Lyndhurst Mansion

Also known as the Jay Gould Estate, Lyndhurst Mansion is a stunning Gothic Revival home nestled in Tarrytown, New York. Designed in 1838 by renowned architect Alexander Jackson Davis, the mansion was originally built for former New York City mayor William Paulding, Jr. as his country retreat, which he called "The Knoll." The estate was later expanded for its second owner, George Merritt, who renamed it "Lyndenhurst Mansion" in honor of the linden trees on the property. In 1880, railroad magnate Jay Gould purchased the home, and it remained in his family until 1961. Today, Lyndhurst spans 67 acres and is open for tours, offering visitors a glimpse into the grand estate, preserved much as the Gould family left it.

The Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, New York, is one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the country. Overlooking the Hudson River, the estate has a long and layered history. Originally, the land belonged to the Lenape/Munsee tribe, but by the early 18th century, European settlers had cleared it for farmland. As the 19th century progressed, wealthy patrons commissioned the construction of grand mansions along the Hudson River, stretching from New York City to Albany. In 1838, esteemed American architect Alexander Jackson Davis was hired to design a summer villa for William S. Paulding, Jr. and his family. Paulding, a veteran of the War of 1812, had transitioned into politics, serving as a state representative and later completing two terms as mayor of New York City.

Initially known as “Paulding Manor” and “The Knoll,” the home’s elaborate turrets and asymmetrical design were considered unconventional for the time. While Paulding spent little time at the estate, his son Philip resided there until the 1850s. In 1864, the mansion was sold to George Merritt, a successful merchant who intended to make it his family’s permanent home. Merritt hired Davis once again to expand the house, adding a north wing that included a spacious dining room, additional second-floor bedrooms, and a tower featuring his children's initials. Along with these architectural changes, intricate Gothic-style decorative finishes were added throughout the interior.

Merritt also transformed the estate’s landscape, renaming it “Lyndenhurst” in honor of the linden trees he planted around the property. He enlisted Bavarian-born landscaper Ferdinand Mangold to redesign the grounds, replacing the open farmland with a picturesque country estate. Mangold incorporated a European aesthetic, installing a Moorish-style greenhouse, planting specimen trees, and creating winding walkways leading down to the Hudson River. Following Merritt’s death in 1873, his widow, Julia, chose to sell the estate. In 1880, railroad magnate Jay Gould purchased Lyndenhurst after previously renting it as a summer retreat. Drawn to the tranquility of the estate, Gould particularly admired the greenhouse and its orchids, which remained a defining feature of the property.

The Gould family maintained residences in both Tarrytown and New York City, making minimal alterations to Lyndhurst beyond updating furniture and décor. Ferdinand Mangold continued as the estate’s gardener, ensuring that Gould’s cherished orchids flourished. After Gould’s passing in 1892, his daughter, Helen, took charge of the property. A dedicated philanthropist, she expanded Lyndhurst’s amenities by adding a kennel, a laundry building, a bowling alley, and a pool house. She also opened the estate for free sewing, cooking, and carpentry classes to support underprivileged children. Upon Helen’s death, her sister, Anna, the Duchess of Talleyrand-Périgord, inherited the estate and continued using it as her country home.

Following World War II, Anna relocated permanently to France, and upon her passing in 1961, she bequeathed Lyndhurst to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The mansion has since gained recognition in popular culture, appearing in films and television. It served as the backdrop for House of Dark Shadows (1970) and Night of Dark Shadows (1971), and both its interior and exterior were featured in the HBO series The Gilded Age (2019).

Today, Lyndhurst remains a well-preserved testament to the Gilded Age. The estate’s extensive collection of art, antiques, and furniture largely remains as the Gould family left it, with over fifty pieces designed by Alexander Jackson Davis himself. Open for tours, the mansion offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur of a bygone era. Lyndhurst is closed to the public from January through March but welcomes guests throughout the rest of the year.

Lyndhurst, Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown. Accessed March 20th, 2025. https://visitsleepyhollow.com/lyndhurst/.

Lyndhurst's History, Lyndhurst. Accessed March 20th, 2025. https://lyndhurst.org/history/.

Lakritz, Talia. Look inside Lyndhurst Mansion, a historic 14,000-square-foot Gothic Revival home featured in 'The Gilded Age', Business Insider. July 11th, 2024. Accessed March 24th, 2025. https://www.businessinsider.com/gilded-age-historic-mansion-photos-2024-5.

Lyndhurst, National Trust for Historic Preservation. Accessed March 25th, 2025. https://savingplaces.org/places/lyndhurst.