A few years ago, my darling mother treated me to a very fun trip to the Hudson River Valley.  The gorgeous landscape and the numerous historic sites made for a very memorable trip, and today, I’m introducing y’all to a real-life American castle:  Kykuit!

If The Great Gatsby is one of your favorite novels, then you can easily imaging yourself as the tragic character Daisy, as you explore the Gilded Age Beauty that is Kykuit.   Pronounced kai-cut, Kykuit in Dutch means “lookout.”

Built by Industrial Giant John D. Rockefeller, this American castlet was built in 1913 and is situated in Pocantico Hills, New York.  The estate’s towering wrought iron gates look almost like portals welcoming you into another world.

Reflective of John D. Rockefeller’s austere Baptist roots, Kyukuit was initially designed as a simple three-story house made from stone quarried on-site. But what was created is an imposing limestone classical revival Georgian facade we see today. The gardens and interiors contain some of the finest antique and art collections in the country.

The main floors and basement, which has now been turned into a gallery, boast modern art by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol and Henry Moore, all collected by modern art enthusiast Abby A. Rockefeller.

If art is not your thing,  another priceless treasure at this American castle are its unobstructed views of the Hudson River Valley north towards upstate New York.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and open to the public since 1979 when Nelson Rockefeller bequeathed one-third of the estate to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, guided tours are available Wednesdays through Sundays, subject to seasonal closure.

Thanks Mom!!!!  Wonderful history in beautiful New York!

I highly recommend this day-trip outside Manhattan, y’all!  In this post, I shared additional information about visiting the beautiful Hudson River Valley!