The mansion was originally named 'Castlegould' by Howard Gould, modeled after Kilkenny Castle in Ireland.
The estate features a 'Winter Garden' with a glass ceiling, designed to allow the family to enjoy flora during New York winters.
The building was used as a filming location for scenes in the 1992 film 'Scent of a Woman'.
It contains a massive, 60-foot tall Great Hall featuring decorative ironwork and intricate ceiling carvings.
The property was later purchased by Daniel Guggenheim, who lived there with his wife, Florence.
The estate remains one of the few surviving examples of the 'Gold Coast' mansions of Long Island's North Shore.
The interior holds a collection of imported medieval armor and tapestries that were curated during the Gould ownership.
The site is currently maintained by the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, a non-profit organization.
Hempstead House is a 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style manor located within the Sands Point Preserve, formerly known as the Guggenheim Estate. Completed in 1912 for Howard Gould, the mansion features an imposing limestone facade and a Great Hall modeled after the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland. The interior design reflects the early 20th-century American Gilded Age, characterized by original oak paneling, stained glass, and massive fireplaces. It sits on a 216-acre waterfront preserve overlooking the Long Island Sound. The site functions as a cultural center, hosting outdoor concerts, educational programs, and film productions. It is one of four major mansions built on the original estate grounds. Visitors can explore the preserved period rooms that illustrate the opulent lifestyle of the Industrialist era.
The limestone terrace overlooking the expansive lawn with the Long Island Sound in the background.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to navigate the transition between the mansion grounds and the beach paths.
Check the official event calendar before arrival, as private events occasionally restrict access to specific rooms.
Explore the surrounding hiking trails to see the cliffside views of the Long Island Sound.
Do not attempt to access the mansion on days when the preserve is closed for private filming or large-scale cultural events.
The mansion interior is often closed to the public on weekdays; visits are primarily supported on weekends and during scheduled cultural events.
Refrain from touching historical artifacts, furniture, or wall coverings during tours.
