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Inside Coe Hall: A Gilded-Age Jewel on Long Island’s Gold Coast

Sarah Johnson

Nestled within the sprawling 409-acre Planting Fields Arboretum in Upper Brookville, Long Island, Coe Hall is a stunning 65-room Tudor-style mansion that transports visitors back to the Roaring 1920s. Its dramatic architecture and lush grounds reflect a strategic blend of heritage, wealth, and theatrical storytelling—crafted to evoke the charm of “old money.”

🏰 A Mansion Steeped in Legacy

Originally intended to project an air of generational stature, Coe Hall was designed by Walker & Gillette and completed in 1921. It replaced an earlier home destroyed by fire in 1918. The hall’s limestone façade, carved sailing ships, and deliberate architectural inconsistencies created the illusion of historical renovations—turning a newly built mansion into a time-tested estate.

William Robertson Coe, a titan of insurance and railroads, and his wife, Mai Rogers—an heir to Standard Oil—commissioned the home. Coe famously underwrote the Titanic’s hull and was even booked to return on its final voyage. Setting his estate against the backdrop of English manor aesthetics, he positioned himself among the elite of Long Island’s famed Gold Coast.

🌿 Botanical Elegance & Public Charm

Today, Coe Hall sits at the heart of a state-run arboretum designed by the legendary Olmsted Brothers—who also contributed to Central Park and Oheka Castle. Visitors can explore an enchanting world filled with greenhouses, manicured gardens, and a fairy-tale tea house. The estate blends exclusivity with accessibility, offering tours, serene walking trails, and educational experiences.

🛋️ Exploring the Mansion’s Grandeur

Upon entering Coe Hall, guests are greeted by medieval-inspired interiors—massive fireplaces, dark wood paneling, and taxidermy trophies that underscore Coe’s love of hunting and connection to rustic retreats like his Wyoming cabin. Personal touches, such as Mark Twain’s signed autobiography and family portraits, add intimacy and depth to the lavish setting.

Each room—from the grand hall to the den and private family quarters—carries historical resonance and grandeur, capturing the essence of the Roaring Twenties in both form and function.

📅 Visiting Coe Hall Today

Admission is affordable—around $8 for parking and $15 for a guided mansion tour. Open seasonally, the estate continues to welcome guests into a bygone era. Upon William Coe’s death in 1955, the property was gifted to New York State, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

✨ Why Coe Hall Still Captivates

  1. Architectural Illusion: It’s a masterclass in crafted heritage—a modern-built mansion designed to feel centuries-old.

  2. Dramatic Storytelling: Every carving, plant, and portrait tells a story—from Titanic-inspired décor to woodland trophies.

  3. Nature Meets Opulence: The seamless transition from manicured gardens to mansion interiors creates a full-living tableau.

  4. Preserved Through Purpose: Now a public treasure, Coe Hall balances historical grandeur with modern educational value.

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