The Great Escape: Tour Chestnut Manor Showhouse, Mount Vernon of the North

Today's escape will take you to Upper Brookville to tour Chestnut Manor designer showhouse opening its door to the public on Saturday, Sept. 10.

This extraordinary house built in 1914 for the Iselin family was originally named Wolver Hollow. Once a sprawling residence on 160-acres, the home now called Chestnut manor (named after a tree that once stood by the manor's entrance), is set on eight lush acres. 

The 15,000 square foot Colonial Revival home boasts rooms and nooks in every direction. Historically, this has been home to various prominent residents over the years and the present owners have resided here for 20 years.

This year's house will showcase the work of over 30 talented designers. Some exquisite features to note is the indoor swimming pool, circular domed stair hall with beautiful iron rails, and a 67-foot great hall gallery.

Chestnut Manor has been a private residence for almost 10 decades and this will give you a unique opportunity to view a stately mansion not normally open to the public.

As you meander throughout the chambers, nooks, closets, and grand rooms you will notice that most of the designers come from neighboring towns as close as Cold Spring Harbor and as far away as New Jersey. In some cases you will be able to view before photos and compare in 3-D the amazing transformation.

After working up an appetite by climbing three flights, makes sure to take a break and have a bite in the luncheon area in the lower level where food will be supplied by Messina Market. Upstairs will have some boutiques for shopping. 

The showhouse will be open from Sept. 10 through Oct. 30; closed on Mondays, except for Columbus Day. 

On Oct. 18 there will be a lecture given by historian, Orin Finkle about Gold Coast Mansions Then and Now. This one and a half hour talk will cost $20. Call for more info.

And due props go out to the hardworking women who for over 40 years have passionately and painstakingly produced the Mansions & Millionaires Designers' Showcase so that it may benefit a worthwhile cause and give us a chance to be inspired by prized architecture and good design.

General Admission: $30, $28 for Seniors, $7 for children

Address:  1327 Wolver Hollow Road, Upper Brookville

Phone:  516-277-2156

Directions:  Take 25A west and make a right onto Wolver Hollow Road by the Brookville police station. The showhouse entrance will be the last driveway on the right.

Proceeds will benefit Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, a not-for-profit organization devoted to providing quality education to the hearing impaired.