Lyndhurst

History

Lyndhurst was designed in 1838 by noted Gothic Revival architect, Alexander Jackson Dawson, as the home of New York Mayor, William Paulding. Named "Lyndenhurst" by the mayor for the abundant linden trees on the property, it was commonly known as "Paulding's Folly." When businessman George Merritt acquired the property in 1864, he doubled its size and added much of the Gothic details. Railroad mogul, Jay Gould bought the estate in 1880 as a country house and he used the house until his death in 1892. It was he who shortened the name to Lyndhurst. The estate stayed in the Gould family until his daughter donated it to the National Trust in 1961.

Lyndhurst may be familiar to 1970s television fans, as it was the backdrop for the popular cult series "Dark Shadows."

The House

Lyndhurst is modest by "Gilded Age" standards, although the rooms all feature vaulted ceilings, decorative moldings and other Gothic details. Highlights of the house include the wood-paneled dining room, the second floor art gallery, and the Duchess' (Gould's daughter) bedroom with its robin's egg blue vaulted ceiling.

The exterior of the manor house is made of limestone and features many fanciful turrets, cupolas, and other Gothic ornaments.

Lyndhurst is especially popular during the holiday season when the manor house and grounds are decorated with thousands of lights, decorated Christmas trees, and other Victorian holiday adornments.

The Gardens and Grounds

The gardens at Lyndhurst are an excellent example of 19th century landscape design. Created by Ferdinand Mangold in the English Naturalistic style, the grounds include sweeping lawns, a diverse collection of specimen trees and shrubs, and a 390-foot long steel-framed conservatory, the first such structure in the United States.

Visiting Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst is open to visitors year-round, except for Mondays. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $4 for children 14 to 17, and free for those under 12. Admission to the grounds only is $4.

Visitors can choose between frequent guided tours and self-guided audio tours. Facilities at the estate include a café, a museum gift shop, and catering for private functions.

The estate also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including lectures, wine tastings, and children's learning activities.

Contact Information

Lyndhurst
635 South Broadway
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914 631-4481
www.lyndhurst.org