Washington Irving's Sunnyside - Irvington, New York

Marcos A. P.

Wonderful history here! The tour was great with a tour guide for each main area of the house. The grounds are so serene and beautiful especially in the fall!

Elena M.

I visited for Labor Day weekend and was really impressed with the service! The house and grounds were stunning. But the highlight was our tour guide, Tyler. His storytelling about Washington Irving’s life was so captivating - it felt like we were transported back to the 1800s! 😄 It was a fantastic experience!

Jasmine

Washington Irving's Sunnyside is the epitome of romantic, European-esque architecture and design. What makes Sunnyside so special is its intentionality; everything seems to melt together. Washington Irving was, and continues to be, an important cultural figure through his writing and it was surreal to experience what he must have felt looking out onto the Hudson (the house is basically neighbors with the river, so definitely worth it for the view of the Hudson alone!).

The home itself is modest and very lived in compared to some more extravagant historic houses, but I am so glad that I visited. You can tell this was the home of an artist and writer, someone who is worldly and thinks about the details. I absolutely loved the natural landscape of the estate, and the blooming wisteria on the front of the property.

I participated in the 45-min guided tour which included stops outside and inside of the property. I was told by my amazing tour guide (who did a phenomenal job by the way facilitating discussion and relaying information) that this season would be the first time visitors were allowed to take picture inside so I hope these photos inspire you to take a tour!

I purchased tickets ahead of time, which I highly recommend. The tour started promptly. There is a restroom in the gift shop center, and parking is free on the premises. If you decide not to do a tour, then I recommend you circle around the house in it's entirety; in the back you can see an old ice cellar, and old outhouse toilets!

Overall, I loved visiting and Irving's home left an impression on me, reminding me to slow down and be present.

Bon S.

Our family visit to Washington Irving's Sunnyside was nothing short of enchanting. Here's why we give it a glowing 5-star review:

📜 Historical Immersion:
Walking through the halls of Sunnyside felt like stepping into the pages of Irving's stories. The author's spirit lingers here, and we reveled in the rich history. 🏰🍂

🌳 Riverside Beauty:
Nestled along the Hudson River, Sunnyside boasts breathtaking views. We strolled through the gardens, imagining Irving penning tales under the ancient trees. 🌿🌅

🏡 Charming Architecture:
The house itself is a gem—a blend of Dutch, Gothic, and Romantic styles. Each room whispers secrets of the past, inviting us to explore further. 👻🏚️

📚 Literary Legacy:
Irving's study, with its antique desk and quill, transported us to a bygone era. We could almost hear the rustle of parchment as he penned "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." 🖋️🌕

🎨 Artistic Inspiration:
The sun-dappled veranda and the river's gentle murmur inspired our creativity. It's no wonder Irving found solace and inspiration here. 🎨🌞

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Bonding:
Our kids listened wide-eyed to tales of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. Sunnyside became more than a historic site—it became a shared memory. 💫

If you're a literature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking a magical escape, Washington Irving's Sunnyside is a must-visit. 📖✨

Megan S.

My husband and I did a guided tour of Washington Irving's Sunnyside recently and it was amazing. It's a must. The house and grounds are beyond beautiful and because it's tucked away, it's so peaceful. I just wanted to say what a wonderful guide we had. His name was Hal and he was so warm and inviting, funny, and knowledgeable about all things Washington Irving. His charisma was infectious and his presentation was so nice. This was our first time, after years of knowing we wanted to come see it, and we are so happy with your tour. The grounds are well-kept, the house is beautifully taken care of, and your staff are all so friendly. We met 3 tour guides along our walk on the grounds and they are all great!

Jim S.

Guides were wonderful and knowledgeable. Interactions were genuine and it was great walking through some American History

Daniel D.

A truly original experience! Enjoy a very skilled actor narrating the tale of Sleepy Hollow and Ichabod Crane, supported by puppeteers and a surprise finale. Beautiful setting and an engaging live theater experience. Best enjoyed after sunset, but well executed either way. Check in was efficient. The trails are truly scenic, but a little lengthy. I use a walker for support, and my daughter helped me navigate the terrain. It's manageable, but can be challenging, so have an assistant to help with the trail. Very enjoyable experience!

Lisa S.

Very beautiful setting ; knowledgeable guides

Learned about Washington Irving and the legend of sleepy hollow