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Old Westbury Gardens: A Glimpse into Long Island's Gilded Age

Experience the elegance of a bygone era at Old Westbury Gardens, a stunning Long Island estate with a historic mansion and breathtaking gardens.

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Old Westbury Gardens, the former estate of businessman John Shaffer Phipps, offers a captivating look into early 20th-century American country estate life. The 200-acre property features a Charles II-style mansion, 'Westbury House,' surrounded by formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds, and lakes, open for tours from April through October.

A brief summary to Old Westbury Gardens

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can be limited. Overflow parking with shuttle service is available at Westbury High School.
  • Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon for a more relaxed experience and to avoid crowds.
  • Check the Old Westbury Gardens website for special events, concerts, and seasonal programs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on gravel and paved paths.
  • Note that strollers are not permitted inside Westbury House.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Old Westbury Gardens is located at 71 Old Westbury Road in Old Westbury, NY, approximately 20 miles east of New York City. From the Long Island Expressway (I-495), take Exit 39 (Glen Cove Road). Follow the service road east for about 1.1 miles, then turn right onto Old Westbury Road and continue for 0.4 miles. The Gardens' gate will be on your left. Ample parking is available on-site. Parking is free, but can be limited; arrive early, especially on weekends. Overflow parking is available at Westbury High School with a free shuttle service.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Old Westbury Gardens via public transportation, take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station in New York City to the Westbury station. From the Westbury station, a taxi or ride-sharing service is required to cover the remaining 2.5 miles to the Gardens. A taxi ride from the Westbury LIRR station to Old Westbury Gardens typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on the service and time of day.

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Discover more about Old Westbury Gardens

Step back in time at Old Westbury Gardens, a stunning example of a Gilded Age estate located in Nassau County, Long Island. This 200-acre property was once the home of John Shaffer Phipps, an heir to the Phipps family fortune, and his wife, Margarita Grace. In 1903, Phipps promised his fiancée, Margarita, that he would build her a home in the United States that resembled her family's British residence. The result was Westbury House, a Charles II-style mansion completed in 1906, designed by English designer George A. Crawley with assistance from American architect Grosvenor Atterbury. Westbury House boasts 23 rooms filled with fine English antiques and decorative arts from the Phipps family's residency. Visitors can explore the house on their own, with security guards stationed throughout the museum-like setting. Highlights include family portraits and meticulously arranged rooms that evoke the grandeur of European museums. The gardens themselves are a major draw, featuring formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds, and lakes. Designed to reflect the English tradition, the gardens include a walled garden, lilac walk, and a thatched cottage built as a children's playhouse. The perfectly manicured green fields and breathtaking views from the backyard terrace offer a serene and picturesque experience. Old Westbury Gardens officially opened to the public in 1959, preserving a glimpse of Long Island's estate era for future generations. Today, visitors can enjoy guided tours of Westbury House, explore the gardens, attend various events, and participate in educational programs. The estate has also served as a backdrop for numerous films and television shows, further solidifying its place in popular culture.

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