Travel: 11 Historic Houses in 2024

I was eager to continue the tradition of visiting historic homes in 2024. There were still so many homes that I needed to visit and see, and last year's list felt like the tip of the iceberg. Here is a comprehensive review of the historic homes I visited this year. I hope my reflections inspire you to want to visit these homes, and that it sparks your curiosity for history - hopefully you get to transport back in time through these places!

​1.Glenview Mansion

Glenview Mansion transports you back in time to the Gilded Age. There is so much more than what meets the eye when you first gaze upon the structure of the house. At first glance, the mansion appeared to be just like any other mansion that I had seen - dramatic, eye-catching, and exuding immense wealth. However, upon entering the mansion I was pleasantly surprised. I'm not sure whether it was the colorful tiles in the hallway, or the high ceilings that gave the space freshness and life. There were so many interesting objects including a Tiffany and Co. grandfather clock, a fireplace with restored story book inspired tiles, or a 1800s recliner. Everything about the space felt captivating, considering that it's also connected to the Hudson River Museum. You can tell that a lot of effort went into restoring the mansion, and that so many people wanted to tell the story of the time period. | Rating: 8/10

​2.Adriance Farmhouse

Adriance Farmhouse is a quaint and lovely place, harkening back to the days of simple living. Built in the late 1700s, it's definitely one of the older houses I've ever visited. It isn't an opulent palace filled with treasures, but it is an important testament to the farming history of Queens. As one of the oldest surviving structures on the farm's property, it's such a special place. It was also very cool to see the various tools and gadgets used for cooking; for me, the kitchen was the true star of this tour. If you're looking to dip into the farming history of the area, I definitely recommend checking out the farmhouse at least once. | Rating: 7/10

​3.Washington Irving's Sunnyside

Washington Irving's Sunnyside is truly romantic. You can tell that this was the home of an artist, writer, and worldly thinker. Visiting during the spring, I got to see the flowering wisteria trees climb towards the roof of his home. The home is neighbors with the Hudson River, making for a truly picturesque scene, emphasizing the serenity of nature. Whether its the house's European inspired shell, the soft glow of sunlight pouring through the white curtains, or the plethora day beds sprinkled in various rooms, time slows down at Sunnyside. It's a peaceful place, painted with intentionality. It was also really wonderful to see Irving's study, I can only imagine what he must have accomplished and thought of in that room. Fun fact: there is a bed inside of his study because he enjoyed taking naps. | Rating: 9/10

4. Coe Hall Historic House Museum

Coe Hall Historic House is a jazz age, English Tudor style masterpiece. It's such a unique home with secret doors, symbolism, and a larger than life essence. Everything about this house was so intentional. I absolutely loved the gothic-style, mixed interior with various animal motifs scattered all over the place. The Coe family spared no expense in this home, and you can tell that they were out-of-the-box thinkers, unafraid of taking design risks. From the celestial horoscope ceiling, Mrs. Coe's blue bird lace wallpaper, Mr. Coe's lightbulb box in his checker-floored bathroom, or the secret speakeasy in the den, this home is definitely worth visiting. It's wild and spectacular in all the right ways. You can't help but imagine how much fun everyone must have had in it. The grounds are also spectacular, you need to visit the Main Greenhouse if you're ever at Planting Fields - they have a cacao tree! | Rating: 10/10

5. The Van Cortlandt House Museum

The Van Cortlandt House Museum is a quintessential piece of history bringing forth the stories and reality of enslaved African Americans who worked on this estate. The house itself is reminiscent of its Revolutionary War past, having George Washington as a guest in 1776 and 1783. Once you step inside, you can see all of the images of great political thinkers and leaders  on the walls, as well as remembrances of New York City's ties with the Dutch through the specks of blue that seems to be present in almost all of the rooms. What I found most fascinating about this home was the color combination of orange interiors with blue walls in the main room, celebrating the colors of New York's state flag. You can see how the old world and new world clash inside of this home through its decor. It was also very profound to access  the slaves quarters on the third floor, and to learn about that history. Although at times it felt like something was missing, I enjoyed visiting the historic home and learning about the lives of everyone who occupied the plantation. It's an important part of history that should never be forgotten. | Rating: 7.5/10

6.Thomas Edison National Park, Glenmont Estate 

Thomas Edison's Glenmont Estate is a treasure trove of antiquity and optimism. I wish photos were allowed inside because there were so many beautiful objects inside of the home that deserve to be shown off and admired. Throughout the home, there is a sense of modernity with the plethora of light fixtures and bulbs. The family room on the second floor alone is enough reason to visit this historic site. The golden curtains give a warm glow to the room, making you feel like you can almost see Edison sitting at his desk. The brick, red painted exterior is also pretty surreal, and unlike any of the houses I have seen before. Visiting the home of a madman inventor and thinker was a lot of fun. The essence of Edison's innovative thinking can be felt throughout the estate. | Rating: 8.5/10

7.Alice Austen House

Alice Austen House has an air of lightheartedness as it overlooks the bay. Alice Austen was a remarkable person who lived her life the way she wanted unapologetically. The home itself is very rustic, styled like a farm cottage. Although there aren't many rooms dedicated to Austen, the information that we do have feels special. I loved that there were binders filled with photos that she took during her lifetime. As someone who loves the Victorian era, it felt special to see people from that time period enjoying themselves and having fun the way we do now; it makes time feel less stretched out. This place is really interesting, and I'm glad I learned about Alice and got a sense of why she chose to live in Staten Island. | Rating: 6/10

8.Manor House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum 

The Manor House, owned by the Cutting family, sits in the midst of an arboretum filled with trees from all over the world. When you have such powerful names attached to the estate, designed by the likes of Fredrick Law Olmestead, it's hard to be disappointed. However, to no fault of its own, I felt that the essence of the home was lost during some aspects of my tour. It's a beautiful country home, but I found myself feeling like something was missing. Most of the furniture inside of the house was not original, and with the public cafe on the first floor, you can feel past and present mixing together in a very unique way. I recommend checking out the first floor of the house which is free to the public, and maybe grabbing a bite in the Victorian style cafe. I sort of feel like I could have done without the tour. The Gilded Age did film a scene on the second floor hallway though, so if you're a fan of the show, go on the tour! | Rating: 6/10

9.Edgar Allen Poe Cottage

At the time of visiting Edgar Allen Poe's cottage, there was construction on the site which unfortunately meant that I could not take a proper look at the exterior of his home, however, the experience definitely satiated my appetite for the Poesque. By the end of his life, Poe was a well-regarded writer who mastered his craft, however, that mastery did not necessarily translate into wealth. His cottage is by far one of the most modest homes I visited this year. It was quite dull and unremarkable, but that's the point. The preservation of Poe's cottage is a testament to his legacy; although he wasn't wealthy, he left a lasting impression on society. This cottage is more like a remnant of once was rather than a display of opulence. For its rawness and matter of fact disposition, I rather enjoyed being able to step into Poe's world for a moment. | Rating: 7/10

10.Voelker Orth Museum

The Voelker Orth Museum is a hidden treasure. It's hard not to miss the pink and white Victorian style structure in contrast with the rest of the neighborhood. Once home to middle-class German immigrants, Voelker Orth tells the story of a normal family living in Queens during the 1800s. It's spectacular to see original furnishings and decor from the Orth family, and the storytelling as a result of these original artifacts makes the space even that more special. The Victorian garden is also lovely and peaceful, and I appreciate that they also call it a bird sanctuary - there were definitely a lot of birds even when I visited in early winter. I should have stopped by this home much sooner, and I am so glad that there is a space preserving the beauty and uniqueness that is the Victorian era.  | Rating: 9/10

11. Raynham Hall Museum

Raynham Hall is a unique property with a very fascinating history. The interior of the home itself clashes between the colonial and Victorian style, an homage to its occupants throughout the time they had lived there. There is more than what meets the eye when you first notice the property; there are a lot of wonderful treasures (and horrors of reality) packed inside that you wouldn't have suspected. The Victorian wallpaper, the bullseye glass faceted in the original colonial style door, the slave corridors at the top of the home - there are a lot of stories tied to this property. Being that it's located in Oyster Bay, there is a calm quaintness and essence that envelopes the home; you can tell that a lot was going on here. / Rating: 10/10