lyndhurst

have been there running, walking but only on the grounds as the mansion isn't open that often. the bowling alley is being restored, quite intriguing

We did not tour the house but the walk along the Hudson River is relaxing. The space is nice for families to stroll with their kids and people to walk or run.

It seems Lyndhurst has multiple special events throughout the year that make the typical visit to an old family mansion a little more special. We attended their Halloween Haunted House this year for fun. Old movie monster characters take you on a decorated and scripted tour of the house. If we hadn't just gone I'd probably go to see the Holiday decorations. The craft show on their lawn earlier this year was another great event although it didn't include admission to the home they did offer discounts. Book tours (especially at holidays) in advance!

Lyndhurst looks just like I remember it from 40 years ago. We had a great time and my wife enjoyed the period outfits on display.

Really some beautiful grounds you can stroll around on.The architecture of the house is really awesome.To think there were craftsman like this so many years ago is crazy.The rooms are small but the house is beuatiful.Enjoy !!

Exquisite Architecture, stunning grounds, peaceful view of the Hudson River. Home to The Collins Family in the feature films based on the TV show "Dark Shadows" 1966-71; "House of Dark Shadows" 1970 "Night of Dark Shadows" 1971. A photographers dream any time of the day or night! Lyndhurst is absolutely exquisite!

Loved this castle and the river walk. The history surrounding it is interesting and we loved the tour.

Were there in November when the mansion was closed. So we only walked around. Good thing - the whole place is almost just for you, a couple of other families were there.But the grounds are rather boring, not much of landscaping. So you may have a good, quiet walk around, bot not much of viewing besides the mansion itself.And there is Riverwalk leading toward the bridge (and I guess lighthouse, but we didn't go there, so can't be sure)

You don't see many Gothic mansions in this area. So in that respect, the architecture is interesting. The interior design reflected the eclectic tastes of the "robber barons". I did love the art gallery, with its high ceiling, the contrast between light and shade. It was nice to walk around the grounds in the summer.

We read great reviews of this attraction and that's why we went. I got a bad feeling in the beginning when we had to watch the tacky video while we waited. The house is gorgeous but the bad actors were obnoxious and annoying and the whole experience was boring. I've been to haunted houses before that are so realistic, while this was just like a poor, amateur show! Don't waste your money!

If you have children, I do not suggest taking them on this tour. We tried to get into a tour (there were a bunch of us), The tour would be a couple people over and we were leaving town within the hour and this was to be our last experience in Sleepy Hollow. I went to the ticket counter and asked very nicely if there was anyway they could squeeze us in that the overflow was two children. I was not told sorry it is not our policy or something like that but was told that kids are a hinderance to their tour anyway and they would not give us tickets. How does a stranger know how my kids would behave. We had just finished a wonderful weekend of tours where the kids were complimented on their behaviour and their participation in the tours. I was extremely insulted by this woman as were my kids (7 & 10 not like they were infants). I would not reccomend this tour to anyone with children because i wouldn't want anyone else insulted like we were. Any other tour in Sleepy Hollow, but not this one. I could see being treated rudely if I was being rude, however, I asked very politley to be fit in. VERY DISAPPOINTED. If this review stops just one person from attending this tour, I will be happy. Not only were we insulted but we lost $40 just to park our cars and to be insulted.

This ought to be the most ostentatious display of nouveau rich arrogance. William Paulding, a twice-mayor of New York City, had this designed and built as a Gothic castle, drastically different of anything the “Joneses” next door would have. In fact, there were no Joneses next door: this part of the Hudson valley was still quite scarcely populated. Mr. Paulding hired a certain Alexander Jackson Davis, architect, to design his new abode as well as its furniture and interior decoration. The year was 1838. The first house is ugly. Extremely. The interior design is worse. To show opulence, the wealthy owner instructed the architect to design faux details: for example, wood is painted to look alternatively like metal or like marble (painting faux marble is much more expensive than the real thing, so visitors will be really impressed!). The next owner, Mr. Merit, a merchant who invented some kind of spring for carriages and thus made a great deal of money quickly, rehired the original architect (what a mistake!) to double the size of the house, while conserving its original “style”. Mr. Davis attacked the task with his usual aplomb and doubled the size of the monstrosity, extending it sideways and up. Meanwhile, Mr. Merit, went on a two year shopping spree in Europe with the wifie. Money being no object, they bought all kind of European furniture, decorations china, art, etc. in bulk – no style, no taste, to beauty. They also added some Tiffany glass to the house and lived happily thereafter in it. Happily thereafter lasted only 7 years and off then went and sold the property to Mr. Jay Gould of railroads and stock speculation fame. Mr. Gould was universally disliked: lying, cheating, speculating, falsifying, extorting, he did it all, and all in the name of business and making more money. He did not do it all alone, he had a partner: a bon-vivant by the name James Fisk. Mr. Fisk at least knew how to enjoy life. Mr. Gould had only interest in business: he did not care for any display of wealth, he did not drink, did not have mistresses. His greatest joy (other than concluding successful a business deal) was to spend time with his family. The house has his desk: it can be closed as a suitcase and, being or rollers, rolled over to the yacht, so he can work while being with his family (I fail to see where is the enjoyment in this, but hey, maybe that's why I don’ have his money either). There were close to 500 acres at the time of Gould, they are down to 65 nowadays. You can only visit the house by guided tour, tickets are to be purchased in advance, because they do run out. Cost is $18. In October the house is decorated for Halloween, so if that’s a holiday you like, you ought to visit now! Our docent, while reciting quickly his script, did not know much about history outside of the Lyndhurst story. He could not even tell us who painted the portraits of Jay Gould in the house. It’s about an hour from Manhattan by car. Alternatively, you can take Metro North (the Hudson Line) to Tarrytown and get a cab from the RR to the Estate. But wait, I haven’t told you the best part: non flash photography is allowed everywhere, including inside the house! -------------

We attended the house of curiosities this evening, while waiting for our tour we watched the 'Bride of Frankenstein' at the carriage house, also had cider, hot cocoa, and a brownie from their concession stand. It was a nice way to spend our time while waiting for our tour time. The tour itself was very interesting, the actors involve the tour group. A lot of jokes in good fun, pending your not a uptight person. All the characters in the castle are very talented and amusing, well worth a visit. All staff we interacted with was very helpful and friendly.

We went on the Halloween night tour of the Lyndhurst castle. It was cute for families, children over 8, and the slightly tipsy. If you do not fall into one of those categories, stay away. The actors were spreading the corn a bit too much. We would have loved to have seen the house undecorated during a day tour.

This Gothic Revival home is furnished in 3 different styles, based on the 3 owners. Gothic, Beaux Arts and French 19th century furnishings great the visitor while touring the first floor. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the home and the families that lived there. The Tiffany windows are exceptional.