These incredible American mansions have been turned into museums and hotels. Add these beautiful American historic homes to your bucket list.
Iconic Historic Homes of the U.S.
The styles of these historic houses vary greatly. From the homes of former presidents to the country escapes of business tycoons. These old houses all share striking architecture, and an engaging visitor experience.
Why not combine a roadtrip with a visit to a number of these historic homes? These old houses have unique features that are important to American history.
17. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York
The Vanderbilt Mansion, built in 1898 as a country home for the Vanderbilt family, is considered to be one of America’s finest examples of Beaux-Arts architectural style. The mansion was constructed in 1898 for a wealthy family as a country house. Frederick William VanderbiltA member of the Vanderbilt Family who made their fortune through railroads and other industries.
The 54-room mansion was designed by the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. The estate is over 200 acres in size and features formal gardens and greenhouses.
The Vanderbilts donated the Vanderbilt mansion in 1940 and the surrounding land to the National Park ServiceIt was designated as the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. These days, visitors can tour the mansion’s lavishly furnished rooms and experience the elegance of the Gilded Age.
16. Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee
Pabst Mansion, a popular Milwaukee tourist attraction, is listed on National Register of Historic Places. It provides a window into the luxurious lifestyle of one of Milwaukee’s most prominent families in the late 19th century.
The mansion was constructed in 1890 for Captain Frederick Pabst who founded the Pabst Brewing Company. George Bowman Ferry, an architect in the Flemish Renaissance Revival architecture style, designed the mansion.
It is considered one of the best examples of Victorian architecture in America. The interiors are lavish and feature intricate wood carvings. The Pabst mansion changed hands and was used in various ways after the Pabst family left.
Today, the Pabst Mansion is open to the public as a museum, offering guided tours that allow visitors to see the opulent living spaces and learn about the Pabst family’s history.
15. Lincoln Home National Historic Site (Springfield)
This is the home of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and their children from 1844 until 1861. It’s one of Springfield’s top attractions. Abraham Lincoln and Mary Lincoln purchased the Greek Revival Style House for only $1,200
Lincoln’s only home, which has twelve rooms over two floors. It’s actually free to visit Lincoln’s home, although donations are encouraged.
Book at least 6 months ahead for groups of 15 and more.
This historic house museum was a great experience for us. We also enjoyed the neighborhood of four blocks, which is a part of the site. There are sometimes costumed volunteers playing traditional games here, and it’s fun to join in with them.
Address: 413 S 8th St. Springfield, IL, 62701
14. Mill Run, Fallingwater
Fallingwater in Laurel Highlands is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most celebrated houses. Fallingwater was built as a vacation house for the Kaufmanns, department store owners. It is a perfect blend of architecture and natural beauty.
The architect built the house in a way that it looked like a divingboard. It stands on a waterfall. Glass windows that reach to the ceiling bring in natural light.
The construction was completed in 1939. This historic gem is one of the rare Frank Lloyd Wright designs in the public domain with its original furnishings, artworks and setting all intact.
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has received donations from Edgar Kaufmann Jr.Fallingwater has been turned into a museum, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 1964, more than 6 million visitors to the house have come. The Bear Run Nature Reserve, which is 5,100 acres in size, surrounds the house.
Springfield Illinois has another Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home: the Dana-Thomas House.
Address: 1491 Mill Run Rd. Mill Run PA 15464
13. Ernest Hemingway Museum and Home, Key West
Former home of American author Ernest Hemingway during the 1930s. Spanish Colonial Style The house was built in 1851 in the Florida Keys. The home was in bad shape when the writer’s wife Pauline and he bought it in 1931.
The property was renovated and they lived there from 1939 until today. It is now a National Historic Landmark. Hemingway penned the novel To Have and to Hold Here, as well Kilimanjaro SnowsThe collection of short stories.
Hemingway House has become the most popular tourist destination in Key West. six-toed cats. There are around 60 of them living on the grounds – descendants of Hemingway’s own polydactyl cat, named Snow White.
Address: 907 Whitehead St. Key West FL 33040
12. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is located in Miami
Villa Vizcaya is located in the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami on Biscayne Bay. James Deering. James Deering was Vice President at International Harvester Company, where the Deerings made their fortune.
The Deering Estate in South Dade was owned by James’s brother Charles and is another interesting Florida visitor attraction. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a National Historic Landmark built between 1914 and 1922.
James Deering’s friend, the designer Paul Chalfin The project was actively supervised. Vizcaya is a Mediterranean-style estate inspired by country estates in the Veneto area of Italy. It is considered one of the most beautiful historic houses in Florida.
A reinforced concrete house, it had many innovative features. Modern water filtration, central vacuum and automated telephone switchboard were all integrated. In the grounds you’ll find a Secret Garden, maze, Fountain Garden, mangrove shore and iconic gondola dock.
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
11. The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island
This is one of Newport’s most impressive mansions. It has an unbeatable view over the Atlantic Ocean. The Breakers was declared a National Historic Landmark by the United States in 1994.
Richard Morris Hunt was commissioned by Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1893 to design the house. It was built in the Italian Renaissance style for 7 million dollars. Most expensive buildings in the World The 16th century palaces in Genoa and Turin inspired the design of this Vanderbilt home.
The Morning Room, with its walls and ceiling of platinum-leaf, is one of the 70 rooms in the palazzo. The Winterthur Museum in Delaware, after analyzing the leaf, determined that it was platinum. This is why the surface has never tarnished.
Address: 44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840
10. Ca’ d’Zan, Sarasota
The Ringling Inn is one of the most popular attractions in The Ringling. Sarasota, Ca’ d’Zan is a Venetian Gothic style residence. Completed in 1926 as the home of John and Mable Ringling, it’s now a popular Florida tourist attraction.
Ca’ d’Zan means the House of John in Venetian dialect. Here, the well-known circus proprietor and his wife spent their Winter seasons.
The property features glazed exterior tiles and the Mable Ringling Rose GardenThe Belvedere Tower, a 82 foot tall tower, and an Aeolian instrument with 2,289 pipes.
Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
9. Monticello, Charlottesville
The former residence of Thomas Jefferson is now Monticello. UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1987. Located close to Jefferson’s birthplace, on land that he inherited when he was 26, Monticello was designed and rebuilt over more than 40 years.
This Albemarle County monument was also a 5 000 acre plantation, where over 400 slaves were employed. One of them was Sally HemingsJefferson’s children are believed to be with.
Jefferson called Monticello his essay in architecture. Monticello, which means little mountain in Italian, is the name of the house. It was built atop a mound. The Blue Mountains are visible from the house.
Monticello is open for guided tours every day of the year. From April to October, tours of the outdoor gardens can be arranged.
Address: 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902
8. Nemours Estate, Wilmington
The estate is 300 acres in size. Alfred I. duPontNemours has an distinctly French look. This neoclassical Wilmington house has 105 bedrooms spread across 5 floors.
Intended as a gift for Alfred’s second wife, Alicia, the estate was completed in 1907. It is named after the French town that Alfred’s great-great-grandfather represented in the French Estates General.
The interior of the Nemours Mansion is impressive, and includes many of Alfred’s inventions. interior of the Nemours Mansion is impressive, and includes many of Alfred’s inventions. The Chauffeur’s Garage Its collection of classic cars is also a highlight. And the grounds are believed to be the largest formal French Garden in North America.
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Long Walk The park features two imposing elk statues, as well as a fountain that shoots 157 jets. Both the mansions and gardens are available to the public. Pre-booking is required for all visitors.
Address: 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803
7. Longwood Mansion, Natchez
Longwood Estate, in Mississippi, is not to confused with Longwood Gardens located in Pennsylvania. It’s a unique octagonal-shaped house with an onion-dome. Also known by Nutt’s FollyThe mansion is a National Historic Landmark.
Designed by the architect Samuel Sloan in 1859 for Dr. Haller Nutt and and his wife Julia, the home’s upper levels were unfinished. The Civil War interrupted the work and Dr. Nutt died of pneumonia in 1864.
The contrast between the finished basement and the unfinished upper levels is striking. Daily tours are available via Natchez Pilgrimage Tours.
Address: 140 Lower Woodville Rd, Natchez, MS 39120
6. Oheka Castle is located in Huntington
Otto Hermann Kahn was the original owner of this luxurious Hamptons hotel. The name Oheka derives from the initial letters of his last name, O-He.
Built in 1919, this French-style chateau features 127 rooms as well as ornate formal garden. Oheka Castle, in fact, was the second-largest residence in the United States.
In the opening sequence, the building was called Xanadu. Citizen Kane Orson Welles. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Oheka Castle is a member of Historic Hotels of America®. It is one of Long Island’s most popular wedding venues.
Address: 135 W Gate Dr, Huntington, NY 11743
5. George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Virginia
Mount Vernon, the former estate of George Washington and Martha Washington, first president of the United States, is located in Fairfax County Virginia. Washington and Martha were buried here in the family vault.
Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America. It’s located along the Potomac river. Mount Vernon is not only the 18th-century house but also includes a number of historic outbuildings, including a stable and blacksmith.
George Washington personally supervised the landscaping of the gardens. He favored an English naturalistic style.
Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121
4. Graceland in Memphis
Graceland Mansion is an elegant mansion with a Classic Revival design. It was the home of Elvis Presley. Set in 13 acres of grounds, Graceland Mansion is now owned by Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie Presley.
Discover Elvis’ living quarters, the Jungle Room tiki bar, Trophy Building, Racquetball Building and Meditation Garden on an interactive iPad tour. Separate exhibits include Elvis’ custom jets and the Memphis Entertainment Complex.
There are several places to eat in Graceland, such as Vernon’s Smokehouse and Gladys’ Diner. And if you can’t tear yourself away, stay at The Guest House at Graceland.
Address: Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
3. Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie
The name of this former Louisiana plantation comes from the canopy of oak trees that were planted in the 18th century before the house was constructed. The property was built by slave labor. It belonged to Jacques Roman.
One of those slaves was AntoineHe was a talented gardener and grafting expert. Paper Shell, a pecan you can crack with your hand.
Oak Alley Plantation is a design that was created in the Greek Revival Style with 28 Doric columns. This corresponds to the 28 oaks that stand in front of this house.
Address: 3645 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090
2. Hearst Castle (La Cuesta Encantada), San Simeon
Hearst Castle was once the home of William Randolph Hearst, a publishing magnate. This National Historic Landmark, also known as La Cuesta Encantada or The Enchanted Hill, is a National Historic Landmark.
Hearst castle is one of the best examples of Mediterranean Revival Architecture. It overlooks the Pacific Coast of San Simeon in California. The historic American mansion designed by Julia Morgan was constructed between 1919 and 1947.
This American stately house is known for its indoor Roman Pool and outdoor Neptune Pool. In the Stanley Kubrick movie Spartacus, the Neptune Pool is used as the entrance of Crassus’ villa.
Hearst Castle, which is currently closed to the general public, will require reservations in advance to be able to visit once it reopens.
Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452
1. Biltmore Estate, Asheville
The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina is the largest home in America. The descendants of George Vanderbilt still own this Gilded Age Mansion that spans 178.926 square feet.
George commissioned landscape artist Frederick Law Olmsted and renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt to build the house. Biltmore House, a French Renaissance-style house completed in 1895. Chateau with 35 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms. 65 fireplaces.
On a total of 8,000 acres are 75 acres of formal gardens and informal ones. Biltmore Winery offers a free wine tasting to daytime guests of the Biltmore estate. George Vanderbilt’s grandson, William A.V. Cecil planted vines during the 1970s, and the winery itself began in 1985.
Biltmore Village has several options for accommodation, including Biltmore Residences. This hotel offers a fitness center, outdoor pool and hot tub.
Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
These are the most famous historic American homes.
- Biltmore Estate
- Hearst Castle
- Oak Alley
- Graceland
- Mount Vernon
- Oheka Castle
- Longwood Mansion
- Nemours Estate
- Monticello
- Ca’ d’Zan
- The Breakers
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- Fallingwater
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Pabst Mansion
- Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
The Best American Historic Homes
The following are just a few of America’s incredible historic homes that are worth visiting. If you’re interested in learning more about American history and culture, be sure to check out our other articles about the United States. From theme parks to natural wonders, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this great country!
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