Lyndhurst Mansion | Hudson

Lyndhurst Mansion is a spectacular example of Gothic Revival architecture located in Tarrytown, New York, overlooking the scenic Hudson River. The estate spans 67 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring a grand mansion, formal gardens, and historic outbuildings. It is considered one of the finest and most important 19th-century country estates in the United States.

Architecture and Design

Designed by Alexander Jackson Davis, a prominent 19th-century architect, Lyndhurst was originally built in 1838 and extensively expanded and remodeled through the 19th century. The mansion showcases hallmark Gothic Revival features such as pointed arches, steeply pitched roofs, intricate stone and woodwork, decorative finials, and large windows that flood the interiors with light. Its dramatic vertical lines and asymmetrical design create a romantic, castle-like presence.

Inside, the mansion includes richly decorated rooms with ornate wood paneling, elaborate plasterwork ceilings, period furnishings, stained glass windows, and fine art. The interiors reflect the opulence of America’s Gilded Age, combining comfort with impressive craftsmanship.

Historical Background

The estate was originally built for William Paulding Jr., a former mayor of New York City. It later became the home of George Merritt, a railroad magnate who expanded the property, and then Jay Gould, a notorious 19th-century financier and railroad tycoon, who made significant additions and renovations. The mansion and its grounds reflect the lifestyles of America’s wealthy elite during the 1800s, offering insight into their social customs, tastes, and innovations in domestic architecture.

Grounds and Landscape

Lyndhurst’s grounds are designed in the English naturalistic style, featuring sweeping lawns, mature specimen trees, flower gardens, fountains, and walking paths. The landscape creates a picturesque setting blending natural beauty with artistic landscaping. The estate includes a 390-foot conservatory and several historic outbuildings, including a bowling alley and swimming pool facility, showcasing the recreational pursuits of its former residents.

Visitor Experience

Today, Lyndhurst Mansion operates as a museum open to the public, offering several types of guided tours:

Classic Mansion Tour: A one-hour tour of the mansion’s first two floors, highlighting architectural details and decorative arts.

Upstairs-Downstairs Tour: A more extensive tour including servant quarters and the tower, providing a fuller picture of estate life.

Inside-Outside Tour: Combines mansion interiors with a guided walk through the gardens and grounds.

Specialty Tours: Focus on landscape design, historical themes, or seasonal events.

Visitors can also purchase grounds-only passes to explore the estate’s gardens and walking trails independently.

Events and Programs

Lyndhurst hosts a variety of seasonal events such as holiday celebrations, craft fairs, and themed tours. Educational programs and workshops are also offered, making it a vibrant cultural and historical center.

Practical Information

Location: 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY

Hours: Typically open April through December, with specific days and times varying; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Admission: Tickets required for mansion tours; grounds passes available separately.

Accessibility: The site offers accommodations for visitors with disabilities.

Summary

Lyndhurst Mansion is a jewel of Gothic Revival architecture and a window into 19th-century American history. Its striking design, rich history, and scenic Hudson River setting make it a captivating destination for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the grandeur of America’s Gilded Age estates.