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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 meticulously preserved Gold Coast estate with a Charles II-style mansion and stunning gardens.

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Old Westbury Gardens, the former estate of businessman John Shaffer Phipps, offers a captivating journey back to the early 20th century. This meticulously preserved estate features a Charles II-style mansion, Westbury House, surrounded by 200 acres of formal gardens, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Long Island's Gold Coast era.

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

  • Visit during the spring or fall for the most stunning displays of blooms and foliage.
  • Purchase tickets in advance online to avoid potential lines, especially during peak season and special events.
  • Check the Old Westbury Gardens website for a schedule of events, including concerts, tours, and family programs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the gardens and grounds.
  • Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon to avoid larger crowds.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From New York City, take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station to the Westbury station. From the Westbury station, a taxi or ride-sharing service can take you to Old Westbury Gardens, approximately 2.5 miles away. LIRR tickets from Penn Station to Westbury range from $7 to $16. A taxi or ride-share from the Westbury station to the Gardens will cost approximately $15-$25.

  • Car

    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 the left. There is ample parking available on-site. Parking is free.

Unlock the Best of Old Westbury Gardens

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Discover more about Old Westbury Gardens

Step back in time at Old Westbury Gardens, a stunning example of an early 20th-century American country estate. Located in Nassau County, Long Island, the estate was once the home of John Shaffer Phipps, an heir to the Phipps family fortune, and his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps. Completed in 1906, the centerpiece of the estate is Westbury House, a magnificent Charles II-style mansion designed by English designer George A. Crawley with assistance from American architect Grosvenor Atterbury. Phipps promised his fiancée, Margarita Grace, that he would build her a home in the United States that resembled her family's British residence. The result was a 23-room mansion filled with fine English antiques and decorative arts, reflecting the family's life for over fifty years. The surrounding 200 acres are composed of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds, and lakes. The gardens integrate landscape features from Mrs. Phipps' family home, Battle Abbey in Sussex, England. Old Westbury Gardens opened to the public in 1959, offering visitors a chance to experience one of the few remaining intact country houses and gardens from Long Island's estate era. Today, visitors can explore Westbury House through guided tours and wander through the beautiful gardens, including the Walled Garden and the Lilac Walk. The estate also hosts a variety of events, including concerts, car shows, and family programs. Old Westbury Gardens has also served as a backdrop for numerous films and television shows, including *The Great Gatsby* and *Sex and the City*.

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