The estate was named Greystone because the original mansion was built entirely of gray stone.
Samuel Untermyer’s greenhouses were historically used to win the New York Horticultural Society’s prize for the best chrysanthemums in the city.
The Walled Garden is designed to represent the four rivers of paradise from the Quran.
The park features a series of intricate mosaic floors that have been extensively restored by the Conservancy.
During the early 20th century, the gardens were regularly opened to the public for fundraising events for various charitable causes.
The amphitheater columns were inspired by the Temple of Love in Versailles, France.
Following Samuel Untermyer's death, the estate was offered to the City of Yonkers, but it was not formally accepted until decades later.
Untermyer Gardens is a 43-acre public park in Yonkers, New York, featuring the Walled Garden inspired by Indo-Persian designs. The site was originally the private estate of Samuel Untermyer, a prominent lawyer and civic leader, known as Greystone. The gardens are designed around the ancient concept of the 'chahar bagh,' or four-part Persian paradise garden. Key architectural elements include a series of canals, a Grecian-style amphitheater, and classical columns overlooking the Hudson River. The park is maintained by the non-profit Untermyer Gardens Conservancy in partnership with the City of Yonkers. It contains the Vista, a long staircase descending towards the river, lined by cedar trees and Roman-style columns. Diverse horticultural displays range from woodland trails to formal floral parterres. The estate was once famous for its vast greenhouses, which were among the most extensive in the United States at the turn of the 20th century.
The elevated overlook at the top of the Vista looking down toward the Hudson River.
Wear supportive walking shoes, as the park involves significant elevation changes and uneven stone paths.
Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the Walled Garden’s architecture.
Check the official website for scheduled public tours, as they provide essential historical context.
Attempting to explore the woods at dusk, as paths are unlit and navigation becomes difficult.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day; hours fluctuate seasonally based on daylight.
No drones, no professional photography without a permit, and stay on marked paths to protect the horticultural displays.
