Bayard Cutting Arboretum

This review focuses primarily on the Manor House owned by the Cutting family at Bayard Cutting Arboretum. The Arboretum itself is renowned with trees from all over the world, and being designed by the iconic Fredrick Law Olmstead, I definitely recommend visiting the grounds.

I scheduled a house tour which guides visitors through the first and second floors. The Cutting's summer home is a beautiful place, sitting on a peaceful estate. The first floor of the home is apparently open to the public, however, it's the second floor that you pay to access during this tour. They also have an attic tour as well which is separate.

The home is mostly furnished with unoriginal pieces, with some rooms, prominently the dining room being original (which was so cool to see!) My biggest quip, though, was the pacing of the tour which felt very dragged out. It was a little claustrophobic having a large group fit through some of the tiny corridor spaces, coupled with the heat of the home from the warm summer months. Likewise, although our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly, some aspects of the storytelling didn't feel cohesive and at times, repetitive. It didn't have to be over an hour long, at least in my opinion, but as someone whose visited many historic homes (this is my 17th), I totally understand the role of docents and the etiquette of tours.

I recommend stopping by the house leisurely, and picking up a pamphlet to check out the first floor at your own pace. If you're deeply interested in the history of the Cutting family, then you should go on the tour, but if not, then I feel like you could do without it and have a lovely time instead checking out the grounds and grabbing a bite at the cafe.