In Photos: Textures of Kykuit

Have you been to Kykuit? This Rockefeller estate is a must-see for our region that is so tucked away you may not even know it's there on what is reportedly the highest look-out in Westchester atop Pocantico Hills. 

"Kykuit" actually means "look out," though my tour guide on this rainy Sunday said it was not so much meant as look out over the nice view of the river (on a clearer day) as look out for all the craggy dangerous rocks. No more!

Now the landscaping is just idyllic, as it has been for decades since the early 1900s when money-maker "JDR" first made a home here. Four generations of Rockefellers lived in the grand, though somewhat humble considering their wealth, home with its varying degrees of orchestrated gardens and placed trees and even a golf course. In the 1970s the home became a museum rather than get the tear-down treatment the family was often known to do when they had no more use for a house. 

There are still Rockefellers around on the surrounding acres and using the recreation building on this property, though it's unclear exactly how many. In Kykuit, Abby's influence shines in the lowest level where there's an exquisite modern art collection hinting at her other grand creation: the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. 

On this rainy day, it's all in the details. Enjoy these up-close shots from around the property. To see inside, you have to go yourself since no photography is allowed. 

For more information, contact the Philipsburg Manor Visitor Center, where your tour begins.