Since 1994, Historic Hudson Valley has been offering tours of Kykuit, the home of four generations of the Rockefeller family. The 40-room home was built in 1913 by John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil and one of the richest people in the world at the time. If you have toured some of the opulent homes and mansions of the Gilded Age, you will notice that this house is different. Kykuit was a living space for the family, rather than just a place to entertain or conduct business.
Architects Chester Holmes Aldrich and William Adams Delano designed the home, and it took six years to complete. Since 1976, the house has been listed on the National Historic Register. Today, tours are given by Historic Hudson Valley and booked at the Kykuit Visitor’s Center at Philipsburg Manor. Kykuit (Dutch for “lookout”) is a short bus ride from the visitor’s center. Once you step off the bus and gaze over the lawn towards the Hudson River, the name Kykuit makes total sense.
Tour Options
Tours are provided on a seasonal basis, usually from May to November. Typical of many historic homes in the Northeast, Kykuit is winterized and closed during the late autumn and winter months. During the summer months and weekends, tours do sell out. Purchase your tickets online and try to arrive a little early to ensure you don’t miss the bus to the home.
Classic Tour: Lasts approximately 2 ¼ hours and is designed for first-time visitors. Your visit will include the main floor of the house, art galleries, Inner Garden, golf room, and Coach Barn.
Grand Tour: Lasts approximately 3 hours and includes everything in the Classic Tour, plus extra time in the gardens and art galleries, as well as a visit to the second floor of the home.
Landmark Tour: Lasts approximately 2 ¼ hours and spends more time in the extensive gardens and includes the main floor of the house and West Terrace.
Timesaver Tour: Lasts approximately 1 ½ hours and includes the main floor of the house, Inner Garden, and West Terrace. You will receive a great overview of the property if your schedule doesn’t allow for a longer visit.
BONUS: Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture is an educational center created on land formerly belonging to the Rockefeller estate. The farm promotes sustainable agriculture, local food, and community-supported agriculture. Once you pay a small fee, enjoy the property, learn about the programs and take a tour. At the very least, have a snack at the Blue Hill Café and Grain Bar.
Union Church of Pocantico Hills is a nearby historic church built for the Rockefeller family. There are stained-glass windows by Matisse and Chagall. To truly appreciate the artists’ work, try to visit on a sunny day.
STAY: Stay at the Castle Hotel & Spa, just a short drive from the visitor’s center. The 31-rooms hotel combines old world elegance with modern convenience and is centrally located for visiting the Hudson Valley, including Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow museums and attractions. The location is amazing— the hotel sits atop one of the highest points in the area offering sweeping views!
If you like historic homes, you are in luck, there are plenty to see in the Hudson Valley. Within a few miles of Kykuit, you can visit Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, Lyndhurst Mansion and Philipsburg Manor.
