Kykuit, Westchester's Relatively Modest But Grand 'must-do' Attraction

In 1904, the world's richest man was John D. Rockefeller, Sr. Less active by then in his role at the helm of Standard Oil, the hugely profitable company he founded in 1870, JDR would soon become known as the founder of modern philanthropy and one of the most generous businessmen in our nation's history, who gave away hundreds of millions of dollars during his lifetime.

With his primary residence in New York City and another home outside his native Cleveland, JDR purchased 400 acres at Pocantico Hills in 1893. The parcel would ultimately grow to more than 4,000 acres.

At first, the Rockefeller family took up residence in an existing house, but that structure burned in 1902. Despite his wealth and stature, when it came time to construct a new house on "Kykuit Hill," an exposed hilltop section of the site towering over the village of Tarrytown some 500 feet above sea level, JDR sought to erect a modest, unassuming abode meant for comfort, not for show. A devout Baptist, JDR was not a man prone to extravagance, despite his significant wealth.

Before learning the story behind the house, many visitors to Kykuit, which is open five days a week for public tours, comment on how "livable" yet "grand and impressive" the mansion is. Compared to over-the-top Gilded Age relics dotting the landscape of Newport, Kykuit feels like a modest family home. Kykuit's tour guides explain the history of how the house was built, providing context for the house's practical, yet commanding presence.

Consistently rated the top visitor attraction in the lower Hudson Valley, Kykuit features grand architecture, world-class art, and elaborate gardens. Westchester Magazine includes a visit on its "must-do" list, calling the site "spectacular indoors and out." It includes a six-story stone house, expansive terraced gardens, art galleries, outdoor sculpture, commanding Hudson River views, and much more.

During tours of Kykuit, visitors hear not only the story behind the house, but also tales of the Rockefeller family's contributions to philanthropy, conservation, business, government, and the arts.

A major patron and connoisseur of modern art (traits he picked up from his mother, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, a founder of Manhattan's Museum of Modern Art), Nelson Rockefeller lived there while he was governor of New York and Vice President under Gerald Ford. He carefully placed modern sculpture throughout Kykuit's classical gardens and turned what was largely unused basement space into subterranean art galleries for his collection of, among others, rare Picasso tapestries and Alexander Calder drawings, all of which can be seen by the public during tours of Kykuit.

The Kykuit season runs through November 11. Tours are available Wednesdays-Sundays plus holiday Mondays. Visitors can choose from four tours: Classic, Grand, Timesaver, and Selected Highlights.

The Classic, ideal for first-time visitors, is a shorter experience than the comprehensive three-hour Grand. Besides the mansion, both of these tours include visits to Kykuit's art galleries, terraced gardens, and Coach Barn, with its collection of horse-drawn carriages, vintage automobiles, and equestrian equipment. The 90-minute Timesaver is ideal for those on tighter schedules, while Selected Highlights maximizes time in the estate's gardens.
Historic Hudson Valley operates the public visitation program at Kykuit, a historic site of the National Trust operated and maintained by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund as a center for its philanthropic programs.

Visitors can buy their tickets online in advance, choosing the exact tour, time, and date they want to visit. Tickets are on sale now at www.hudsonvalley.org.
Advanced ticket buying is strongly recommended, particularly for weekend tours, which fill up quickly. Besides online at www.hudsonvalley.org, tickets may be purchased by calling 914-366-6900 (service charge additional) or at the Kykuit Visitor Center at Philipsburg Manor, 381 North Broadway (Route 9) in Sleepy Hollow.