Lynnewood Hall

Photos from Andrew Lillibridge , East Coast Abandoned and Svvvk on Flickr

Lynnewood Hall, an opulent mansion of unparalleled grandeur, was meticulously crafted between 1897 and 1900. This architectural marvel boasts an astounding 110 rooms, making it a symbol of luxury and refinement during the Gilded Age. Renowned for housing one of the most esteemed private art collections of its time, Lynnewood Hall stood as a testament to the opulence and taste of its owner.

Shaped like a majestic "T," the mansion's interior boasts 55 lavish bedrooms, a ballroom spacious enough to accommodate a grand gathering of 1,000 people, a resplendent swimming pool, and the sophistication of well-stocked wine cellars. Furthermore, the estate encompasses a fully-functional farm, a carpentry workshop, and an electrical power plant, ensuring a life of luxury and convenience within its walls.

Describing the interiors, visitors would marvel at the sumptuousness of silk, velvet, and gilded moldings adorning the rooms. Every inch of Lynnewood Hall was adorned with impeccable taste, featuring furnishings like chairs sourced from Louis XV's palace, exquisite Persian rugs, and treasured Chinese pottery. The grand halls served as a sanctuary for art enthusiasts, adorned with masterpieces by revered artists like Raphael, Rembrandt, El Greco, Van Dyck, and Donatello.

Tragedy and history intertwined in the mansion's narrative. The owner, Widener, passed away at Lynnewood in 1915 at the age of 80, though he had already experienced the heartache of losing his son and grandson on the Titanic in 1912. In the years following his passing, Lynnewood Hall was opened to the public, providing a rare opportunity for art aficionados to appreciate the vast collection.

In 1940, Joseph Widener generously donated over 2,000 pieces from the art collection to a museum, ensuring their preservation and accessibility for future generations. However, with the passage of time, the grounds fell into alternative uses, serving as a location for guard dog training.

Presently, the grandeur of Lynnewood Hall remains untouched, yet silent, as the mansion stands vacant under the ownership of the Korean Church of New York. Despite their efforts to revitalize the property, zoning issues have posed challenges, impeding further development. Nonetheless, Lynnewood Hall's storied past and remarkable architecture continue to intrigue, leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter its faded majesty.