Is it possible for a building to whisper tales of American history? Lyndhurst can. This isn’t just a house. Lyndhurst is a journey through time. It reflects the evolving tastes of a nation.
Lyndhurst, also known as the Jay Gould estate, stands majestically. It occupies 67 acres beside the Hudson River in Tarrytown, New York. The house earned its status as a National Historic Landmark in 1966.
Designed in 1838 by Alexander Jackson Davis, Lyndhurst has seen many transformations. William Paulding Jr. New York City mayor, first owned it. He named it “Knoll”. Critics mockingly called it “Paulding’s Folly” due to its unique design.
Merchant George Merritt later acquired the house. He hired Davis to double its size between 1864 and 1865. Merritt renamed it “Lyndenhurst” after the estate’s linden trees.
Railroad tycoon Jay Gould purchased Lyndhurst in 1880. He shortened the name to “Lyndhurst”. Gould used it as a country house until his death in 1892. In 1961, Gould’s daughter Anna Gould donated Lyndhurst to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Now, the house welcomes the public.
Step inside Lyndhurst. Discover rooms filled with Gothic character. Hallways appear narrow. Windows are small and sharply arched. Ceilings reach fantastically peaked heights. They are heavily ornamented. The effect is gloomy, somber, yet highly romantic. The large art gallery provides a contrast of light and space.
Outside, explore the landscape park. Ferdinand Mangold designed it in the English naturalistic style. Merritt hired Mangold. He drained swamps. He created lawns. Mangold planted specimen trees. He built a conservatory. The park offers “surprise” views of rolling lawns. These lawns are accented with shrubs and specimen trees.
Lyndhurst’s rooms showcase original furnishings. Many pieces were designed by Alexander Jackson Davis. The arrangement of the rooms reflects the lives of its former families. It offers insights into American identity and taste.
Beyond its architecture, Lyndhurst has starred in movies and TV shows. “House of Dark Shadows” and “The Gilded Age” filmed here. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was held on its grounds in 2021 and 2022.
Don’t miss the chance to see the spiral wood back staircase. It ascends to the fifth-floor tower. From there, panoramic views of the Hudson River and New York City unfold. The basement kitchen displays 19th-century cooking elements.
Across the carriage road, the Laundry Building tells stories of household staff. The Bowling Alley, one of the earliest in the United States, has its own tale. Anna Gould used it for visiting soldiers during World War II.
The children’s playhouse called Rose Cottage provides a glimpse into family life. Nestled beneath mature trees, it beckons with its charm. Lyndhurst offers a picturesque escape. It remains as beautiful as it was in the 1800s.
Today, Lyndhurst stands as a testament to architectural brilliance. It showcases landscape design and American history. Its walls echo stories of families and the evolution of a nation. Visit Lyndhurst. Experience the magic of this Gothic Revival masterpiece. Let its stories captivate you.