Nestled in the still-wooded area of the North-East part of the Bronx lies the Bartow-Pell Mansion, a stately gray stone residence-turned-museum built between 1836-1842 and restored between 1914-1918.

The estate was first acquired in 1654 by Thomas Pell in a treaty with the Siwanoy Indians and remained in the Pell family until 1813, when John Bartow, a Pell descendent, sold the property to local merchant Herman Leroy. While the original structure on the estate was likely destroyed during the American Revolution, the present manor and carriage house were built after Robert Bartow, John Bartow’s grandson, re-purchased the property in 1836. The estate remained in the Bartow family until its purchase by the City of New York in 1888.

After serving as a rental property to the Turnbull family, a home and school for crippled children, and the International Sunshine Society for the Blind, the mansion was leased to the International Garden Club (now the Bartow-Pell Conservancy), which would open the mansion to the public as a museum in 1946. The building was included on the National List of Buildings Worthy of Preservation in 1938, earned landmark status in New York City in 1966, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Sadly, the estate is the only remaining historic property in the Pelham Bay area.

Although the architect of the 1836 structure is unknown, the influence of Minard Lafever can be seen in some of the decorative elements. The residence was built in the Greek Revival style, seen in the symmetry of the ground floor, the low-pitched roof, and stone exterior. Essential American symbols such as eagles coexist with cherubs, acanthus leaves, palmettes, and other nods to the classic.

While the manor itself has been beautifully restored and decorated in keeping with the Greek Revival style, the gardens are the true masterpiece of the current estate. With a 2008 grant, the Bartow-Pell conservancy restored the 1916 gardens using photographs as no original plans were found. The symmetry of the formal gardens mirrors that of the manor itself, and the nods to the classic continue with a cherubin fountain at the center.

Only a 40 minute drive from New York City, the estate is certainly worth a visit. The gardens are open to the public and admission to the restored residence is only $8 for adults. Pack a picnic lunch and spend an afternoon photographing or painting the gardens to commemorate your visit. If you’re feeling really inspired, create a DIY frame for your work and display it in your own home for a little piece of American history of your own.

For more information on both the history of the property and hours, directions, and more, you can visit the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum’s website.

The Manor

The symmetry of the exterior, the stone facade, and the low-pitched roof of the manor house are all traits of the building's Greek Revival style.

The Entryway

The entryway is notable for its immediate and striking symmetry. Not pictured to the left is the spiral staircase; the swirling conch shell was the inspiration for this space.

Formal Sitting Room

Symmetry plays an important role in Greek Revival design, seen here in the nearly identical portraits and tables flanking the setee centered on the window.

Double sitting room

Note the eagle carved in the trim of this double and symmetrical formal sitting room. The eagle symbolizes the American pride an influence on the otherwise classical design

Girl's Bedroom

While this room maintains its historic and traditional sense, we can see these fun orange valences and sheers in any modern kid's room as well.

Master Bedroom

This canopied four poster bed would have been a staple of luxury in its time. And the view isn't bad either!

Upstairs Parlor

Pianos were a common presence in upper and middle class American homes until the late twentieth century. Women and children would have played for their families in the evenings.