Westbury House was designed by architect George A. Crawley to resemble Battle Abbey in Sussex, England.
The estate contains more than 100 acres of formal, manicured gardens and 100 acres of woodland trails.
The house was designed specifically to accommodate the family's collection of art and antiques acquired during frequent trips to England.
The mansion features a 'Great Room' that spans the entire width of the house to maximize views of the South Alleé.
The gardens were designed by George A. Crawley with later contributions by various notable landscape architects.
The property has been featured in several films, including 'North by Northwest' and 'Cruel Intentions'.
The estate remains largely unchanged from its configuration in the early 20th century.
The house contains 23 fireplaces throughout its various rooms.
Old Westbury Gardens is the former estate of John S. Phipps, centered around Westbury House, a Charles II-style mansion completed in 1906. The property spans 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped woodlands, and ponds maintained in their original historical design. It is a premier example of the 'Gold Coast' era of Long Island estates. The mansion interior features original 18th-century English antiques, fine art, and period furnishings from the Phipps family. Visitors can explore the walled garden, the boxwood garden, and the Italian-style terraced landscaping. The estate serves as a frequent filming location for period dramas and high-profile social events. It operates as a non-profit historic house museum dedicated to the preservation of the landscape and the architectural legacy of the estate.
The South Alleé, looking back toward the mansion from the center of the lawn.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the paths between the mansion and the expansive garden zones are long and can be unpaved.
Check the website for the seasonal blooming schedule, as the appearance of the gardens changes significantly from spring to autumn.
Bring a picnic if allowed, as designated areas are provided, but remain mindful of the carry-in/carry-out trash policy.
Do not attempt to walk the entire estate without water; avoid visiting during extreme heat as garden shade is limited in open areas.
Closed on Tuesdays; the house and gardens are typically closed to the public during the winter months.
Photography is restricted inside the mansion; stay on marked paths in the gardens to preserve the horticulture; professional photography permits are required for staged shoots.
