Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate

Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate - The Most Stunning Home in America

The Kykuit estate is a hamlet in the town of Mount Pleasant, New York 25 miles north of New York City, a functioning 21st century estate that blends old-world elegance with new-world technology. The historic Dutch castle was purchased by John D. Rockefeller Jr. as a summer home in 1926, and it remains the primary residence of his descendants today. The original castle and its surrounding gardens have been renovated and updated over the years to preserve the grandeur of this magnificent property while accommodating the needs of 21st century living. It’s now known as Kykuit – pronounced key-cut – which is Dutch for “lookout point” or “watching place”. Let’s take a look at what makes this estate so special...

A Short History of Kykuit

Kykuit is a Dutch word meaning “lookout point” or “watching place”. The original castle and its surrounding gardens were purchased by John D. Rockefeller Jr. as a summer home in 1926. The estate was originally built as a country house for William H. Moore, Jr., a director of Standard Oil. Moore designed his Hudson Valley home as an authentic Dutch Renaissance style castle, which was a popular architectural style in America at the turn of the 20th century. The three-story structure, made of stone and brick, incorporates 16th-century Dutch architectural designs such as stepped gables, carved wooden beams, and ornate dormers. The original 48-room castle was expanded in 1934 to more than 100 rooms, including 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. Rockefeller and his family frequently used Kykuit as a summer residence, hosting numerous art exhibitions, musical performances, and conferences. During the Depression and World War II, however, the Rockefellers’ use of the estate was limited. Since the end of World War II, the Rockefellers have used Kykuit as their primary residence during the summer months. Rockefeller’s son, David, and his wife, Peggy, purchased the property from the estate in 1957. David and Peggy made many significant changes to the estate: adding a conservatory, growing the gardens, and modernizing the structure.

Description

The Grand Entrance

The landscape surrounding Kykuit was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the co-designer of Central Park in New York City. When the Rockefellers purchased the estate, the gardens were in disarray, so David and Peggy hired landscape architect Russell Page to restore the grandeur of the original designs. Since then, the landscape has been meticulously maintained by a full-time horticultural staff. The estate’s dramatic front entrance is framed by two curved driveways that create a welcoming approach. The white wooden posts on each side of the driveways were imported from Portugal and carved in the 18th century. The landscaping around the driveways is a combination of wildflowers, perennials, and shrubs.

The Rotunda

The rotunda is the center of activity at Kykuit, where guests mingle and view art exhibitions during the summer. Visitors pass through a beautiful foyer, decorated with warm and vibrant colors: carved mahogany panels, marble floors, and a skylight that floods the room with natural light. The eye-catching centerpiece of the foyer is a grand chandelier that was custom-made for Kykuit in the 1920s. The chandelier has been painstakingly cleaned, restored, and rewired to meet current electrical codes. Guests are encouraged to walk under the chandelier and look up at the ornate design while sipping hot tea on a cold winter day. Visit Home Page

The Library and Cultural Center

The library is one of the most impressive rooms in Kykuit, both inside and outside. The lavish wood paneling of the library, imported from England, gives it a stately look. The Rockefellers regularly invited famous artists, musicians, and politicians, who signed their names on the walls of the library. The most recent signature is that of the Dalai Lama, who visited the estate in 2008. Outside, the library has a stunning view of the Hudson River and a magnificent Japanese garden. The garden is landscaped with raked gravel, stone paths, and bamboo, a symbol of wisdom in Asian culture. A traditional Japanese teahouse is perched on a small island in the middle of the garden. Inside the teahouse, guests can find a pot of green tea, a teapot, and cups for them to enjoy a cup of tea.

The Guest House and Gardens

The guest house has the most spectacular view and is perhaps the most charming building on the Kykuit estate. It has become a popular attraction for visitors who are taken there by a Kykuit docent. From the guest house, visitors can see the entire Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains beyond. The guest house was built in the late 1930s as a guest apartment for visiting dignitaries, such as Albert Einstein, who stayed there on several occasions. Visitors can now walk through the guest house and see the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and dining room where Einstein stayed and entertained guests during his visits to the estate.

Conclusion

The Kykuit estate is a functioning 21st century estate that blends old-world elegance with new-world technology. The historic Dutch castle was purchased by John D. Rockefeller Jr. as a summer home in 1926, and it remains the primary residence of his descendants today. The original castle and its surrounding gardens have been renovated and updated over the years to preserve the grandeur of this magnificent property while accommodating the needs of 21st century living. Visitors can walk through the various rooms at Kykuit, including the breathtaking gardens, to see how the estate has evolved over time. Visiting Kykuit is like stepping back in time, yet experiencing the best that the 21st century has to offer. It is the most stunning home in America, and one of the most stunning estates in the world. It is well worth visiting.

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