The main historic landmark of luxury living in New York City is Long Island, which holds the architectural diamonds of America. Luxury mansions, extravagant parties, fancy clothes and rare cars are roughly how F. Scott Fitzgerald portrayed the Gold Coast of Long Island in the 1920s in The Great Gatsby. These were the years when wealthy New Yorkers built their most lavish estates on Long Island, many of which remain to this day. Follow along to begin an in-depth tour of exploring the greatest estates of Long Island.
- Explore Long Island with a coach bus rental
Gold Coast Mansion, Long Island
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Renting a Long Island travel bus is the perfect way to see the island’s most famous mansions. Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, bus rentals on Long Island are a perfect way to spend your holiday with comfort. The bus company on Long Island bcsbuscharter.com will ensure your trip is safe and pleasant. With a guide, you can learn more about the island’s history and culture, and spending time with loved ones will make your trip even more enjoyable. Hiring a charter bus on Long Island will also save you time and money on transportation, enabling you to visit several mansions in one day. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the most famous attractions in comfort and safety with a Long Island charter bus rental.
- The Majestic Oheka Castle
Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York. One of many among the Gold Coast Mansions of Long Island.
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First stop is the magnificent Oheka Castle in Huntington. A testament to gilded age luxury, this estate was built by financier Otto Herman Kahn. The inspiration for Scott Fitzgerald’s literary masterpiece, The Great Gatsby, the castle is an architectural wonder that captures that essence of the Roaring Twenties. The castle is surrounded by gardens designed by the famous Olmsted brothers, who also created Central Park. When walking through the vast estate, you can’t help but marvel at the European greatness that spills out from the gardens, highlighted by fountains, reflecting pools and classical statues. Today, the castle serves as a historic hotel, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the Gilded Age.
- Old Westbury Gardens: a slice of English countryside
Long Island Gold Coast Mansion at Old Westbury Gardens
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From the splendor of Oheka Castle, we move on to the elegance of Old Westbury Gardens. This estate, located in Nassau County, was the brainchild of John S. Phipps, heir to the U.S. Steel fortune. Designed in the manner of the grand country estates of England, the mansion is a spectacular example of Charles II-style architecture. Strolling through the 200-acre landscape of Old Westbury Gardens takes you on a journey through woodlands, formal gardens, landscaped grounds, and lakes. Inside, antique English furniture and decorative arts objects bring visitors back to eighteenth-century England.
- Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium: a journey through time and space
The Vanderbilt Mansion in Centerport, Long Island, NY. This landmark Gold Coast Mansion known as Eagles Nest which was owned by William K. Vanderbilt II, is now a museum and planetarium.
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Your trip would not be complete without a visit to the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium. Built by William C. Vanderbilt II, this Spanish Revival-style mansion stands as a monument to the influential Vanderbilt family. The estate, complete with a private maritime museum, houses an impressive collection of nautical specimens, natural history artifacts. However, the highlight of this estate is the 60-foot domed planetarium. Here, guests are taken on a fascinating journey through the cosmos, exploring the mysteries of the universe under the guidance of expert astronomers.
- Sagtikos Manor: a peek into colonial history
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As a final stop, we’ll visit ancient Sagtikos Manor, the oldest of all the great estates on our list. Built in 1697, this estate offers a unique glimpse into the colonial history of Long Island. Known for being the temporary home of President George Washington, Sagtikos Manor is of great historical significance. Outside the house, visitors can tour the well-preserved carriage house through the beautifully landscaped English-style gardens. Every corner of the estate makes the Sagtikos Estate a living museum of American history.
The grandeur of these estates serve as a testament to the architectural and historical richness that is within our reach. As we travel through these majestic estates, we are not just exploring the buildings and grounds, we are traveling through time, cultures, and the lives of those who lived before us. This journey will inspire and amaze you, offering a unique perspective on the world we live in through the perspective of earlier times