The north shore of Long Island boasted more than 500 mansions at the height of its “Gold Coast” glory days. Serving as inspiration for classic cultural works like The Great Gatsbyand Citizen Kane, the area glittered with wealth, power, grandeur and intrigue. Long Island’s Mansions
are today an enchanting area revealing much about our country’s colorful past -- from stunning works of architecture, landscape and interior design to some of the most captivating historic figures in history.
Fortunately, many of these domestic treasures are preserved and open to the public, and are within a short distance of each other. Take some time to tour the grounds and interiors. Savor the spectacular style and revel in the stories that reveal a rare snapshot of The American Dream.
Begin in Old Westbury Gardens where you’ll find the famed Phipps estate, built in 1909. Featured in several films, Old Westbury is considered the best-preserved of the Gold Coast mansions and has starred in several films. With 160 acres, including rose gardens, walled garden, pond, and, of course, the 70 room mansion with antique furnishings and art, make sure you allow plenty of time. 516/333-0048.
Coindre Hall, the 1910 French Chateau-style estate of George Brown, was nearly demolished. After the 1929 stock crash, Brown lost the estate and it cycled through various owners and uses. Today the estate houses the Museum of Long Island's Gold Coast, which “features exhibits, photography and other artifacts from this unique and splendiferous era. The mansion is also a popular site for weddings, holiday celebrations, fund-raisers, auctions & antique shows.”
Nearby in Cold Spring, you’ll want to experience Oheka. Built by Otto Herman Kahn, the castle sits atop a massive man-made hill in order to provide the view Kahn so desired. The magnificent structure is one of the two largest residences ever built in the United States. (Must be the reason Orson Welles chose it as the model for Citizen Kane’s opulent home.) Today, the castle welcomes guests in the same magnificent style as its first residents. 631/659-1400
Another gem is Coe Hall, deeded by William Coe in 1949 as a 353 acre public arboretum. According to the estate, Coe’s interest in rare species of trees and his plant collections “made the estate a botanical marvel in Coe's lifetime.” 516/922-9200
The Frick estate, built 1904-1919, boasts one of the most noted landscape designs in America, including an unusual teak garden trellis. The estate now houses the Nassau County Museum of Art. Don’t miss The Tee Ridder Miniatures Museum. The highly anticipated Pop-Up Holiday Magic exhibit (Oct. through January 4, 2009) features enchanting pop-up books celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Christmas. 516/484-9337
Eagle’s Nest, owned by William K. Vanderbilt II, now serves as the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium and still houses much of Vanderbilt’s possessions and private collections. 631/854-5555
Ready for more? Why not book a room? The Glen Cove Mansion Hotel & Conference Center boasts elegant accommodations, fine dining, and a variety of resort trimmings at the 55 acre “Georgian Estate.” 516/671-6400
0 comments:
Post a Comment