BETTER KNOW NY
BETTER KNOW NJ
Once referred to as “Paulding’s Folly,” Lyndhurst Mansion is now an inspiration.
Finding design inspiration in spectacular homes of yesteryear. Living Graciously
T E X T STEWART KELLER S topping by GPS Mount Vernon? There is plenty in the area to make a day of it—especially for lovers of historic architecture and natural splendor. Completed in 1749, Van Cortlandt House Museum is one of the area’s best preserved examples of Georgian style. During the Revolution- ary War, it hosted historical figures—
that program, Lyndhurst Mansion is a sumptuous feast for the eyes. It was architecturally eccentric from the start—
dotted with flourishes like fanciful turrets that caused some critics to call it a folly— and that was before the second owner doubled its size. Today, the estate hosts an extraordinary cal- endar of events for lovers of theater, music, crafts, and more. And though many visitors come to appreciate the mansion’s beauty, a lucky few will also get to call it the place where they got married. lyndhurst.org Meanwhile, the Greenburgh Na- ture Center is dedicated to preserving nature and inspiring environmental
including George Washington—and served as a family home for 140 years before being reimagined as a muse- um in 1897. Today, the staff welcomes visitors to step into history via its halls and also offers a varied schedule of talks, tours, and festivals. vchm.org
George Washington slept here: Van Cortlandt House was contested during the Revolution.
Designed 89 years later, the Lyndhurst Mansion offers a look at gracious living from another era. It was called home by the likes of railroad tycoon Jay Gould—one of the inspirations for the elite of HBO’s The Gilded Ag e. And like
stewardship. Its 33 acres of natural beauty include open spaces, forested trails, a Native American Replica village, a barnyard, and demonstration gardens. The center also offers classes for kids. naturecentergb.org ■
33
WWW.GPSLIVING.COM
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online