Old Westbury Gardens
Tucked into the heart of Nassau County on Long Island’s Gold Coast, Old Westbury Gardens is one of the region’s signature historic estates and public gardens. Blending architecture, landscape design, and local history, it gives visitors a vivid look at the grand country properties that once defined this part of Long Island.
Built in the early 20th century for John Shaffer Phipps, his wife Margarita Grace Phipps, and their family, the estate centers on Westbury House, an English-inspired residence set amid formal gardens, woodlands, ponds, and sweeping lawns. Today, the roughly 200-acre property is preserved as a nonprofit cultural destination and remains one of the most rewarding places to visit on Long Island.
From the tree-lined approach to the carefully composed garden rooms, Old Westbury Gardens offers a setting that feels both elegant and surprisingly tranquil. Inside the house, period furnishings, decorative arts, and family objects help tell the story of estate life on Long Island’s North Shore. Outside, visitors can move from formal plantings and ornamental features to quieter wooded paths and open meadow views.
Old Westbury Gardens is more than a preserved mansion. It also serves as a year-round cultural venue for exhibitions, seasonal programs, concerts, lectures, family activities, and garden-focused events. Whether you come for spring blooms, fall color, a house tour, or simply a peaceful afternoon outdoors, this well-known Long Island destination offers a memorable mix of history and scenery.
Widely admired for both its preservation and beauty, Old Westbury Gardens remains a standout stop for gardeners, architecture fans, photographers, film buffs, and anyone exploring Long Island’s historic Gold Coast estates.
Estate History & Origins
Old Westbury Gardens was developed for businessman and philanthropist John Shaffer Phipps and his family during the Gold Coast era, when prominent families established large country estates across Long Island. Westbury House was completed in 1906 and reflects English design influences, especially the Charles II or Carolean Revival tradition.
The house and grounds were shaped through the work of English designer George A. Crawley and American architect Grosvenor Atterbury. Their collaboration produced an estate known for its balanced relationship between architecture, interiors, and surrounding gardens.
In 1959, the property was opened to the public as a nonprofit institution under the leadership of John Phipps’s daughter, Margaret Phipps Boegner. That decision helped preserve one of the North Shore’s most important surviving estates for future generations.
The Gardens and Grounds
The estate spans roughly 200 acres and includes formal gardens, landscaped approaches, ponds, woodlands, and broad open lawns. The garden experience changes noticeably through the seasons, making repeat visits worthwhile.
- The Walled Garden, with structured planting beds, hedges, and changing seasonal color.
- The Rose Garden, a favorite when in bloom and one of the estate’s best-known formal spaces.
- The Lilac Walk, especially popular in spring for fragrance and color.
- Woodland paths, ponds, and quieter landscape areas that provide a contrast to the more formal garden rooms.
Visitors can stroll from one garden area to another at their own pace, with each section offering a different character, planting style, and view of the estate.
Westbury House
Westbury House is the architectural centerpiece of the estate. Its rooms contain period furnishings, decorative objects, paintings, textiles, and personal belongings that help convey the atmosphere of a prominent family home from the early 1900s.
- Rich woodwork, formal reception spaces, and carefully preserved interiors.
- Collections of European and American furniture, art, and decorative pieces.
- House tours or house access that provide added context on the Phipps family and Gold Coast estate life.
House access formats may vary by season, staffing, and event schedule, so it is wise to check ahead if touring the interior is a priority.
A Familiar Setting on Screen
Old Westbury Gardens has long been a sought-after filming location thanks to its stately architecture and well-preserved grounds. Productions filmed here have included:
- North by Northwest (1959)
- Love Story (1970)
- The Age of Innocence (1993)
- Cruel Intentions (1999)
- Hitch (2005)
- American Gangster (2007)
- Television series such as Gossip Girl and Royal Pains
Its blend of formal gardens and mansion exteriors makes it a natural fit for period dramas, romantic scenes, and upscale North Shore settings.
Seasonal Events and Activities
In addition to everyday garden visits, Old Westbury Gardens regularly hosts public programming that may include:
- Dog-friendly days or select weekends for leashed pets.
- Children’s and family programs, including story-centered activities and seasonal events.
- Outdoor concerts, evening programs, and special summer events.
- Garden workshops, lectures, wellness programs, and changing exhibitions.
- Annual festivals and special displays that vary from year to year.
Because the event calendar changes seasonally, checking the official schedule before your trip is the best way to see what is happening during your visit.
Hours, Admission & Planning Your Visit
Old Westbury Gardens is generally open on a seasonal schedule, with the main visitor season typically running from spring through fall. Hours, house access, and special-event evenings can vary by date, so confirm current details before you go.
Admission:
Tickets are generally required for entry, with pricing that may differ for adults, children, seniors, students, members, and special programs. Some events may require separate tickets or advance registration.
Visitor Tips:
- Check the official Old Westbury Gardens website for current hours, admission, event listings, and house-tour information.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; the property includes a mix of garden paths, lawns, and longer strolling routes.
- Photography for personal use is typically welcome, but professional, commercial, or portrait sessions may require advance approval or permits.
- When open, the Café in the Woods offers a convenient refreshment stop, but food service availability may vary.
- If you are visiting for a specific bloom, exhibition, or interior tour, call or check ahead before making the trip.
Location & Directions
Address:
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Road
Old Westbury, NY 11568
Getting There:
- The estate is easily reached by car from central and western Long Island, with access from major roads including the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and nearby parkways.
- It is roughly 30 miles from Midtown Manhattan, though travel times can vary significantly with traffic.
- Free on-site parking is typically available for visitors.
Landmark Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1903–1906 |
| Style | Charles II / Carolean Revival |
| Size | About 200 acres |
| Gardens | Formal garden rooms, lawns, ponds, and woodland areas |
| House Access | Varies by season, program, and daily operations |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring through fall, especially during peak bloom periods |
| Event Types | Concerts, family programs, exhibitions, lectures, and garden events |
| Fun Fact | The estate has appeared in films such as Cruel Intentions and Love Story |
| Website | www.oldwestburygardens.org |
