Lyndhurst in Tarrytown is a Fantastic Site to See

Rose bush at Lyndhurst in TarrytownOverlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown, New York, is the majestic Lyndhurst mansion. Now a historic site, Lyndhurst is one of America’s finest Gothic Revival mansions and was once occupied by railroad tycoon Jay Gould as well as former New York City mayor William Paulding.

 

The architecture is especially breathtaking, with narrow hallways, sharply arched windows, and peaked ceilings. And the beautiful Hudson River views are worth a trip alone.

 

Rolling lawns on the Lyndhurst Grounds are accented with century-old weeping Beech trees. Blooming rose gardens send an aroma of fresh sweetness into the air. With a fascinating past and old-world elegance, Lyndhurst in Tarrytown is a wonderful place to visit during any time of year.

A Brief History of Lyndhurst Mansion

original plans laid out by Alexander Jackson DavisThe Lyndenhurst, designed by Alexander Jackson Davis in 1838, was owned in succession by:

 

  • New York City mayor William Paulding Jr.

 

  • Merchant George Merritt

 

  • And railroad magnate Jay Gould

 

The house was named “Knoll” by Paulding because of its unusual design. After all, it included fanciful turrets and an asymmetrical outline.

 

In 1864-1865, the house doubled in size and gained the name “Lyndenhurst” after the estate’s linden trees.

 

The Gothic-style rooms at Lyndhurst have narrow corridors, small windows, and ornamented ceilings. It all creates a gloomy and romantic atmosphere.

 

Other accolades at the Lyndhurst Estate include hosting an indoor bowling alley that is one of the oldest in the country. That said, the oldest is at Roseland Cottage, in Woodstock, CT.

 

lyndhurst tarrytown castle

The house is set within a landscape park designed in the English naturalistic style by Ferdinand Mangold. Mangold drained swamps, planted trees, and constructed a conservatory. The park is an excellent example of 19th-century landscape design. Its curving entrance drive reveals unexpected views of rolling lawns and shrubs. The glass conservatory was one of the largest privately owned greenhouses in the United States, measuring 390 feet long.

 

Gould bought the property in 1880 and lived there until his death in 1892. Gould’s daughter donated the house to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1961, and it is now open to the public.

Make Memories at the Mansion

A trip to the Lyndhurst historic site is a perfect day trip for the whole family. And when you stay at Stanton House Inn in Greenwich, CT, you’ll be just a short 25-minute drive from all of the magic! Here are some of the things you can do at Lyndhurst Mansion, one of the best things to do in Tarrytown, NY.

Take a Classic Mansion Tour

Lyndhurst TarrytownGuests who are looking to explore Lyndhurst mansion can do so by taking a guided walking tour. The tours last approximately one hour and visit both the first and second floor of the mansion. During the month of October, the mansion is festively decorated for the fall leaf season and for Halloween, and from Thanksgiving through the New Year, the mansion is specially adorned for the holidays.

 

Private tours are also a popular option for visitors wanting a more exclusive look at the Lyndhurst estate. Private tours for groups of four to eight can be scheduled at any time (even when the property is otherwise closed to the public!) and can be customized for your specific audience or interests. You can purchase your tickets online, at the carriage house visitor’s center, or at the gift shop.

Attend Upcoming Events at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, NY

Throughout December, guests are welcome to attend Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol. This theatrical performance recreating Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim. Working from Dickens’ actual scripts, actor Michael Muldoon tells the beloved story as guests travel throughout the mansion “meeting” the different spirits and characters. The performance is approximately 90 minutes and is a fun and exciting event for all ages. It’s also a great opportunity to score a Christmas tour.

 

Another event held annually at Lyndhurst is the craft fair, which occurs each May.

Plan Your Fairytale Wedding

If you’ve always dreamt of an incredible castle wedding, Lyndhurst in Tarrytown is a real-life fantasy. You can make a heart-stopping entrance through the castle’s double doors, marry your prince charming underneath a rose-filled pergola, and impress your guests with breathtaking views of the Hudson. You’ll enjoy the privacy and beauty of 67 sprawling acres, just thirty-five minutes from bustling New York City. Whether your wedding is elegant and formal or simple and rustic, your special day will be unforgettable in this whimsical setting. Contact Lyndhurst to get an estimate on your wedding cost at this most whimsical of wedding venues near Greenwich, CT.

Stay at the Stanton House Inn

After a dream-like day at the castle or other nearby attractions like Sunnyside, come back to exceptional comfort and elegance at our Greenwich bed and breakfast. Our stunning rooms and suites, beautiful grounds, and fascinating history will impress you – even after a trip to the Lyndhurst mansion! For more information on things to do near New York City, download our free vacation guide.

Photo Credit: Mcreindeer | Thinkstock