This weekend, I promised myself I would go far away from soaring skyscrapers, honking cars and bustling streets. I needed to take in some fresh air, smell the blossoming spring flowers and soak in as much sun as possible. I needed something similar to my hiking trip in the Hudson Highlands last fall in Cold Spring, unexpected but invigorating.
And so, I hopped on Metro North from Grand Central, and within 36 minutes, I was in Tarrytown New York, a charming suburban town.
To get acquainted with my new surroundings, I strolled up and down Main Street, which is where the legendary Music Hall is located.
But the main attraction I wanted to see was Lyndhurst Castle, also known as Jay Gould estate. Starting from Main Street, I ventured onto the one-mile walk up on South Broadway until I reached the splendid estate of Lyndhurst.
As soon as I walked in, I loved it. Lush greenery as far as the eye can see, a perfect setting for an extended picnic with friends, and more so, for special parties and events. A masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture overlooking the Hudson River, it was exactly what I love most: old-world charm, exquisite décor, and idyllic landscape.
Designed in 1838 by Alexander Jackson Davis as a simple country villa for a former mayor of New York, Lyndhurst was later expanded in 1865 to suit more wealth.
The inside of the castle by itself isn’t anything too impressive – at least for my expectations after having seen countless castles of European heritage – however the 67-acre romantic manor features a beautiful Rose garden and is a sought after wedding venue.
My treat for the day was to lie on the grass, gaze at the Hudson River and listen to Frank Sinatra’s “It was a very good year.”
Have you ever been to Lyndhurst? How was your weekend?
