Old Westbury Gardens: A Glimpse into Long Island's Gilded Age
Step back in time at this stunning Long Island estate, featuring a Charles II-style mansion and 200 acres of formal gardens and woodlands.
Old Westbury Gardens, located in Nassau County, Long Island, is a historic estate that transports visitors back to the early 1900s. The property was once the home of John Shaffer Phipps, an heir to the Phipps family fortune, and his wife, Margarita Grace. Phipps promised his fiancée, Margarita, that he would build her a home in the United States that resembled her family's British residence at Battle Abbey in Battle, East Sussex, England. Construction began in 1903, and the house was completed in 1906. Westbury House, a Carolean Revival mansion designed by British designer George A. Crawley, boasts 23 rooms filled with fine English antiques and decorative arts. The surrounding grounds, spanning 200 acres, feature meticulously maintained formal gardens, including a Walled Garden and Lilac Walk, as well as woodlands, ponds, and lakes. The gardens integrate landscape features from Mrs. Phipps' family home, Battle Abbey in Sussex, England. The estate also includes a Thatched Cottage, which was built as a child's playhouse. Old Westbury Gardens was opened to the public in 1959 by John Phipps' daughter, Margaret Phipps Boegner. Today, it serves as a museum and cultural center, hosting guided tours, school visits, children's programs, concerts, lectures, and various events throughout the year. Visitors can explore Westbury House, wander through the gardens, and immerse themselves in the beauty and history of this remarkable estate. Old Westbury Gardens has also been featured in numerous movies and television shows, including the film adaptation of The Great Gatsby.
Local tips
- Visit during the spring or fall for the most stunning displays of blooms and foliage.
- Purchase tickets in advance online, as all visitors except members and library pass holders must have a valid ticket for entry.
- Allow ample time to explore both Westbury House and the extensive gardens.
- Check the Old Westbury Gardens website for special events, concerts, and workshops happening during your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on both paved and unpaved surfaces.
A brief summary to Old Westbury Gardens
- 71 Old Westbury Rd, Old Westbury, New York, 11568, US
- +1516-333-0048
- Visit website
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Getting There
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Driving
Old Westbury Gardens is located at 71 Old Westbury Road in Old Westbury, New York. From the Long Island Expressway (I-495), take Exit 39 (Glen Cove Road). Follow the service road east for approximately 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, especially during special events. Overflow parking is available at Westbury High School with a shuttle service. Special parking is available for guests with state-issued handicap parking permits.
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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 station to Old Westbury Gardens typically costs between $15 and $25.
