In Tarrytown, New York, there is a mansion with Gothic Revival architecture called Lyndhurst Castle. Originally constructed in 1838, the castle was created by renowned 19th-century architect Alexander Jackson Davis.
History of Lyndhurst Castle
The native Lenape/Munsee tribe, who were the first people to live in the Hudson Valley, used the land on which Lyndhurst was built as their hunting grounds. Tragically, by the start of the 19th century in Westchester County, they were all but extinct. It was once woods, but in the 18th century, early Europeans removed it to make way for farms.
Three families—the Pauldings, Merritts, and Goulds—and their staffs contributed to the estate’s development over the course of more than a century. Their influence can be seen in the main house’s transformation from a country villa “in the pointed style” to a Gothic mansion, in the grounds’ park-like layout, and in the lavish interior furniture and decorations.
America underwent significant political and technological upheaval during the 19th century. The Hudson River Valley became the focus for painting and architecture during the Romantic era, which was characterized by an emphasis on nature appreciation, the imagination, and emotion. Along the river’s cliffs from New York City to Albany, wealthy clients hired architects and contractors to build palaces in a variety of architectural styles.
Engineering and Design
Architecture in the Gothic Revival style
Lyndhurst Castle’s pointed arches, complex tracery, and ornate decoration define its Gothic Revival architecture. The castle was built with towers, battlements, and crenellations to mimic a castle from the Middle Ages. The castles and cathedrals of France and England, in particular, as well as the Gothic architecture of Europe, served as inspiration for the architect Alexander Jackson Davis.
Visitors to Lyndhurst Mansion often find themselves dumbfounded after their experiences there. After all, one doesn’t come across a grand mansion like a castle every day, like the one in Tarrytown. Lyndhurst is a beautiful example of opulent living in the Hudson Valley thanks to its Gothic Revival architecture, which Alexander Jackson Davis created back in 1838 and still stands tall today.
Occupancy and Ownership
During time, the castle has undergone several ownership changes and uses.
Anna, the youngest Gould child, married young and into the French nobility. She spent the majority of her adult life in France before moving back to the United States in 1936, just as World War II in Europe was beginning.
After her older sister Helen passes away in 1938, Anna buys Lyndhurst and keeps it up as a country residence while mostly residing at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
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Similar to her sister, she made few interior alterations other from adding her own decor and memorializing the house and grounds in honor of her family who had lived there and loved it for so many years.
Restoration of Lyndhurst Castle
Less extensive landscape restoration
Restoring and opening bathrooms in the greenhouse services building, creating allees shaded by flowering trees, rebuilding a treehouse, creating allees, adding landscape programs for families, and providing a path from the mansion to the Hudson River with ADA access are all examples of restoration projects.
A rose garden and mansion landscaping
placing diamond-pane window panels, enclosing the veranda in the summer, adding marble benches and urns to the rose garden, and restoring the perennial garden to the front mansion’s landscaping
Replanting on Carriage Drive
Adding missing plants and trees to the drive will make Lyndhurst’s entrance more lush.
landscape restoration for the swim tank and aqueduct
fixing and rebuilding the cement pathways around the greenhouse, replanting the pear arbor, cleaning the exterior of the swimming pool structure, and replacing the garden furniture.
Fundraising effort to restore the greenhouse
Bringing the Lord & Burnham greenhouse back to life for the benefit of the general public
Wedding at Lyndhurst Castle
In Lyndhurst, fairytales do come true. Once you inside our estate’s gates, you can have unforgettable, amazing experiences all to yourself. The biggest and best day of your life will be as significant and special as you are, regardless of whether you exit through the grand double-castle doors and step out onto the Great Lawn to exchange your once-in-a-lifetime vows, have your ceremony during the height of our rose season, or host an intimate wedding amidst the historical grandeur of the mansion. Our property will be exclusively yours for a day, and the alternatives are endless.
People also ask :
At Lyndhurst Castle, who resided?
The current configuration of Lyndhurst’s rooms represents the lives of each of the three notable families that resided there, including that of former New York City mayor William Paulding, businessman George Merritt, and railroad magnate Jay Gould.
What makes the Lyndhurst mansion noteworthy?
For William Paulding Jr., the home was created in 1838 by architect Alexander Jackson Davis in the romantic Gothic Revival style.
Lyndhurst Castle’s owner?
- Julia Merritt sells her estate to Jay Gould, who renames it Lyndhurst. The enormous wood greenhouse burns down three months after being bought.
Is the public welcome at Lyndhurst?
Hours. From April through December, Lyndhurst is available for seasonal grounds visits seven days a week from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (last admittance is at 3:30 pm).
What is the price of a wedding at Lyndhurst Castle?
According to our study, the rental cost for the reception can be anywhere from $3,500 and $5,500, and if more time is required, it can be rented for $500 per hour.
Source : lyndhurst.org | please dm for the removals
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