Behind-the-Scenes @ Hempstead House: “Gold Coast” Gould-Guggenheim Mansion at Sands Point Preserve (Hempstead House) – Sands Point, NY

While many of the “Gold Coast” mansions on Long Island’s North Shore were demolished by the late 20th century, one of its most impressive still stands today. From lavish parlors to ornate bedrooms, now’s your chance to go inside and see what true wealth during the Gilded Age was really like.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes exploration through the Hempstead House, a 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style castle that served as a summer residence for the Guggenheim family from 1912-1930.

Led by a Sands Point Preserve docent, this journey through public and private areas of the mansion will include:

• The history of the 216-acre Gould-Guggenheim estate, which once served as the estate for Jay Gould, Daniel Guggenheim, the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences, and finally the United States Navy
• The story behind the 40-room Hempstead House, a 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style castle that Financier Howard Gould (son of railroad robber baron Jay Gould) built in the early 1900s to please his wife
• A visit to the mansion’s most impressive areas including indoor fountain room, dining room, and library
• A peek inside the house’s jewel vault that once held the Guggenheim’s most valued treasures
• A visit to the gardens with sweeping views of the Long Island Sound
• Access to roam around the estate grounds, which includes Castle Gould, a private beach, formal gardens, and remnants of the abandoned casino

See you there!

*The Hempstead House does not have an elevator.

**Transportation to Sands Point Preserve is not included.

***For those arriving by car, Sands Point Preserve will waive the $15 parking fee for this tour. Ubers/Taxis can drop off right in front of the mansion. For those with their own vehicle, parking is available right in front of the mansion.

****While there are restrooms in the Hempstead House, it’s advised to use the restorooms inside Castle Gould, located a short walk from the mansion.

Transportation:

By Public Transit:

Take a Port Washington-bound Long Island Rail Road train from Penn Station, and disembark at the Port Washington Station, which is the last stop.

Once in Port Washington, take an Uber or cab to Sands Point Preserve, which is roughly 10 minutes from the train station. The train station taxi stand can be found to the right of the platform when exiting — here is an exact image: https://goo.gl/maps/tvCGBhmfhRwETveX9.

Taxis can also be scheduled in advance — feel free to call local Port Washington taxi company Delux Cab at 516.883.1900.

Trains from Port Washington Station depart for Penn Station every 30 minutes.

LIRR tickets can now be purchased via your smartphone — click here for more details.

By Car:

Parking is located near the Hempstead House and Gould Castle at the Sands Point Preserve.

Testimonials

“Hempstead house was great to see especially all the behind the scenes stuff they don’t normally show.” -Melanie”Very informative and i learned new things. This was my firs event and it was a positive experience. I went on my own but felt welcomed and truly enjoyed the tour.” -Patricia

“My husband and I got Inmerse In the history , we really enjoyed the tour . Thank you !!!” -Gloria

“I liked the scope of the coverage of the mansion, and the guide’s expertise.” -Leonard

“Guides were great, really knew the stuff.” -Kelly

“I saw parts of the mansion that I didn’t see before, learned new details ref. its history & architecture and took beautiful photos !” -Corina

“Educational and entertaining. Enjoy the craftsmanship” -Michael

“Enjoyed the behind the scenes tour of Hempstead House” -Georgia

“Great opportunity to see the house inside.Overall great experience.” -Svetlana

“Beautiful property and lots of great history.” -K

Disclaimer

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Mansions & Private Clubs