Big Old Houses

04/14/2025

Detail above the doorway at Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt’s estate in Hyde Park, NY.
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site’s grandeur cannot be captured in photos. Tours are available daily.

10/06/2023

Samual Hopkins Manor (Memories Manor) in St. Clair, Michigan is subtly dressed for Halloween. Look carefully and you’ll see skeletons of all sizes. The skeleton on the roof and a couple of others pictured here are 12 feet tall, which is very fitting considering this 1880 house boasts 12 foot ceilings.

What’s your favorite big old house when it’s Halloween time? Photo responses are encouraged.

12/07/2022

The Victor Creel house in Rome, Georgia. Constructed circa 1882 by Col. Hamilton Yancey, has been restored to its original grandeur and recently appeared in Stranger Things.

11/06/2022

What holiday events are open to the public, taking place in big old houses?
Share links, details, or photos in the comments!

11/06/2022

Bright Lights: Celebrate the Season
Saturday, November 26, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
Saturdays and Sundays, December 3-18, and on Thursday, December 22, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum

07/29/2022

Let’s travel through the United States, and start with Alabama. When in Alabama, what big old houses come to mind?

Drop a picture and/or it’s name and location in the comments. Any background stories, history, or local lore is always appreciated!

04/12/2022

Eleanor Roosevelt, on her childhood summer home: “The house in Tivoli was big, with high ceilings and a good many rooms, most of them large. My grandfather had furnished it downstairs in a rather formal way. There were some lovely marble mantlepieces and chandeliers for candles. We had neither gas nor electricity. We had lamps, but often went to bed by candlelight.”

Oak Terrace, a 19th century riverfront mansion near Tivoli where Eleanor Roosevelt lived...

03/07/2022

Julian Fellowes alludes to New York City mansions and interiors in The Gilded Age

“The Triple Palace” was once described as an over-the-top masterpiece of poor taste.

01/25/2022

With the premiere of The Gilded Age on HBO, and many renowned mansions shown, here are the 18 historic house museums that are featured through out the show.

Including numerous Newport gems.

01/20/2022

The privately owned Newport mansion, Seaview Terrace (also known as the Carey Mansion), is on the market. Once home to millionaire Edson Bradley, the chateau served as military quarters and private schools.

Seaview Terrace is Newport’s largest privately owned Gilded Age mansion. But you might need to call Ghostbusters before you move in.