Historic Homes in the Hudson Valley.
Westchester County NY is such a special place to live. We are right here in the suburbs of NYC, and it has been a historical and cultural mecca for centuries. With beautiful views of the Hudson River, many famous people have made Westchester their home.
Take some time this summer to go on a historical tour of Westchester's homes and mansions. Here are a few to get you started.
Lyndhurst (Tarrytown, NY) - This was financier Jay Gould's mansion. It's a gothic revival castle built in 1838. Beautiful views and perfect on a nice sunny day. You'll love the architecture, art and beautiful gardens.
Kykuit (Sleepy Hollow, NY) - This has been home to 4 generations of Rockefellers. Check out the grounds and sculpture garden. Beautiful views. Kykuit comes from the Dutch "lookout" as it is the highest point in the hamelet of Pocantico Hills with great views of the Hudson River and NYC skyline. It was built in 1913.
Sunnyside (Tarrytown, NY) - This is Washington Irving's home which started as a cottage (1835) and was gradually expanded. It is in Dutch Colonial Revival style. See where the famous author penned The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (which is just up the road) and Rip Van Winkle. Enjoy the view and bucolic gardens. Down the road is historic Irvington, and yes the town is named after the author.
Philipsburg Manor (Sleepy Hollow, NY) - Step back into 1750 and experience life before the Revolutionary War. It was a farming, milling and trading center owned by the Philipses. There's an activity center where you can explore the food methods, textile production techniques, and medicinal practices from the old world.
Union Church of Pocantico Hills (Pocantico, NY) - I just learned about this today. I think I've passed by it many times and had no idea that the stained glass windows were made by Matisse and Marc Chagall. How cool is that? It makes sense when you understand that it was commissioned by Nelson A Rockefeller. It honors his mother, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, one of the founders of the Modern Museum of Art (MOMA). Tie this in w/ your visit to Kykuit.
Van Cortlandt Manor (Croton-on-Hudson) - Further up the road, you can view Van Cortlandt Manor. This is stone manor house and you can experience life at is was after the Revolutionary War. There are crafts that are fun for kids (yes, we went here on an elementary school trip) and if you venture down to the Ferry House (which was built before 1750), you'll find a tavern that offered food, drink and lodging for those traveling the Albany Post Rd.
We are so lucky to live in such a glorious county that is so rich in history.
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