The Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, New York, is a stunning example of Gilded Age opulence. Built in the 1890s by Frederick Vanderbilt, a member of one of America's wealthiest families, the 45,000-square-foot mansion is a testament to the era's excesses. With 54 rooms, including 15 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, and 6 floors, the mansion is a marvel of luxury and craftsmanship.
The Vanderbilt family's wealth was built on the railroad industry, with Cornelius Vanderbilt, Frederick's grandfather, amassing a fortune of over $200 billion in today's dollars. Frederick and his wife Louise built the mansion as a seasonal escape, spending $660,000 (over $23 million today) on its construction and $1.5 million (over $53 million today) on furnishings.
The mansion's interior is a testament to the Vanderbilts' love of art and architecture. The walls are adorned with decorative tapestries, sculptures, and other artifacts, while the rooms are furnished with antique Renaissance furniture and Louis XIV-style decor. The mansion's library and study feature a small collection of books, and Frederick's den includes a private bathroom and a moose head mounted to the wall.
The dining room is a particular highlight, with a 400-year-old Persian carpet, one of the largest known Islamic carpets in the world, covering the floor. The room also features a beautifully carved wooden ceiling and ornate furnishings. The Vanderbilts hosted lavish dinner parties in the room, with guests including President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The mansion's grounds are equally impressive, with 153 acres of land in the scenic Hudson Valley. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The mansion is now owned and operated by the National Park Service, which offers guided tours of the property.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion, which begins outside the mansion and takes guests through the opulent entrance hall, Frederick's office, and the formal living room. The tour also includes the dining room, the French salon, and the second floor, which houses Frederick and Louise's bedrooms and several guest rooms. The tour concludes in the basement, where servants would prepare meals in the kitchen and store wine and spirits.
The Vanderbilt Mansion is a must-see for anyone interested in Gilded Age history, architecture, and luxury. With its opulent rooms, stunning grounds, and rich history, it's a true masterpiece of American craftsmanship and excess.
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