Sunnyside (historic house)

Sunnyside (historic house) is a historic house located in Tarrytown, New York, and was once the home of Washington Irving, the famous American author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle. The house was designed by Andrew Jackson Downing, a prominent Hudson River School architect, and showcases a unique blend of Greek Revival and Italianate styles, influenced by the works of Andrea Palladio and Vitruvius. The estate is situated on the banks of the Hudson River, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, which was a popular subject for artists such as Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church. The house has been beautifully restored to its original grandeur, with many of its original furnishings and decor still intact, including pieces designed by Herter Brothers and Pottier and Stymus.

● History

The history of Sunnyside dates back to the 1840s, when Washington Irving purchased the estate and began renovations, consulting with Andrew Jackson Downing and Calvert Vaux. Irving was a prominent figure in American literature, and his home reflects his love of nature, literature, and art, as seen in his friendships with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Ralph Waldo Emerson. The house was built on the site of a former Dutch Colonial farmhouse, which Irving expanded and renovated to create a unique and picturesque estate, inspired by the works of J.M.W. Turner and John Constable. During Irving's lifetime, Sunnyside was a popular gathering place for artists, writers, and intellectuals, including Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Herman Melville, who were all influenced by the Transcendentalist movement. The estate remained in the Irving family for many years, with Washington Irving's nephew, Pierre Munroe Irving, inheriting the property and continuing to maintain its beauty and charm, with the help of Frederick Law Olmsted and Charles Sprague Sargent.

● Architecture

The architecture of Sunnyside is a unique blend of Greek Revival and Italianate styles, with a focus on natural materials and ornate details, inspired by the works of Richard Norman Shaw and William Morris. The house features a striking mansard roof, dormer windows, and a wrap-around porch, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, reminiscent of the estates designed by Stanford White and McKim, Mead & White. The interior of the house is equally impressive, with beautifully decorated rooms, including a library, music room, and dining room, featuring furnishings designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and Gustav Stickley. The estate also includes several outbuildings, including a carriage house, gardener's cottage, and greenhouse, which were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and Daniel Burnham. The overall design of Sunnyside reflects the influence of Andrew Jackson Downing and the Hudson River School of architecture, which emphasized the importance of natural beauty and harmony with the surrounding environment, as seen in the works of Asher Durand and Thomas Doughty.

● Preservation

In the 20th century, Sunnyside was acquired by Historic Hudson Valley, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Hudson Valley region, with the help of The National Trust for Historic Preservation and The Preservation Society of Newport County. The organization has worked tirelessly to restore the estate to its original grandeur, using traditional techniques and materials, and consulting with experts such as The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works and The National Park Service. The preservation efforts have included the restoration of the house, outbuildings, and grounds, as well as the creation of a museum and visitor center, which features exhibits on the life and work of Washington Irving, as well as the history of the Hudson River Valley and its significance in American literature and art, with contributions from The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The New York Public Library. Today, Sunnyside is one of the most popular historic house museums in the United States, attracting visitors from around the world, including The Smithsonian Institution and The National Endowment for the Arts.

● Tourism

Sunnyside is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who are interested in history, literature, and architecture, including fans of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle. The estate offers guided tours of the house and grounds, as well as a variety of special events and programs, including lectures, workshops, and exhibits, which are often held in collaboration with The Hudson River Museum and The New York Historical Society. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored house and grounds, which include a garden, orchard, and woodland trail, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The estate also offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the surrounding landscape, which was a popular subject for artists such as Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, and is now protected by The Hudson River Greenway and The Scenic Hudson Preservation Conference. In addition to its historic significance, Sunnyside is also a popular destination for weddings, corporate events, and family gatherings, with catering services provided by The Culinary Institute of America and The James Beard Foundation.

● Significance

Sunnyside is significant not only for its historic and architectural importance but also for its cultural and literary significance, as seen in the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Herman Melville. The estate was the home of Washington Irving, one of America's most beloved authors, and reflects his love of nature, literature, and art, as well as his friendships with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Ralph Waldo Emerson. The house and grounds have been beautifully restored to their original grandeur, offering a unique glimpse into the life and work of this important American writer, and are now recognized as a National Historic Landmark by The National Park Service and The United States Department of the Interior. Sunnyside is also an important part of the Hudson River Valley's cultural heritage, reflecting the region's rich history and natural beauty, and is protected by The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Today, Sunnyside is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in American history, literature, and architecture, and is often featured in publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and is a member of The Historic House Trust of New York City and The National Trust for Historic Preservation. Category:Historic houses in New York