Historic Mansions, Westchester County, New York
Kykuit, Lyndhurst, and Sunnyside in the Historic Hudson Valley
Oct 28, 2008
During the 1800s, many wealthy New Yorkers built homes further upstate in the Hudson Valley. This was to escape the grueling heat of Summer in the city. They built beautiful mansions up against the Hudson River that still stand today. In modern times, these mansions in the historic Hudson Valley have been preserved and are available for touring. A pleasant and inexpensive excursion for a day is a trip to one of these estates. Three that are within twenty minutes of New York City are Kykuit, Lyndhurst, and Sunnyside, all run by Historic Hudson Valley.
Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate
Kykuit (pronounced Kigh-Cut) was home to four generations of Rockefellers beginning with John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil and once the richest man in America. This ivy-covered estate overlooks the Hudson River from its perch. On a clear day a visitor can see all the way to Manhattan.
Several different tours of the Kykuit estate are available at different prices between 23 and 38 dollars. The tours can take anywhere from ninety minutes to three hours, showing the architecture, sculpture garden, and art gallery of Kykuit. There are also options to combine these tours with trips to nearby Philipsburg Manor and Sunnyside.
Kykuit can be reached by the Historic Hudson Valley Visitor’s Center, which is located at Philipsburg Manor on Rt. 9 in Sleepy Hollow, two miles North of the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Lyndhurst: The Tarrytown Castle
From the Tappan Zee Bridge the sight is unmistakable - a Gothic castle rising up from the Tarrytown on the Hudson River. Designed in 1838, Lyndhurst was home to several notables, including railroad tycoon Jay Gould.
Lyndhurst is a contrast in style to Kykuit. Whereas Kykuit is a modern recreation of the grand Greco-Roman design, Lyndhurst is gothic and gloomy, evoking a Scottish moor instead of rolling Greek fields.
Guided and self-guided tours of Lyndhurst are available to the visitor. Guided tours take 45 minutes. Admission is 12 dollars for adults, 5 dollars for children, and free for children under five years.
Lyndhurst is located on Rt 9 in Tarrytown, one half mile South of the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Sunnyside, NY, and Washington Irving
Sunnyside was the home of one of America’s first great authors, Washington Irving. Irving is most famous for his stories “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle,” both set in the Hudson Valley.
Sunnyside is nothing like Lyndhurst or Kykuit. Where Kykuit goes for grandeur and Lyndhurst for gloom, Sunnyside has a more understated, cozy feel. If a visitor is familiar with Irving’s stories and essays, the house seems to fit perfectly with what one would expect.
Guided tours with historically costumed guides at available at Sunnyside all year round. A tour takes about 45 minutes and cost 12 dollars for adults, 6 dollars for children, and is free for children under five.
Sunnyside is especially appropriate for children, and offers special events and activities for them. In December, Sunnyside is lit up in a dreamscape of lights, the counterpart to the “Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze” during Halloween at Van Cortlandt Manor. Vistors drive through illuminated, surreal landscapes representing the dreams of Rip Van Winkle and more.
Sunnyside is located off Rt. 9, about one half mile South of Lyndhurst and one full mile South of the Tappan Zee Bridge, NY.
Spending a Saturday or Sunday visiting one or all of these estates is perfect for the New York history enthusiast or art lover. While there, finish the day off by watching the Sunset over the Hudson River at the Tarrytown Marina. It will be a day not soon forgotten.
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