
The Gilded Age, spanning from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, left America with a collection of mansions that are architectural masterpieces, each carrying stories of struggles, victory, wealth, and artistry. Here’s a world where luxury knows no bounds and history whispers through glided halls.
Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

The Biltmore Estate is the biggest privately owned home in the U.S., commissioned by George Washington Vanderbilt II. The Châteauesque-style mansion was constructed between 1889 and 1895 and features French Renaissance châteaux. It appeared in the holiday movie “A Biltmore Christmas,” a first of its kind.
The Breakers, Newport, Rhode Island

The Breakers, named after the waves crashing against the cliffs, was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt and constructed between 1893 and 1895. Today, it operates as a museum, allowing visitors to experience the lavish lifestyle of America’s elite during the late 19th century.
Carson Mansion, Eureka, California

The Carson Mansion is the perfect example of American Queen Anne-style architecture. It is one of the most photographed Victorian houses in the United States, often serving as inspiration for haunted house designs in popular culture. The Ingomar club kept it private, preserving its exclusivity and allure.
The Morgan Library And Museum, New York

Founded in 1906 in New York City, the Morgan Library & Museum was once the financier of J.P. Morgan’s private library. Designed by Charles McKim, it features Renaissance-inspired architecture with intricate interiors. In 1924, it became a public institution, now housing over 350,000 rare books and manuscripts.
Nemours Estate, Wilmington, Delaware

The Nemours Estate’s most distinctive feature is its extensive formal French gardens, considered among the finest in North America. Over time, it was owned and operated by the Nemours Foundation, a charitable organization established by Alfred I. duPont’s will to provide healthcare services to children.
The Mount, Lenox, Massachusetts

The Mount is the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton. Completed in 1902, this Gilded Age mansion reflects Wharton’s design principles, emphasizing balance, symmetry, and simplicity. It has since become a cultural center and museum managed by the Edith Wharton Restoration, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Wharton’s legacy.
The Payne Whitney Mansion, New York

The Payne Whitney Mansion is one of the last Gilded Age buildings in New York City. It is known for hosting cultural events, fostering transatlantic literary exchange, and enriching New York’s culture. The Payne Whitney Mansion was originally a wedding gift from Colonel Oliver Hazard Payne to his nephew and his bride.
Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, Palm Beach, Florida

Built by Henry Flagler’s third wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler, the 1902 estate was designed by architects John Carrère and Thomas Hastings. It was transformed into a museum known today as the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, a National Historic Landmark open to the public.
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion, Norwalk, Connecticut

At the time of its completion, The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion featured advanced technologies, including indoor plumbing, gas lighting, ventilation, and central heating. The city purchased the estate in 1941 and turned the surrounding grounds into a public park. It has also been featured in films and television series, including “The Stepford Wives.”
Westbury House, Old Westbury, New York

Westbury House is adorned with fine English antiques and decorative arts, collected over the Phipps family’s fifty-year residence. Following the family’s tenure, it was transformed into Old Westbury Gardens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the property’s historical and horticultural significance. It hosts various events like concerts and educational programs.
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Hyde Park, New York

Constructed between 1896 and 1899 for Frederick William Vanderbilt and his wife, The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site was designed by the esteemed architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. The interiors are adorned with exotic wood and French tapestries. In 1940, the estate was donated to the National Park Service.
Roosevelt House, New York

The Roosevelt House served as the New York City residence for Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt from 1908 until Franklin was elected President in 1932. It was within these walls that he began his political ascent. The estate still caters to exhibitions and lectures, continuing the Roosevelt legacy of civic engagement.
Ventfort Hall Mansion And Gilded Age Museum, Lenox, Massachusetts

Ventfort Hall, a Jacobean Revival mansion in Lenox, Massachusetts, was built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, sister of J.P. Morgan. Designed by Rotch & Tilden, it features 28 rooms. Now a museum, it showcases Gilded Age history and was featured in “The Cider House Rules.”
Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California

The Hearst Castle is a sprawling estate perched above the Pacific coastline, built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst. Today, it operates as a state park and museum. Architect Julia Morgan designed this 165-room mansion, which has lavish interiors, an extraordinary art collection, and breathtaking gardens.
The Frick Collection, New York

Constructed between 1913 and 1914, The Frick Collection stands in Beaux-Arts architecture with a limestone façade featuring carved pediments and tympana. It is undergoing its first major renovation in nearly 90 years, led by architect Annabelle Selldorf. The project includes repurposing and addition, with a reopening planned for April 2025.