Celebrate the Beauty and Splendor of a By-gone Era scape Queen Victoria herself would have felt at home at Long Island’s Old Westbury Gardens. Although this splendid l00- acre estate of beauty and elegance is located more than 2,000 miles from both Buckingham and Windsor Palace, it speaks of England and the extravaganzas that were a way of life when “the Old Queen” reigned. The house and gardens were planned before the turn of the last century by the London designer George Abraham Crawley for the financier and sportsman John Shafer Phipps and his wife, the Englishborn Margarita Grace Phipps. Mr. Phipps was the son of Henry Phipps, a partner of the Carnegie Steel Company. Mrs. Phipps was a member of the Grace shipping line family. For more than 50 years, the Phipps lived a luxurious life in the gold-roof mansion set among ancient trees on an island of woods and green fields. No one can be quite sure if the house inspired the gardens or if it was the exquisite natural setting that inspired the dwelling; however, what is apparent is the harmony that exists between the two. In l958, the property, as well as the cherry red Charles II mansion, furnished with English antiques, gilded mirrors, crystal chandeliers, old brocades and paintings by Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, John Constable and John Singer Sargent, opened to the public as a non-profit horticultural garden and museum, endowed by the J.S. Phipps Foundation. And, so, in the tradition of the British National Trust, Long Island was blessed with another English legacy “The Stately Home.” The gardens, which are open from late April to late October, are artfully maintained in keeping with the original style. However, it is their constant state of evolution, which adds to their allure. During the summer months when the gardens are in full flower, concerts are held on the great lawn and picnicking is allowed. In addition, the house is open for Chamber Players International, an ensemble of world- class artists for the extraordinary Landmark Series, which includes a concert, wine tasting and a spectacular buffet. The first of these concerts— Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concert in a special chamber version—will be held on November 29th. Additional concerts in the series will be held on March 6th and March 20th. Rarely open to the public, this is the chance to spend time in the exquisite surroundings of the House in Old Westbury Gardens. For tickets and additional info contact chamberplayersinternational. org or 877-444-4488 Travelscape by Roberta Graff 42 North Shore Towers Courier n November 2015
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