Additional Coverage:
- See inside Coe Hall, a 65-room mansion built by a Gilded Age businessman who was booked on the Titanic’s return voyage (businessinsider.com)
Step Back in Time at Long Island’s Coe Hall
Nestled within the 409-acre Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Upper Brookville, New York, sits Coe Hall, a magnificent 65-room Tudor Revival mansion that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Gilded Age.
Built in 1921 by William Robertson Coe, a successful insurance and railroad executive, and his wife, Mai Rogers, an heiress to the Standard Oil fortune, Coe Hall replaced an earlier mansion that burned down in 1918. The Coes spared no expense in creating their dream home, designing it to evoke the grandeur of English country estates. Interestingly, some architectural details were intentionally mismatched to give the impression of a house that had evolved over generations, further enhancing the “old money” aesthetic they sought to project.
The mansion’s limestone exterior features personalized touches, including a carved ship, reflecting Coe’s maritime connections. Inside, visitors can explore Coe’s wood-paneled den, complete with a secret speakeasy, a testament to his foresight during Prohibition.
Across the hall, Mai Rogers’ salon offers a stark contrast, its bright and airy atmosphere reminiscent of Versailles. Throughout the house, taxidermied animals, a collection of priceless books (including a signed copy of Mark Twain’s autobiography), and family portraits provide intimate details about the Coes’ lives.
The Great Hall, designed for lavish parties, boasts a musician’s gallery and intricate woodwork, while the children’s mezzanine, guest bedrooms, and the Coes’ private suites showcase the home’s thoughtful design.
The surrounding landscape, designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers (also known for Central Park and Oheka Castle), is equally impressive. A picturesque courtyard, a tranquil pond, and the stunning Blue Pool Garden, formerly a tennis court, invite exploration.
The enchanting Tea House, built in 1906, adds a touch of fairytale charm. Two greenhouses, the Main Greenhouse and the Camellia Greenhouse, house diverse plant collections, including the largest collection of camellias under glass in the northeast.
Thirteen walking trails, including the Azalea Walk, wind through the arboretum, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the grounds.
Coe Hall and Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park offer a captivating journey back in time, revealing the extraordinary wealth and lifestyle of a bygone era. A visit to this historic gem is a must for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking a glimpse into Long Island’s opulent past.