December 15, 2015 -- County Executive Robert P. Astorino is calling all Westchester residents to vote the county's very own historic Lyndhurst, one of America's finest Gothic Revival mansions overlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown, as USA Today's Top Ten Best Historic Holiday Home.
"Lyndhurst is one of Westchester's most cherished and historic sites," said Astorino. "People from all over the country travel here to visit the beautiful 19th century home and its amazing park grounds. We would be thrilled for it to be recognized as the number one historic holiday home in the country by USA Today."
To vote, visit http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-historic-home-tour/lyndhurst-tarrytown-n-y/. Votes can be cast once a day, and voting is open until Monday, Dec. 21 at 11:59 a.m. To follow live voting action, see #10BestChoice on Twitter (@10Best) or follow on Facebook.
The holiday season is a particularly spectacular time at the estate with both the interior and exterior decked out in elaborate festive and historic holiday decorations.
"Lyndhurst's holiday decorations are definitely over-the-top and on a scale unmatched in Westchester," said Howard A. Zar, executive director at Lyndhurst. "We use everything from rare items from our collection to period shoes and lingerie to decorate the mansion. It goes way beyond lovely trees and garlands. It is jaw-dropping gorgeous and those who haven't been are always stunned by what we do. Above all, you never have to fight the crowds or traffic common to New York City or the shopping malls."
Moreover, both residents and visitors look forward to taking their loved ones to watch a theatrical performance of "Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol" at Lyndhurst. This signature event in Westchester recreates the classic tale that brings the travails of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim alive. The spirit of the holidays is brought to life in this adaptation, which takes place throughout the Lyndhurst mansion. Working from Dickens' actual scripts, actor Michael Muldoon tells the well-loved story as guests travel throughout the mansion "meeting" the different spirits and characters. The performance is approximately 90 minutes and is appropriate for all ages. Visit www.Lyndhurst.org for complete event schedule and to purchase tickets.
Each year, Lyndhurst – a current nonprofit organization and active museum – is visited by nearly 75,000 people, who come to admire the 67-acre park grounds and 19thcentury architecture, decorative arts, and landscape design. Lyndhurst hosts programs and exhibits year round in addition to weddings and other special events. The site is also a highly sought out film location because of its scenic backdrop.
The architectural brilliance of the residence, designed in 1838 by Alexander Jackson Davis, is complemented by the park-like landscape of the estate and a comprehensive collection of original decorative arts. Its noteworthy occupants included: former New York City mayor William Paulding, merchant George Merritt and railroad tycoon Jay Gould.