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?

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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.