New York is home to some of the most stunning historic mansions, each with its own story and architectural charm. This article explores a mix of grand estates, from waterfront properties on Long Island to a classic brownstone in Brooklyn and a secluded Adirondack retreat.
These homes offer a glimpse into the past while providing modern luxury in prime locations. Whether you’re fascinated by historic design or searching for a unique property, these mansions showcase the best of New York’s real estate history. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each one special.
1. 1918 Colonial Estate
A 4,495 sq. ft. colonial estate with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms sits on a 2-acre lot in Oyster Bay Cove. Built in 1918, the home includes an eat-in kitchen, sunroom, three fireplaces, and hardwood floors. Outdoor amenities feature a heated gunite pool, pool house, outdoor shower, and a private patio with a built-in BBQ. A partial basement holds a 1,200-bottle wine cellar, and an attached 2-car garage provides parking. Listed at $2,295,000.
Where is Oyster Bay Cove, NY?
Oyster Bay Cove is a quiet, upscale village in Nassau County, located on the North Shore of Long Island within the town of Oyster Bay. Known for its large estates, tree-lined roads, and proximity to the Long Island Sound, it offers a secluded yet luxurious lifestyle. The village is near the historic hamlet of Oyster Bay, home to Sagamore Hill, the former residence of President Theodore Roosevelt. With access to parks, nature preserves, and top-rated schools, Oyster Bay Cove is a desirable location for those seeking a blend of history and exclusivity. Despite its serene setting, it provides easy access to Manhattan via major roadways and the Long Island Rail Road.
Living Area
High vaulted ceilings create an open atmosphere in the living area. French doors lead to the backyard, bringing in natural light. A fireplace with built-in bookshelves serves as a central feature. Multiple seating options provide space for relaxation and gatherings. Wall-mounted lighting fixtures enhance the room’s brightness in the evening.
Dining Room
A long wooden dining table sits under a crystal chandelier, offering seating for ten. The open layout connects the dining area to the living space for a seamless flow. Sliding glass doors lead to an outdoor patio with direct backyard access. Crown molding and framed artwork accent the walls. The room is designed for both casual meals and formal entertaining.
Kitchen
White cabinetry and wooden countertops define the open-concept kitchen. A gas stove with multiple burners is built into the counter for efficient cooking. Pendant lights hang over the large island, adding both function and style. Glass doors provide backyard views and allow natural light to brighten the space. Hardwood floors and recessed lighting complete the kitchen’s design.
Bedroom
Soft green walls surround a queen-sized bed with a woven headboard. A window framed with white curtains allows daylight to enter. Matching bedside tables with lamps provide convenient lighting. A ceiling fan with wooden blades is mounted above for air circulation. Recessed ceiling lights offer additional brightness when needed.
Bathroom
A double vanity with a marble countertop stretches along one wall. A glass-enclosed shower is positioned near the entrance. Decorative wallpaper with a colorful pattern covers the upper portion of the walls. A skylight and plantation shutters provide a mix of natural light and privacy. Towel hooks and storage cabinets maximize functionality.
Outdoor Patio
Brick and stone paving extend across the patio, creating a spacious outdoor area. A wooden dining set sits in the center, offering a place for outdoor meals. A white picket fence separates the patio from the landscaped lawn. Tall trees provide shade and privacy around the space. A pathway leads to other sections of the backyard.
Pool Area
A heated gunite pool serves as the focal point of the backyard. Lounge seating surrounds the pool, offering space to relax. The nearby pool house features an arched entryway for easy access. Green awnings provide shade along sections of the patio connected to the main house. Mature trees and hedges enclose the area, ensuring privacy.
Source: Coldwell Banker
2. Historic 1920 Mansion
A historic 1920 estate with 7,000 sq. ft. sits on 5.49 acres in Matinecock, NY, offering two separate homes. An 8-bedroom, 8.5-bathroom main residence pairs with a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom guest house. Renovations include new floors, windows, a full-house heating system, and a redesigned kitchen with Viking/SubZero appliances. A spring-fed lily pond, two greenhouses, an in-ground pool with a detached pool house, and a gated driveway add to the property’s features. Priced at $2,759,000, it is near golf clubs, North Shore beaches, and the Locust Valley Central School District.
Where is Matinecock, NY?
Matinecock is a small, affluent village in Nassau County, located on Long Island’s Gold Coast within the town of Oyster Bay. It is characterized by rolling hills, wooded landscapes, and sprawling estates, offering a rural and private atmosphere. The village is close to the vibrant downtowns of Locust Valley and Oyster Bay, where residents enjoy upscale dining, boutique shopping, and cultural attractions. Matinecock places a strong emphasis on conservation, preserving open spaces and maintaining a tranquil environment. Its proximity to beaches, equestrian facilities, and golf courses adds to its appeal for those seeking a luxurious yet peaceful lifestyle.
Living Area
A vaulted ceiling and exposed brick chimney define the spacious living area. The room includes a white-paneled fireplace centered beneath a second-floor balcony. French doors allow natural light to enter and provide access to the outdoor space. Hardwood floors contrast with the neutral wall tones. A staircase leads to an upper-level landing overlooking the main seating area.
Dining
Exposed wood beams and skylights highlight the open kitchen layout. White cabinetry, marble countertops, and a farmhouse sink are positioned against a white subway tile backsplash. The space includes a Viking range, SubZero refrigerator, and a large central island with a brass sink. A brick chimney adds a historic feature next to the built-in cabinetry and wine storage. A dining nook with a chandelier is adjacent to the main cooking area.
Kitchen Area
A professional-grade Viking stove with six burners and dual ovens sits beneath a custom range hood. The kitchen features extensive counter space with marble surfaces and white cabinetry. A deep farmhouse sink is positioned under a window overlooking the property. A large SubZero refrigerator is integrated into the cabinetry. The kitchen island includes a secondary brass sink for food preparation.
Bedroom
The bedroom features hardwood flooring and white walls with built-in shelving. Large windows allow for natural light and offer a view of the surrounding greenery. A white metal bed frame sits against the wall, accompanied by decorative floral window treatments. The space includes recessed ceiling lighting and wall-mounted sconces. An open doorway leads to an adjacent area of the home.
Bathroom
A built-in soaking tub sits beneath a sloped ceiling with a skylight. The vanity area includes a double sink with marble countertops and white cabinetry. A separate glass-enclosed shower is positioned near the window. A built-in makeup counter and mirror are located next to the tub. The flooring features a natural stone design.
Guest House Exterior
The guest house has a covered entryway supported by columns. The exterior features painted clapboard siding with dormer windows above. Three garage bays with carriage-style doors are located beneath the living quarters. Two rounded bay windows add architectural detail to the front. The surrounding landscape includes tall trees and a paved driveway.
Source: Coldwell Banker
3. 19th Century Semi-Detached Historic Gem
This four-story French Second Empire semi-detached home sits in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Historic District. The property spans 2,339 sq. ft. indoors with 944 sq. ft. of outdoor space, including a 23′ x 20′ garden featuring a mature apple tree. A slate-roofed mansard defines its exterior, restored in 2005 to preserve its original façade and architectural details. Listed for $2.95 million, inside, a double parlor with period moldings and a fireplace sits under 9’10” ceilings. The dining room leads to a rear kitchen, which overlooks a half-courtyard—formerly a horse passage—now usable as a BBQ area or sun deck.
Where is Brooklyn, NY?
Brooklyn is one of New York City’s five boroughs, located on the western end of Long Island and connected to Manhattan by iconic bridges like the Brooklyn Bridge. Known for its diverse neighborhoods, rich history, and thriving arts and food scenes, Brooklyn has transformed into a cultural hub while retaining its distinct identity. From the historic brownstones of Park Slope to the vibrant streets of Williamsburg and the scenic waterfront of DUMBO, it offers a variety of living experiences. Brooklyn is home to world-famous attractions like Prospect Park, Coney Island, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. With strong public transportation links and continuous growth, it remains one of the most dynamic and sought-after areas in New York City.
Living Area
High ceilings and white-paneled walls define this space. A fireplace with a brick surround sits against one wall, while three tall windows let in natural light. Across from a curved sofa and chairs, a mounted TV is positioned for viewing. Hardwood flooring extends throughout, complementing the neutral tones. The open layout allows for a smooth transition between the living and dining areas.
Dining Room
A marble-top dining table with seating for six is centered in the room. Natural light enters through two large windows, brightening the space. Black and gold geometric artwork decorates one wall. The hardwood flooring continues from the adjacent areas, maintaining visual flow. A doorway at the back provides direct access to the kitchen.
Kitchen
Wood cabinetry with glass-panel doors lines the walls, offering ample storage. A stainless steel sink is positioned beneath a window overlooking the backyard. Multicolored square tiles make up the backsplash, contrasting with the light-colored countertops. A gas stove with an overhead microwave is built into the cabinetry. The kitchen connects to the dining room, creating an efficient space for cooking and serving.
Bedroom
Large windows overlook a tree-lined street, bringing in natural light. White decorative paneling enhances the walls, complementing the hardwood flooring. A mounted TV is placed across from the bed, with a potted plant adding greenery to the corner. The bed is dressed in neutral bedding with patterned accent pillows. Minimalist artwork completes the room’s simple design.
Basement
A sectional sofa and coffee table form a seating area in this space. A laundry section, complete with a utility sink and washer/dryer, is positioned nearby. Exposed support beams and low ceilings characterize the basement’s layout. A projector screen is set up for entertainment, turning the space into a media room. Small windows allow for limited natural light.
Backyard
Outdoor seating includes a round metal table with four chairs on a paved patio. A mature tree provides shade, surrounded by lush greenery. Wooden and chain-link fencing encloses the area, adding privacy. A stone path leads toward the back of the property. The space accommodates outdoor dining and relaxation.
Source: Coldwell Banker
4. Lodge Built in 1906 for Whiskey Baron
Camp Tikkitibu, built in 1906 for whiskey baron Henry Levy and designed by architect Julian Clarence Levi, is a historic Adirondack Great Camp in Tupper Lake, NY. Listed at $4.4M, the 6,320-square-foot property sits on 28.79 wooded acres with 500 feet of waterfront. The main lodge includes 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, multiple living spaces, and fireplaces in nearly every room. A separate summer bunkhouse adds 4 bedrooms, a full bath, and a woodstove. The lakeside Birch Cabin features handcrafted birch details, a fireplace, and a full bath.
Where is Tupper Lake, NY?
Tupper Lake is a scenic village in Franklin County, located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York. Surrounded by lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation opportunities, it is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The village is home to The Wild Center, a renowned natural history museum that showcases the beauty of the Adirondacks. Tupper Lake offers year-round activities, including hiking, fishing, skiing, and stargazing, making it a favorite for both residents and visitors. Despite its remote location, the community thrives on tourism, small businesses, and a deep connection to the surrounding wilderness.
Living Area
Wood-paneled walls and ceilings surround a large stone fireplace that serves as the focal point of the living area. Positioned between two log-framed sofas, a rustic wooden coffee table adds to the functionality of the space. Large windows and glass-paneled doors bring in natural light, while a chandelier and wall sconces provide additional illumination. An ornate wooden cabinet stands against the wall, offering storage and display space. The open layout creates a seamless connection to adjacent rooms.
Dining Room
A long wooden table with a leather inlay sits at the center of the dining room, surrounded by intricately carved chairs. Multiple windows and glass-paneled doors allow for natural light and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Overhead, a vintage chandelier provides illumination, complementing the warm wood tones of the walls and ceiling. A sideboard against the wall offers storage and additional serving space. Designed to accommodate large gatherings, this room blends function with traditional craftsmanship.
Kitchen
Stainless-steel commercial-grade appliances, including a gas range and oven, define the kitchen’s workspace. A wooden island with a stone countertop provides extra preparation space, while a hanging pot rack keeps cookware easily accessible. Wooden cabinets and built-in shelves line the walls, offering organized storage for kitchen essentials. A vintage-style wall-mounted lamp adds character to the setting. The combination of wood paneling, brick accents, and practical design makes this kitchen both efficient and inviting.
Bedroom
A log-framed bed with decorative carvings serves as the centerpiece of the bedroom. Positioned near a dormer window, a small writing desk and chair create a functional workspace. Built-in wooden furniture, including a dresser and side tables, blends seamlessly with the wood-paneled walls and ceiling. Multiple windows provide natural light and views of the wooded surroundings. A patterned area rug softens the hardwood floor, adding texture to the space.
Game Room
A pool table takes center stage in the game room, surrounded by seating areas with cushioned chairs and sofas. French doors open to an outdoor balcony, offering a view of the lake. Wooden paneling lines the walls, while a vintage-style hanging light fixture provides overhead illumination. Rustic decor, including a mounted animal display, adds character to the space. Decorative area rugs contrast with the hardwood floor, defining different activity zones within the room.
Enclosed Porch
Large windows wrap around the enclosed porch, providing uninterrupted views of the lake and surrounding trees. Wicker furniture with cushions is arranged for relaxation and conversation. A wood-paneled ceiling and dark-framed windows contrast with the lighter-toned floor, creating a defined space. A glass door leads to an adjacent outdoor area. This enclosed setting allows for comfortable use throughout the seasons.
Source: Coldwell Banker
