The Pocantico Center — Local services in Town of Mount Pleasant

Kykuit mansion and estate, in "The Park" at Pocantico. Season is from early May into mid November. i rate it highly for modernist art collection right up close, and fine gardens with Hudson River vistas with sculpture and water features in every section and a little bit of history. We had Dale, as guide and he was informative and personable. Your experience may vary.

Tours, by reservation. Park at visitors center in Sleepy Hollow / Phillipsberg Manor, get your tour sticker to wear, and be taken up the hill to the mansion by bus. There is a few variations of tours and tours, are from 3 -3 hours. See the official web site.

This is both grand on homey (sort of) maybe unique among the great capitalists' home. Great for modernist art lovers, garden fans, those with Rockefeller interests, etc. Quite a head trip in its design, understated grandness, lots of conveniences were built early on, such as underground delivery, -I would say the house is raised above original hilltop level to enable that - a full buzzer system, landscape lighting, dumbwaiter from lower level kitchen to service pantry next to family dining room, and more. The original large number of servants and staff occupied lowest and highest levels of the building.

We did not see any of the family rooms on 2 floor and so on. Part of the 2 floor is visited on the Grand Tour. Other buildings and gardens and the 9- hole reversible golf course surrounding all are not part of tours.

Finally, remember the tours are fully escorted and watched over closely. There is still some ownership percentage by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and usage at time by the extended Rockefeller Family (mostly in the grand "Playhouse" (bigger than the mansion!), and not on tour It is why the house is mostly left as it way when last family stayed for any significant occupancy, the was Nelson Rockefeller in the 1970s. I felt somewhat privileged to get that close look, to sort of literally untouched rooms where we could only venture into a corner of room near doors where the rugs are literally turned up, ready to be put back down and rope removed for very VIP visitors, I think.. did not ask when does it ever happen.

The main house is NOT accessible. Children under 5 not permitted on regular tours. The gardens are not fully accessible. You can't stray. No photos inside. There is not a restroom except for last stop on some tours, within monumental Coach Barn building. It is just that this is not a dead, old mansion in the hands of the state or a private group. Take advantage of the visitors center for toilets and some refreshment, with indoor and out door spots to snack and rest.

I would...

Beautiful grounds with view over Hudson. Conference facilities and meals were wonderful. My room was exceptional with vintage decor and fixtures. A lovely experience. Will come back with family when gardens are in flower and we can visit more...

Fantastic tour, learned about the four Rockerfeller generations and their impact on American culture...