I’ve loved looking at and reading about historic homes. One thing I’ve noticed is how often brick is use (in America and England). There’s a good reason for that. Brick is incredibly durable and has been a reliable building material for centuries. It stands up well to weather, resists fire, and doesn’t require much maintenance. But what really makes brick special is how it adds character and warmth to a home. Whether it’s an old historic mansion or a modern design, brick brings a sense of strength and timeless beauty. It’s no wonder it’s still such a popular choice today. Here’s a collection of a diverse set of historic brick mansions in America. One thing interesting about this collection is the different brick colors… not all are the classic red brick.
1. Edsel and Eleanor Ford Mansion, Michigan
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The Edsel and Eleanor Ford Mansion, located in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, was built in 1928. It was the family home of Edsel Ford, the only child of automotive pioneer Henry Ford, and his wife, Eleanor. Edsel was the president of the Ford Motor Company and instrumental in its expansion and success during the early 20th century. The mansion was designed by architect Albert Kahn in a blend of English Cotswold and Gothic Revival styles, with stunning grounds landscaped by Jens Jensen. The home is now a museum open to the public, showcasing the Ford family’s lifestyle and their significant contributions to American industry.
2. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Massachusetts
This is my favorite when it comes to overall estate. What wonderful sprawling grounds. Castle Hill, located on the Crane Estate in Ipswich, Massachusetts, was built in 1928 for Richard T. Crane Jr., an industrialist whose family made their fortune in plumbing and manufacturing. Crane inherited his family’s business, Crane Co., which was a leading manufacturer of plumbing supplies, valves, and fittings. The mansion was designed in the Tudor Revival style by architect David Adler, perched on a hill overlooking the Ipswich Bay. The estate includes stunning formal gardens, natural woodlands, and miles of scenic shoreline, making it one of New England’s most picturesque historic properties.
3. Cylburn Mansion, Maryland
Cylburn Mansion, completed in 1888, is located in Baltimore, Maryland. It was originally the private residence of businessman Jesse Tyson, who made his fortune in the iron industry. The mansion was designed in the Victorian style, surrounded by over 200 acres of gardens and arboretum, which today make up the largest public garden in Baltimore. Now part of the Cylburn Arboretum, the mansion and its grounds are open to the public, offering visitors a glimpse into Maryland’s Gilded Age history as well as beautiful landscapes and walking paths.
4. Idle Hour (William K. Vanderbilt Mansion), New York
Idle Hour, located in Bohemia, New York, was built in the late 19th century as the summer estate of William K. Vanderbilt, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, which made its fortune in railroads and shipping. The mansion, which sits on the shore of the Connetquot River, was originally designed in a grand Beaux-Arts style. Unfortunately, the original mansion was destroyed by fire in 1899 and subsequently rebuilt. The property later became part of Dowling College but has since seen various uses and remains a significant architectural landmark on Long Island.
5. Boone Hall Plantation, South Carolina
Boone Hall Plantation, located near Charleston, South Carolina, was originally established in 1681 and has undergone several changes over the centuries. The current mansion was built in 1936 by Canadian diplomat Thomas Stone and his wife, Alexandra Stuyvesant. Stone used his wealth to reconstruct the mansion in a Colonial Revival style, influenced by traditional Southern architecture. The plantation is one of America’s oldest working plantations and is renowned for its avenue of oak trees, historic slave cabins, and agricultural operations. It remains a popular tourist destination, offering tours of the grounds and the house.
6. Faxon-Thomas Mansion, Tennessee
The Faxon-Thomas Mansion, now part of the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee, was completed in 1908 for Ann and George Thomas. George Thomas was a prominent attorney and businessman in Chattanooga, and his wealth helped fund the mansion’s construction. Designed in the Classical Revival style, the home originally served as the residence for the Thomas family before it was donated to become the original building for the museum in 1952. The mansion now houses art exhibits and remains a focal point of the Hunter Museum’s collection.
7. Glenview Mansion, Maryland
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Glenview Mansion, built in 1926 in Rockville, Maryland, was the home of Irene and Richard Hays, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist. Richard made his fortune through various business ventures in real estate and insurance. The mansion, which sits on 153 acres of land known as Rockville Civic Center Park, was built in the Neo-Classical Revival style. It is now owned by the city of Rockville and serves as a historic venue for weddings, events, and public tours, maintaining its status as a local treasure with formal gardens and scenic landscapes.
8. Kingwood Mansion, Ohio
Kingwood Mansion, located in Mansfield, Ohio, was completed in 1926 by industrialist Charles Kelley King. King was the president of Ohio Brass Company, a manufacturer of electrical equipment for the power and railroad industries. The mansion is part of the larger Kingwood Center Gardens, a 47-acre estate that features formal gardens, walking paths, and greenhouses. The mansion and its gardens were opened to the public after King’s death in 1952, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of an Ohio industrialist during the early 20th century.
9. Carroll Mansion, Kansas
Carroll Mansion, located in Leavenworth, Kansas, was built in the 1860s by the affluent local businessman and politician Patrick L. Carroll. Carroll, who amassed his wealth through a combination of real estate and his involvement in the railroad industry, constructed the mansion in the Italianate architectural style. Today, the house serves as a museum operated by the Leavenworth Historical Society, providing visitors with exhibits that showcase the mansion’s history as well as the broader historical context of 19th-century Kansas.
10. Moody Mansion, Texas
Moody Mansion, located in Galveston, Texas, was completed in 1895 for the wealthy Moody family, led by financial magnate William Lewis Moody Jr. The Moodys made their fortune in insurance, cotton, and banking, establishing a financial empire that spanned several industries. The mansion, designed in the Romanesque Revival style, was heavily influenced by the grandeur of the Gilded Age. Today, it operates as a museum, where visitors can explore 20 rooms restored to their early 20th-century elegance, offering a window into the lifestyle of one of Texas’ most prominent families.
11. Mill Neck Manor, New York
Mill Neck Manor, also known as Sefton Manor, is located on Long Island, New York, and was built in 1923 for Lillian Sefton Dodge, an heiress to the Dodge fortune. The Dodge family made their wealth through the automobile industry, and the manor served as a lavish estate reflecting the opulence of the Gold Coast era. The mansion is built in the Tudor Revival style, with intricate woodwork and grand architectural features. Today, Mill Neck Manor is used by a foundation supporting the deaf community, and the grounds and mansion remain a beloved historical site.
12. Old Westbury Mansion, New York
Now we get to my favorite. I’ve long loved the Old Westbury Mansion with its elegant symmetry, ivy and pristine red brick. It’s located in Old Westbury, New York, was built in 1906 for John Shaffer Phipps, a member of the wealthy Phipps family who made their fortune in steel through Andrew Carnegie’s business empire. The mansion is designed in the Charles II style, with 23 rooms that reflect the luxury and elegance of the Gilded Age. Today, the mansion is part of Old Westbury Gardens, a public garden and museum that showcases the home and its stunning grounds, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of early 20th-century American aristocracy.
13. Cheney-Baltzell Manor House, Massachusetts
Cheney-Baltzell Manor House, located in Massachusetts, was built in the early 20th century for the Cheney family, who were prominent in the silk manufacturing industry. The manor, built in the Colonial Revival style, was later owned by John Baltzell, an investment banker who expanded the estate. The home reflects a blend of traditional New England architecture and the wealth of its owners, with expansive gardens and grand interiors. Today, it is preserved as part of the region’s historical heritage.
14. Rosalie Mansion, Mississippi
Rosalie Mansion, located in Natchez, Mississippi, was built in 1823 for Peter Little, a wealthy cotton planter. The mansion was constructed in the Federal style, with Greek Revival influences, and it overlooks the Mississippi River. Rosalie played a significant role during the Civil War, serving as the Union Army’s headquarters. Today, the mansion is a museum operated by the Daughters of the American Revolution, preserving the history of the home and the region’s antebellum past.
15. Dr. John Francis Shaffner House, North Carolina
The Dr. John Francis Shaffner House, located in North Carolina, was built in the late 19th century for Dr. Shaffner, a prominent local physician. Dr. Shaffner, who played a significant role in the medical community, built the home in the Queen Anne style, characterized by its ornate woodwork, asymmetrical design, and grand porches. The house remains a significant example of Victorian-era architecture in the region and has been preserved as a historical landmark showcasing North Carolina’s architectural heritage.
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