Kykuit, also known as John D. Rockefeller Estate, is a 40-room National Trust house in Westchester County, New York, built by oil tycoon, philanthropist and Rockefeller family patriarch John D. Rockefeller.
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I was privileged to be at Kykuit in April 2012 where I attended a 3 Day workshop there. My 2 night stay in this magnificent estate was truly an experience of a lifetime.
On arrival, here's a beautiful view of the Kykuit mansion:
If you are in New York City, Kykuit is a place to explore for a day trip If you wish to take a guided tour of the estate, be mindful of the tour times at Kykuit for they only run a few everyday. Check out the website here Kykuit : The Rockefeller Estate
In order to view the house, I would highly recommend you take a guided tour and there are many variety of tours to choose from. The classic tour clocks in at 3 hrs & gives you a comprehensive look of the whole house. However, if you are in a rush opted for the shortest tour which is an 1 1/2 long. If you have the time, I recommend doing the classic tour because the shortened tour was surprisingly just a quick peek at the house. I guess with such a large house -- it takes longer than an a 1 1/2 to look around.
Our tour guide (wearing the red jacket) was informative, knowledgeable & authentic; gives you a thorough overview of the history of the house and the Rockefeller family. Their house is beautiful and full with artwork both modern & ancient Chinese pieces. Apparently the original Rockefellers were quite religious and this "simplicity" can be seen throughout the house --- the fact that they didn't have a dance room because they didn't believe in dancing. The Rockefellers are staunch Baptists. It's a stark contrast from the Vanderbilts' lavish Newport, RI summer homes. The Rockefellers also have a vast collection of sculptures strategically placed in their gardens & lawns.
Here's some photos of the inside of the mansion:
Here's some photos of the beautiful gardens outside the Kykuit mansion.
So if you are in New York city, do make a day trip to the Kykuit Rockefeller Estate.
Enjoy your tour!!
View Larger Map
I was privileged to be at Kykuit in April 2012 where I attended a 3 Day workshop there. My 2 night stay in this magnificent estate was truly an experience of a lifetime.
On arrival, here's a beautiful view of the Kykuit mansion:
And here is how my room in Kykuit looked like:
I attended the workshop in one of the conference facility during the day:
In order to view the house, I would highly recommend you take a guided tour and there are many variety of tours to choose from. The classic tour clocks in at 3 hrs & gives you a comprehensive look of the whole house. However, if you are in a rush opted for the shortest tour which is an 1 1/2 long. If you have the time, I recommend doing the classic tour because the shortened tour was surprisingly just a quick peek at the house. I guess with such a large house -- it takes longer than an a 1 1/2 to look around.
Our tour guide (wearing the red jacket) was informative, knowledgeable & authentic; gives you a thorough overview of the history of the house and the Rockefeller family. Their house is beautiful and full with artwork both modern & ancient Chinese pieces. Apparently the original Rockefellers were quite religious and this "simplicity" can be seen throughout the house --- the fact that they didn't have a dance room because they didn't believe in dancing. The Rockefellers are staunch Baptists. It's a stark contrast from the Vanderbilts' lavish Newport, RI summer homes. The Rockefellers also have a vast collection of sculptures strategically placed in their gardens & lawns.
Here's some photos of the inside of the mansion:
Here's some photos of the beautiful gardens outside the Kykuit mansion.
So if you are in New York city, do make a day trip to the Kykuit Rockefeller Estate.
Enjoy your tour!!
The house and grounds are indeed stunning. Ah, to be able to design something so grand. - Thanks for a peek inside, Joshua
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