Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate

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Joined 10 years ago

Dutch for "lookout," this high-class villa is definitely worth a look-see.. The Scene
Perched to afford a glorious view of the Hudson River Valley, the former summer home of the late billionaire John D. Rockefeller (and his offspring) is just as impressive as it was when it was built in 1912. Fans of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" or "MTV Cribs" will salivate with envy as they tour a historic landmark in which major paintings and pricey artifacts are strewn about as casually as lava lamps in a college dorm room.

The Collection
So you want to see contemporary artifacts? Check out the horse-drawn carriages and classic autos in the barn. Wonder how the filthy rich do day-to-day tasks with style? Peruse the Chinese ceramics and fine furniture pieces. The crowning component is the garden; grandson (and New York governor) Nelson A. Rockefeller had a good eye for modern sculpture and the garden is tastefully enhanced by works by Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson and the like.