We are a homeschool family who loves literature and after studying Washington Irving last year, we decided we had to visit Sunnyside last week on a trip to visit family in Salem, MA. We loved the location and the house but sadly, we wound up there on a day when a school field trip was also there. We were rushed from the museum store/ticket purchasing location down to the house with a slightly larger than I think they would prefer crowd simply to get those of us there for a tour ahead of the school kids. As a result, we were packed into the house like sardines and that made the entire experience inside the house less than ideal. It didn't help either that someone was within our tour group claiming to be related to the Van Tassel's and thought he knew everything there was to know about Irving and the Van Tassel's and he practically dominated the tour asking questions or rather putting his own spin on what the very elderly tour guide was trying to inform us of while touring the home and grounds. I do wish we had had a different guide as our guide, as mentioned above, was quite elderly and you could barely hear her and she rarely spoke to us but rather spoke to the floor. Quite quickly the group of school kids were on our heals which meant we had to walk out of the house and wait to re-enter to finish the tour in the kitchen. It was drizzling so we were glad when it was done as my children and I remained behind the group and toured the grounds outside the home and took many photographs.In general, I would highly recommend going for the rich history but would strongly advise to call ahead to ask if there are any school tours planned and meaning no disrespect, also inquiring as to the age and voice capabilities of the guides on duty for the day.
visited here on a lovely fall day. Lovely grounds to wander with views of the Hudson River. Lots of activities for Halloween--spooky walk, grave yard, shadow puppet show about the headless horseman. We enjoyed learning about Washington Irving and visiting his estate. Staff were quite friendly and very helpful.
I enjoyed my tour of this home. The staff being in costume is a nice added touch. The property itself is lovely and gives nice views of the Hudson.
We wanted to see Washington Irvings home the "spooky tour" was part of the deal . Son't miss seeing this great persons home but skip the very lame "spooky tour"
The home of America's first internationally famous author sits along the Hudson River in Tarrytown. Rooms are furnished with period pieces from the family. It started out as a small stone cottage, but Irving added to the home and grounds over the years. The guides are knowledgeable about the home and Irving. If you are a fan of his stories, you will not want to miss seeing this charming home.
we arrived about 2:30 in the afternoon and were very disappointted to be told they were fully booked for the balance of the day. looks amazing - we will go back but will book our tickets early.
We went on a beautiful sunny afternoon. The tour guide was very knowledgable and the home is beautiful. A must see!
The house and grounds were lovely. Learned much about WI and life on the Hudson during those years. Too bad about the railroad! Very nice gift shop and knowledgable guides.
This was my 2nd tour of this lovely home of America's great writer. The tour is guided by a period dressed historian. The beautiful Hudson River runs next to Sunnyside with only railroad tracks/trains to interfere with its tranquility. Must see/do!
I was going to skip this site... I'm really glad I didn't. My tour was great, the costumed guide (Brenna ?) was clearly very informed about the subject and was able to quote amusing excerts of Washington Irving's letters from memory. I visit a lot of historical homes, and I fee like the tours often follow a similar narrative (look at the nice old stuff!). This was one a bit unique, and I felt I learned a bit about both early American literature, and about Irving's personality.