An Aussie in New York - Kykuit Rockefeller home estate, Pleasantville and a ride on the Long Island Rail Road North - Day 6

Photos by Maria Ngo  

Today is the sixth day of my solo travel in New York. The plan today is to visit Kykuit which is the Rockerfeller home estate. 

I begin my journey with a short walk from where I'm staying to 34 Street-Hudson Yards Subway Station and ride the three stops to Grand Central - 42 Street. At the Hudson Yards I only have time to view Neiman Marcus' sculpture - the New York Staircase (aka The Vessel) from a distance as I need to catch the right train to make it on time for the Kykuit Estate tour. 

It takes me a few minutes to find the right counter to purchase a ticket to Ossining. My friend who lives in Pleasantville has suggested that I take the scenic route to Ossining where she will pick me up and take me to the starting point for the tour at Philipsburg Manor. Ossining is just over an hour north by train from Grand Central Station. And yes, Grand Central Station does look as it is portrayed in the movies (!). There are mini tours one can do of this famous station - I would do it if I had more time. 

'The Vessel' and various views along the Hudson River from the train 

The view this day on the Metro North Hudson line to Ossining is indeed picturesque - clear blue skies and uninterrupted views of the Hudson River with its many bridges that dot the way northward. I am seated on the left hand side of the train to maximise the sights.  

We pass quaint railway stations all painted in the characteristic deep green. We pass a town called Tarrytown which reminds me of Jay Jay the Jet Plane which makes me chuckle. Then there's Sleepy Hollow - which immediately conjures up dark brooding images of headless horsemen.  

Railway stations along the line and fall in Pleasantville

Sarah meets me at the railway station and we are soon on our way to the Visitor Centre at Philipsburg Manor. This is the starting point for this and other tours. 

The drive there takes us through beautiful woodland garbed in the golden hues of autumn. Sarah is a most generous and gracious hostess and even brings me lunch before my tour (!). 

At the appointed time we board the shuttle bus that takes us to this meticulously maintained estate and home of the richest man in America at the time - Kykuit estate. 

The Rockefellers were great collectors of art - whether sculptures, paintings or tapestries. Everywhere you look, you are treated to yet another priceless piece of art. Inside and out are perfectly placed artworks that bear Nelson's eye and appreciation for well curated art that connect with their setting. The view of the Hudson is also priceless. 

Kykuit Estate 

Put it this way, Mrs Rockefeller collected so much modern art that she donated them to start the MoMA and even gave the city the building to house them and share them with the world. Another love that they have shared with the world is the Hudson Valley. They bought over vast tracts of land in the region and set them aside to be preserved as parklands. John Rockefeller Snr donated the equivalent of $8 billion in his life time. He and his wife Laura had deeply held religious and moral convictions (Baptists) that shaped their lives and philanthropic endeavours. 

Kykuit is just one of several historical sites that are open to the public to visit through the trust that the Rockellers set up. You can find out more about Kykuit from the main photos page which includes a short film about the mansion and the family. 

There is just not enough time to take in all the many features of this stately home. All too quickly our time is up - we have done the main rooms on the ground floor, basement level, outdoor area, bath house, fountains, coach barn and the garden. We now also have a better knowledge of the role this family played in the development of art in New York as well as the difference in tastes between the members of the family so much so that only the classical style was permitted in the main areas of the house while modern pieces relegated to the basement level. 

The famous 'Telescope' sculpture and fountain with turning circle for deliveries

While it has been a rather chilly day, it is fine and we are able to move about freely outdoors. Photography is allowed outdoors but not indoors. You can catch glimpses of the interior as well as information of the three tours they conduct on their  information page. There is a minimum age of 10 to do the tours, and large bags must be stored at the visitor centre. No food or drinks are permitted on the tour. The website lists about 85 fine dining experiences on their page - most of these are located in Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow and a few at Croton-on-Hudson. 

A heart warming Malaysian cuisine

When we arrive back at the visitor centre, Sarah is there to welcome me to her home in Pleasantville. She cooks a delicious meal of Malaysian laksa for us and I spend a most relaxing evening with her family and pet rescue dog Scarlet. Snuggling into the soft bed that night in such a homely environment is a contrast to the city bustle and grime. Soon I'm doing the Zzzzs.