Westbury Gardens - A Long Island Gem
If you are looking for a place that feels like stepping into a different time, a spot where history seems to whisper from every tree and every grand room, then you really might want to hear about Westbury Gardens. This beautiful estate, you know, it is a real piece of Long Island's past, carefully looked after for everyone to enjoy. It's a place that brings together the beauty of nature with stories from long ago, offering something quite special for anyone who comes to visit.
It's more than just a pretty picture; this particular spot is a source of information, too. It acts as a place where people can learn and experience culture, a central point for education, you could say. From the very beginning, when it opened its gates to the public, the idea was to make sure a piece of Long Island's story would be kept safe. It is a very good example of a time when things were done with a certain grace, a different kind of living.
You can just imagine, walking through the grounds, what life might have been like for the family who lived here. There are guided walks, for example, and things for families and children to do. You might even catch some music, indoors or out. It's a very welcoming place, really, offering many ways to connect with its rich background and the peaceful surroundings it provides.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Westbury Gardens So Special?
- Who Were the Phipps Family, Anyway?
- Stepping Back in Time - The Estate's Beginnings
- How Can You Experience Westbury Gardens?
- More Than Just Pretty Flowers - Westbury Gardens' Role Today
- What Stories Do the Gardens Tell?
- Visiting Westbury Gardens - Good Things to Know
- Supporting the Beauty of Westbury Gardens
What Makes Westbury Gardens So Special?
This place, Old Westbury Gardens, holds a special spot on the national list of historic places, you know. It was once the large country home of John S. Phipps and his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps. They built it to be a truly grand spot, and it really shows off a way of living from a different time. When it first opened its doors to people in 1959, its main aim was to keep a piece of Long Island's past safe and sound. It truly is a remarkable example of a time that felt quite graceful.
The former home of John S. Phipps and his whole family, this very impressive house sits on two hundred acres. It has formal garden areas, ponds that reflect the sky, and even some lakes. It is, you know, a very large property that offers a lot to see. Being on the national register of historic places means it has a recognized importance, and that its beauty and history are protected for everyone to appreciate.
Who Were the Phipps Family, Anyway?
The story of the Phipps family, and how they came to build Westbury Gardens, is quite interesting. It starts with Henry Phipps Sr., who was born in Shropshire, England. He began as a cobbler’s son, which is a humble start, you might say. But he moved to America and, in 1845, he became a partner in Carnegie Steel. That's a pretty big step up, you know, from making shoes to being part of a huge steel business.
His son, John S. Phipps, along with his wife Margarita Grace Phipps, were the ones who had this particular estate built in 1906. It was their country home, a place of comfort and beauty. The estate itself, you know, it reflects their taste and their position. It’s almost like a window into their lives and the way they chose to live during that time.
| Role | Background | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Father of John S. Phipps | Cobbler's son from Shropshire, England | Partner in Carnegie Steel by 1845 |
Stepping Back in Time - The Estate's Beginnings
The house itself, you know, it was built in 1906. The person who designed it was an English designer named George A. Crawley. He was a British artist and also someone who really understood English style. He brought together the whole idea for the house and its gardens in his plan for the Phipps family's estate. It was a complete thought, you see, where the house and the outdoor spaces worked together as one big picture.
Crawley's touch, in a way, made Westbury Gardens feel like a piece of England right here in New York. He wasn't just building a house; he was creating an entire world for the family. The way the formal garden areas are laid out, and how they connect to the house, really shows his vision. It’s a very thoughtful design that makes the whole place feel very cohesive and beautiful.
How Can You Experience Westbury Gardens?
When you visit Westbury Gardens, you are invited to walk through the house and take your time strolling around the garden areas. You can go at your own speed, which is nice. But, you know, if you want to learn more, there are people who work there as volunteers who offer tours every day of Westbury House and the garden areas. These tours can really help you get a better sense of the place.
If you're interested in joining one of these guided tours, you just need to ask at the front desk when you arrive. They will have a schedule for that day. These tours usually last about forty-five minutes, so they give you a good amount of information without taking up your whole day. For tours of the house, you meet at the front desk, and for the garden tours, you meet by the large beech tree on the west porch. It's all pretty straightforward, really, to find your way.
More Than Just Pretty Flowers - Westbury Gardens' Role Today
Today, Westbury Gardens is more than just a beautiful old home and garden. It serves as a place where you can get information, which is helpful. But it also acts as a cultural spot and a center for learning. It's a place where people can come together for different kinds of programs and activities. For instance, there are things specifically for families and children, which is very thoughtful.
You can also find concerts happening there, both inside the house and out in the open air. This means, you know, that the estate is still a very lively place. It hosts all sorts of happenings, from tours of the formal garden areas to visits for school groups. They even have weddings there, which must be a truly lovely setting for such an event. It's a very active place, really, keeping its history alive through new experiences.
What Stories Do the Gardens Tell?
The spectacular estate, with its grand house and sprawling grounds, has been seen in quite a few movies. More than twenty-five, in fact! Some well-known ones include "North by Northwest" and "Love Story." It has also been featured in many television shows, like "Sex and the City" and "The Gilded Age." So, you know, it's a place that has a certain star quality, having been a backdrop for so many stories on screen.
Beyond the silver screen, the gardens themselves tell stories. There are "storybook strolls" that start at the beech tree, which is right next to Westbury House, and these walks finish up at the thatched cottage. It's almost like a little adventure, you could say, moving through the different parts of the garden with a narrative in mind. You can really find joy in everything that the grounds, the plant life, the way the buildings are put together, and the collections inside Westbury Gardens have to offer.
Visiting Westbury Gardens - Good Things to Know
When you come to Westbury Gardens, it's good to know that your visit is always guided by any notices they put up around the place. Also, you know, you should listen to any directions or advice given by the staff. They are there to help make sure everyone has a good and safe time. Old Westbury Gardens does have the right to ask anyone who is acting in a way that is not acceptable or appropriate to leave. This just helps keep the place pleasant for all visitors.
To help you find your way around, you can always know where you are. You can look at or even get a copy of the Old Westbury Gardens map. This can help you plan what you want to see before you arrive, or you can use it to find your way as you walk through the different areas. It’s a very helpful tool, really, for making the most of your time there. The address is 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568, if you're looking to visit.
Supporting the Beauty of Westbury Gardens
People who become members of Westbury Gardens get some really nice benefits. They get to come in as much as they like, which is very good. They also get price reductions and can sign up early for public programs. Members also get invitations to special gatherings. It's a way, you know, to support the place while also getting more out of your visits.
There are also special events, like the Gardeners’ Fair. For example, in 2025, on a Saturday in June, everyone is invited to join in celebrating how Westbury Gardens is committed to both its past and its future. They will be honoring Robert A. Bartlett, Jr., who is the head of Bartlett Tree Experts, at this year's fair. The money raised from the Gardeners’ Fair goes to help with very important work, like keeping the place in good condition, supporting learning programs, and taking care of the plants and trees. It’s a way for people to contribute to keeping this special place going strong.
This article has explored Westbury Gardens, touching on its beginnings as the country home of John S. and Margarita Grace Phipps, designed by George A. Crawley. It covered the estate's current role as a cultural and educational center, offering various tours, programs, and events. We also looked at its appearances in movies and television, and practical information for visitors, including conduct guidelines and available maps. Finally, the discussion included ways to support the gardens through membership and events like the Gardeners' Fair.
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Old Westbury Gardens
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