Lyndhurst Mansion
An American icon of architecture and landscape.
The Lyndhurst mansion and its contents are largely as its last residents left it, a fabulous repository of gilded-age Americana.
The Gothic Revival home was originally designed in 1838 by American architect Alexander Jackson Davis for former New York City mayor William Paulding, Jr. Paulding named his country villa “Knoll.” In 1864 Davis doubled the size of the house for its second owner, George Merritt, who renamed it “Lyndenhurst” after the Linden trees growing on the property.
In 1880 railroad baron Jay Gould purchased the estate, maintaining it as his summer home and country retreat until his death in 1892. The mansion and what is now a 67-acre estate remained in the Gould family until 1961 (it once exceeded 500 acres). The house and grounds are now a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The grounds and outbuildings are a fine example of 19th century landscape design. Much of the layout was accomplished by master gardener Ferdinand Mangold, whose tenure spanned both Merritt and Gould ownership of the property. Both Mangold and Merritt are buried nearby in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Paulding is in the adjacent churchyard of the Old Dutch Church. Jay Gould is further away in a private mausoleum in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Fans of the 1960s television series Dark Shadows may recall that Lyndhurst in served as the Collinwood estate in the feature-length films House of Dark Shadows (1970) and Night of Dark Shadows (1971). Sleepy Hollow Cemetery’s receiving vault made a cameo in House of Dark Shadows as the Collins family mausoleum.
The house and grounds of Lyndhurst are host to tours, craft fairs and other special events. See www.lyndhurst.org for current ticket prices and tour times. Other rates apply for special events.
Location: Lyndhurst, 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591, 914-631-4481.
Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst Mansion
Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst returns to the grounds of the 67-acre Lyndhurst estate from September 8-10.
Shop for one-of-a-kind items from 200 craftspeople and makers! Find handmade original fashions, accessories, and jewelry; functional and sculptural works in ceramics, glass, metal, fiber, wood, and mixed media; and fine art painting, printmaking, drawing, and photography. Plus, enjoy gourmet foods, specialties, food trucks, and tastings from local distilleries, wineries, and cider houses. Plus, enjoy family activities and craft demos.
It’s a great day for the entire family at one of America’s most beautiful landmarks. Rain or shine.
2023 dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 8-10.
For information: 845-331-7900, www.artrider.com
Sunset Jazz at Lyndhurst
Enjoy eight free Thursday evenings of Jazz at Tarrytown’s Lyndhurst mansion while watching the sun set over the Hudson River.
July 6: Alicia Renee’ aka Blue Eyes
July 13 – Ark Ovrutski Quartet
July 20 – Aimée Allen
July 27 – Harlem Blues & Jazz Band
August 3 – Monte Croft
August 10 – John DiMartino Quartet
August 17 – Steve Nelson Quartet
August 24 – Sãlongo
2023 Schedule: Thursdays, July 6 through August 24.
For information: https://jazzforumarts.org/summer-concerts/tarrytown-lyndhurst/
Lyndhurst After Dark
You’ve experienced the splendor of the Mansion during the day, but have you seen it draped in candlelight?
Come experience the history of the Mansion and explore Victorian lore in the glow of an October evening—Lyndhurst After Dark! Timed entry into the Mansion allows visitors to experience the house as it is decorated in the spirit of the season, with special collections and items on display relating to the superstitions of the age.
This is an experience through the Mansion in the evening hours, that will discuss the slightly darker side of history through those who lived at Lyndhurst. Visitors will get a chance to experience the architecture, decor, and collection items on display while listening to performers regale about the traditions of the past.
2023 dates: October 19-22, 26-30.
For information: 914-631-4481, https://lyndhurst.org/events/lyndhurst-after-dark/