20 Iconic Mansions In New York Built By The Wealthiest Families
Explore the opulent world of New York’s historic mansions, built by some of the wealthiest families in the state. From the majestic estates of the Hudson Valley to the grandeur of Long Island’s Gold Coast, these iconic homes reflect the power and prosperity of New York’s elite.
Each mansion tells a story of architectural brilliance, luxurious design, and the influential families who once called these magnificent places home.
1. Vanderbilt Mansion
The Vanderbilt Mansion, located in Hyde Park, New York, is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Built by the Vanderbilt family, this estate reflects their immense wealth and influence.
With its panoramic views of the Hudson River and exquisite gardens, the mansion showcases the opulence of the Gilded Age. Inside, visitors can admire the lavish interior with its intricate woodwork, grand staircases, and luxurious furnishings.
The Vanderbilt family’s legacy continues to captivate those who visit this magnificent estate, a true gem of New York’s history.
2. Lyndhurst Mansion
Lyndhurst Mansion, located in Tarrytown, New York, is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Built by former New York City mayor William Paulding and later owned by railroad tycoon Jay Gould, this estate boasts dramatic towers and turrets.
The mansion’s sprawling gardens and scenic location on the Hudson River make it a picturesque destination. Inside, visitors can explore elegantly decorated rooms filled with period furnishings and artworks.
Lyndhurst’s rich history and architectural beauty continue to draw visitors, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of its former residents.
3. Oheka Castle
Oheka Castle, located in Huntington, Long Island, is a stunning French-style chateau built by financier Otto Hermann Kahn. Completed in 1919, it served as a lavish summer home.
Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and reflecting pools, the castle’s majestic facade exudes opulence. Inside, it features grand ballrooms, elegant dining rooms, and luxurious guest suites.
Today, Oheka Castle serves as a hotel and event venue, allowing guests to experience the grandeur of a bygone era, making it a popular destination for weddings and celebrations.
4. Mills Mansion
Mills Mansion, also known as Staatsburgh State Historic Site, is a grand estate in Staatsburg, New York. Built by Ogden Mills, a prominent financier, it exemplifies the grandeur of Palladian architecture.
The mansion’s expansive gardens and stately design reflect the opulent lifestyles of its original owners. Inside, visitors can explore rooms filled with elegant furnishings and period details.
As a state historic site, Mills Mansion offers guided tours that provide insight into the lavish lives of New York’s elite and the architectural significance of this historic treasure.
5. Kykuit
Kykuit, the Rockefeller family estate in Pocantico Hills, New York, is a symbol of classic Georgian architecture and luxury. Built by John D. Rockefeller, this six-story mansion offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River.
The property’s expansive gardens, adorned with sculptures and fountains, add to its grandeur. Inside, the mansion boasts elegant rooms decorated with fine art and exquisite furnishings.
Kykuit remains a testament to the Rockefeller family’s legacy, offering tours that showcase the opulence and influence of one of America’s wealthiest families.
6. Boscobel House
Boscobel House, located in Garrison, New York, is a beautifully restored example of Federal-style architecture. Originally built by States Dyckman, a wealthy Loyalist, the mansion offers stunning views of the Hudson River.
The surrounding grounds feature lush gardens and walking paths, providing a serene escape. Inside, Boscobel showcases elegant rooms furnished with period antiques, reflecting the refined tastes of its original owner.
Offering guided tours and cultural events, Boscobel House remains a cherished historic site, celebrating the architectural beauty and history of New York’s elite.
7. Olana State Historic Site
Olana, the home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church, is a magnificent Persian-inspired mansion in Greenport, New York. Perched on a hilltop, it offers breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley.
The mansion’s unique design, influenced by Persian architecture, reflects Church’s artistic vision and world travels. Surrounded by landscaped grounds, Olana is a masterpiece of art and architecture.
Today, it serves as a museum, showcasing Church’s work and offering a glimpse into the artistic and cultural world of the 19th-century elite.
8. Sagamore Hill
Sagamore Hill, located in Oyster Bay, Long Island, was the beloved home of President Theodore Roosevelt. This charming Victorian-style house served as the “Summer White House” during his presidency.
Surrounded by lush woodlands, the house offers insight into Roosevelt’s life and legacy. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved rooms, filled with personal artifacts and memorabilia.
Sagamore Hill remains a treasured historic site, celebrating Roosevelt’s contributions to American history and offering a glimpse into the life of one of the nation’s most influential leaders.
9. Montauk Point Lighthouse
Montauk Point Lighthouse, located at the eastern tip of Long Island, is a historic beacon built by the U.S. government in 1796. While not a mansion, its significance and historic keeper’s house warrant inclusion.
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the lighthouse offers stunning views and a sense of maritime history. The keeper’s house has been transformed into a museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits.
Visitors can climb the lighthouse for panoramic views and explore the museum, making Montauk Point a popular destination for history buffs and sea lovers alike.
10. The Breakers
The Breakers, while located in Newport, Rhode Island, is a must-mention due to its grandeur and connection to the Vanderbilt family. This Italian Renaissance-style mansion epitomizes opulence.
Its stunning ocean views and lavish interiors, featuring gold leaf and marble, transport visitors to a world of luxury. The estate reflects the Vanderbilt family’s immense wealth and taste.
Tourists can explore the opulent rooms and learn about the family’s history, making The Breakers a captivating destination for those interested in America’s Gilded Age splendor.
11. Glen Cove Mansion
Glen Cove Mansion, located on Long Island’s Gold Coast, is a stunning example of Colonial Revival architecture. Built in 1910 for John Pratt, an executive with Standard Oil, it exudes elegance.
The mansion’s sprawling gardens and elegant interiors, adorned with period furnishings, reflect the opulence of the era. Visitors can explore the luxurious rooms and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Today, Glen Cove Mansion operates as a hotel and event venue, allowing guests to experience the grandeur and charm of a historic estate that once housed one of New York’s elite families.
12. Sands Point Preserve
Sands Point Preserve, home to the Hempstead House, is a majestic estate on Long Island. Built by financier Howard Gould, it resembles a medieval castle with its stone facade and grand towers.
Surrounded by lush gardens and woodland trails, the mansion offers a serene escape. Inside, visitors can explore historic rooms filled with period furnishings and art.
Hosting cultural events and educational programs, Sands Point Preserve invites guests to experience the grandeur of a bygone era, making it a cherished part of New York’s architectural heritage.
13. Van Cortlandt Manor
Van Cortlandt Manor, located in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, is a historic treasure dating back to the colonial era. Built by the influential Van Cortlandt family, the manor house showcases stone architecture.
The interior features period furnishings, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of a prominent colonial family. The surrounding gardens and grounds provide a tranquil setting.
Today, Van Cortlandt Manor is a living history museum, hosting special events and programs that celebrate New York’s rich heritage, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.
14. Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury Gardens, located on Long Island, is a splendid example of Charles II-style architecture. Built for financier John S. Phipps, the mansion and its formal gardens exude aristocratic elegance.
Visitors can explore the meticulously maintained gardens and the opulent interiors, filled with fine art and period pieces. The estate reflects the grandeur of a bygone era.
Old Westbury Gardens hosts various cultural events and seasonal activities, making it a beloved destination that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of New York’s aristocracy.
15. The Armour-Stiner Octagon House
The Armour-Stiner Octagon House, located in Irvington, New York, is an architectural marvel with its unique eight-sided design. Built by financier Paul J. Armour, this Victorian-era mansion features a distinctive domed roof.
Inside, the intricate interior design reflects the opulence and creativity of the era. Visitors can explore richly decorated rooms filled with period furnishings.
The Octagon House is a privately owned residence, but guided tours offer a rare glimpse into this architectural gem, highlighting its historical and aesthetic significance in New York’s landscape.
16. Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Staatsburgh State Historic Site, also known as Mills Mansion, is a grand Beaux-Arts estate in Staatsburg, New York. Built by Ogden Mills, it exemplifies early 20th-century opulence.The mansion’s rolling lawns and panoramic views of the Hudson River create a stunning backdrop.
Inside, visitors can explore elegantly furnished rooms that reflect the luxurious tastes of the Mills family.
Offering guided tours and special events, Staatsburgh provides a captivating insight into the lavish lifestyles of New York’s elite and the architectural brilliance of the Gilded Age.
17. Kykuit
Kykuit, the Rockefeller family estate in Pocantico Hills, New York, is a symbol of classic Georgian architecture and luxury. Built by John D. Rockefeller, this six-story mansion offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River.
The property’s expansive gardens, adorned with sculptures and fountains, add to its grandeur.
Inside, the mansion boasts elegant rooms decorated with fine art and exquisite furnishings.
Kykuit remains a testament to the Rockefeller family’s legacy, offering tours that showcase the opulence and influence of one of America’s wealthiest families.
18. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, located in Katonah, New York, is a cultural haven housed in a stunning Mediterranean-style villa. Originally the estate of Walter and Lucie Rosen, it blends artistic heritage with architectural beauty.
Surrounded by beautiful gardens, Caramoor hosts concerts and cultural events, drawing music lovers and art enthusiasts alike. The villa’s unique design and rich history add to its charm.
Caramoor is a beloved destination, celebrating both the performing arts and the architectural elegance of New York’s historic estates.
19. Springwood
Springwood, the lifelong home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is located in Hyde Park, New York. This grand colonial-style mansion is part of the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites.
Surrounded by lush gardens, Springwood offers insight into Roosevelt’s family life and legacy. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved rooms, filled with personal artifacts and memorabilia.
Springwood remains a significant historic site, celebrating Roosevelt’s contributions to American history and offering a glimpse into the life of one of the nation’s most influential leaders.
20. Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, located in Yonkers, New York, is an exquisite estate featuring Persian-inspired gardens. Created by lawyer and civic leader Samuel Untermyer, it offers stunning views of the Hudson River.
The gardens’ architectural elements, including classical columns and reflecting pools, reflect Untermyer’s vision and wealth. Visitors can stroll through distinct garden areas, each with its own charm.
Untermyer Gardens is a beloved public space, hosting events and tours that celebrate its unique design and historical significance, making it a cherished part of New York’s cultural heritage.