Tag Archives: hudson valley

Bannerman Castle: Romantic Ruin on the Hudson

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Imagine seeing the ruins of a castle, perched on a rocky island in the middle of a river…it may sound like something from the pages of a gothic novel. But this castle is real…and it’s located only 50 miles from New York City!

Bannerman Castle is on Pollepel Island, just down the river from Beacon, NY. A brief ferry ride took me and the other visitors to the island.

After climbing a 72-step staircase (!), we were rewarded with this view of the castle:

The castle was the brainchild of businessman Francis Bannerman VI, a dealer in military surplus. In 1901, he started building the structure to hold his inventory of guns, ammunition, and other military equipment.

Unfortunately, some of Bannerman’s stored ammunition exploded in 1920 and damaged the building. Later on, in 1969, a fire of unknown origin caused even more severe damage. Steel beams have been added to the walls to support them, and visitors are not allowed to go inside. However, the ruin is still very impressive!

The island itself offers majestic views of the surrounding Hudson Highlands.

You can also follow several walking trails around the island. Along the way, you can enjoy a variety of flowers, like these vibrant tulips.

Another point of interest is the Bannerman family’s home, smaller in scale than the castle, but equally fanciful.

Today the building houses displays about the history of the castle and the Bannerman family.

Before leaving, I walked up to one of the highest spots on the island and enjoyed a peaceful view of the river and neighboring Newburgh, NY…the perfect end to an afternoon’s adventure!

The Bannerman Castle Trust offers regularly scheduled guided tours that depart from Beacon. For more details, visit their website: https://bannermancastle.org/

Vanderbilt Mansion: Gilded Age Glamor in Hyde Park, NY

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Vanderbilt Mansion: Gilded Age Glamor in Hyde Park, New York

You’re probably familiar with the lavish Gilded Age mansions of Newport, Rhode Island…but did you know that there’s an equally elegant mansion in Hyde Park, NY?

The stately facade of the mansion

It’s the Vanderbilt Mansion, finished in 1899, home of Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt. The home is relatively modest, compared to those of Frederick’s siblings…however, the 50 room dwelling is anything but plain.

The den, suggesting a medieval hunting lodge, with its dark paneling and firearms

The rooms are richly decorated in a mixture of styles, evoking Renaissance Italy and 18th century France. Elements such as antique tapestries and carved stone fireplaces were imported from Europe.

Dining room with coffered ceiling, stone fireplaces, and antique Persian carpet

Louise Vanderbilt was more outgoing than her quiet husband, and enjoyed entertaining guests at the mansion. There was riding, tennis, golf, as well as dinners and dancing.

18th century French style reception room

Louise Vanderbilt’s bedroom, complete with a ceremonial railing around the bed, is quite literally fit for royalty.

Louise Vanderbilt’s very feminine,18th century French style bedroom

Yet despite evoking the splendor of historical royalty, the mansion was equipped with modern convenience: electricity, central heating, and indoor plumbing.

Statue of a veiled dancer, overlooking the reflecting pool

The mansion also retains its formal gardens, with flower beds, pools, and statues. While I visited out of season, you can still admire the terraces and brick pavilions.

View of the Hudson River

The mansion sits in a wooded, park-like setting, with many walking trails. You can also look out at the Hudson River, and the mountains in the distance.

Louise Vanderbilt passed away in 1926. Frederick Vanderbilt continued to live in the house until his death in 1938. His niece eventually gave the property to the National Park Service, allowing us to visit and enjoy it today.