive into some of America’s most influential families. After a day of exploring, retreat to the serene Sleepy Hollow Hotel. Its contemporary ambiance is the perfect setting for settling in and enjoying a restful night’s sleep.
Book your stay at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel and be in the heart of Westchester County for your mansion exploration adventure.