Washington Irving was America’s first celebrity author, best known for his short stories The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle. While living in Tarrytown at the turn of the century, he was inspired by the local Dutch ghost stories. Though an avid traveler he always pictured this place, a breath of fresh air on the banks of the Hudson River, as home.
Just outside Sleepy Hollow is Sunnyside, purchased by Washington Irving in 1835 the enchanting cottage estate is open for tours.
Coming from a rich family and owning fame himself, Irving enjoyed traveling through Europe. He harnessed the design motifs from his exploration to create a whimsical atmosphere of this two room Dutch farmer’s house on the Hudson. A Tudor-style chimney, Spanish tower, and an ice house designed after a Scottish Gothic chapel are some notable additions.
So beloved was Washington Irving and his cottage, it was said to stand next to George Washington’s Mount Vernon as one of the most cherished homes in America. Visited frequently by those hoping to see the master author at work, this home has been a tourist attraction for almost 200 years. Guides dressed in time period outfits lead you through the two-story home filled with the author’s possessions and give quips about his life and works. See his desk, books, and what it was like in the 1800s for the very elite. Irving was one of less than a dozen people in the country who had in indoor plumbing at the time. One of the most wonderful objects in the home is a watercolor done by Irving himself from a memory of meeting his namesake, George Washington. Irving was present the day he was announced as president in Manhattan, and says that Washington patted him on the head. In 1859 he passed away in his bedroom at the age of 76, the house would stay in the family until 1945. It was then sold to John D. Rockefeller, Jr for historic preservation. You’ll find wandering the grounds is just as charming as the building itself. Wisteria planted by Irving blooms every spring and a tree which was present during the American Revolution stands tall today.
Take your time and wander along the romantic paths.
Find yourself beside a meandering creek.
It is a wonderful location year round, but October holds some extra festive haunted activities. Cast yourself as Rip Van Winkle or the Headless Horseman.
Wonder how anyone could understand the language of the fan.
Embrace your artistic side and make a spider out of pipe-cleaners, color a picture, or make a beaded bracelet.
Don’t miss the shadow puppet performance of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, which happens on the hour.
Great for children and adults alike, this live telling was truly wonderful.
There is no better place to spend the day for literature lovers!