It sits on a hill just outside of New York City, completely empty and, for years, decaying and nearly forgotten…
This is Alder Manor, and it’s without question one of the most amazing places I’ve ever had the pleasure of scouting. Built in 1912 by William Boyce Thompson, an extremely successful copper magnate, his plan was for a 72-room country estate for entertaining (he lived in New York City at the time) on 22 acres of hilltop land in then rural Yonkers.
After both he and his wife died, the mansion was traded between owners who had no use for it and eventually wound up abandoned. Thankfully, in the past few years, it was purchased by Tara Circle, an Irish cultural group that is dedicated to restoring it to its former prestige.
When you first enter, you find yourself in the enormous Main Hall, with the huge grand staircase off to one side. This is about when you start to wonder how such a place could ever be abandoned.
Reverse of the main hall. We’re going to start by heading down that hallway…
Which leads to the incredible library:
Standing in the reverse corner, with a great stone fireplace and working chandeliers. I especially love how the books go over the doorway.
From a distance, the room looks like it’s in excellent condition. It’s only when you get a little closer that you realize how much restoration is needed. Wood is rotting, the paint is fading and chipped…This gives you a better idea (still, a great candidate for restoration):
Next door to the library is the Ballroom, with rich reds and blues complementing the mahogany woodwork:
A painting over the fireplace is still in excellent shape:
Across the hall is the dining room, as a short hallway behind where I was standing leads to the Kitchen:
Heading now upstairs…
Brings you to the second floor landing, featuring an organ…
…which connects to pipes way up on the third floor.
My favorite room in Alder Manor is just down the hall from the pipe organ: an indoor pool. On the second floor. Built in 1912.
It’d be so great to see this restored to working order. The faded lime green paint, the black and white tiling on the pool…Apparently, there used to be antique Tiffany glass here, until someone found out and stole it.
As you’re walking through the mansion, there are tons of artistic details to be found everywhere, like this bit of a ceiling painting:
Scenic door painting:
Found on another door:
This was the design on the wall abutting the stairs:
There are also a few missing details…
Besides the pool, the second and third floors are essentially endless amounts of bedrooms…
Some have been fixed up.
At the end of the second floor is a conservatory and small balcony:
The gardens behind the manor are absolutely beautiful despite their decay:
A gazebo in perfect condition, along with a pool:
A beheaded eagle greets you when you enter through this gate:
A wall with various reliefs:
A Greek theater, where plays and other entertainments were once performed:
Another pool:
A reader writes:
“I worked at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research from 1955-1978 when the Institute moved to the Cornell University campus. It’s still there and is housed in a beautiful building constructed by Cornell. I visited Alder Manor several times over the years, including two weddings. Its beauty is self evident from the photos. Col. Thompson (an honorary title) loved his gardens so much that he decided to build and endow a plant research institution to learn how plants “work”. It was finished in 1923 and dedicated in 1924.
“Shortly after the Sisters of Mercy took over the estate, a piece of pottery was discovered in a cabinet. It turned out to be extremely valuable. As I understand it, it was Etruscan and was sold for “more money than was paid for the estate”. At least that’s the story I was told.
“W.B. Thompson was quite a man. The Colonel title was bestowed upon him when he led a mission to Russia after WW I. He actually gave some money to feed Russians in poverty and became known as the ‘Red of Wall Street.’”
If you’re interested in using Alder Manor for an event, film shoot, or pretty much anything (they had just done a photo shoot in the old pool for a fashion magazine when I was there), check out the Tara Circle website here for contact info.
-SCOUT
PS – For anyone counting, there was a front hall, library, ballroom, dining room, kitchen, and conservatory. In addition, there were empty rooms on the ground floor that could have easily served as the billiard room, lounge, and study.
PPS – Across the street from the manor in FAR worse shape is the abandoned Boyce Research Institute. I took some pictures which I’ll post in a future entry.
Phenomenal! I really enjoy your site. I am a recently ‘retired’ scout in Winnipeg, Manitoba – it’s fun to see the NY perspective. I’m forwarding this one to some LM colleagues – they’re going to love it. Keep it up Scout!
Just spectacular! Thanks so much for sharing these marvellous pics of a wonderful piece of the past
I always love the blog, but this post is one of the best ever. The photos are great and the location is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing these.
Good gravy, what an amazing house. Great shots, too.
It’s sad that it’s sitting empty.
Do you know if it’s been used as a film/tv location before? And for which productions?
It totally feels like it’s a house that could have been put to good use as the Darling manse (damn DSM for shooting not-NY for NY) or for a Waldorf/Van der Woodsen/Bass retreat.
Thank you so much for posting this! Truly beautiful and a shame that it’s abandoned. This location was just featured for the majority of a Gossip Girl episode and looks like it will make a few comeback location appearances (shameless fan, I know… !)
This is INCREDIBLE! It’s hard to believe places like this exist and are so neglected. Thanks for this post.
Oh my gosh! I’m almost speechless. That coffered ceiling in the library! The shape of the pool! The pipe organ! The painted ceiling details!
Simply stunning. Wow. I hope the economic downturn doesn’t throw too much of a spanner in the work of the restoration.
And hey–there are those bucrania–the ox skulls I mentioned at your Lamb’s Theater post!
I dont’ read many blogs but this one has caught my attention. I’ll be coming back for me.
What a great find. Walking through houses like that is always fascinating and a tad spooky — but in a good way. There is so much spirit in an old big house. I wish I could have joined you. Keep up the great work!
Wow. I grew up in the NY area and always loved exploring. I can’t believe this is in Yonkers. The level of detail and ornateness is astounding.
I need to live in this house!!
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Before Alder Manor was bought by Tara Circle it was part of Elizabeth Seton College run by the Sisters of Charity. The sisters lived in the manor. Some of the many rooms were used as classrooms and there was a library in the basement. I worked there as faculty from 1975 thru 1982 and was fortunate enough to have my wedding there as well.
Love your web site!
This is just amazing! It’s like my dream house…
I have fallen completely in love with the Manor. My fiance once attended classes there when it was part of Iona college. We are planning to have our wedding there. Words cannot begin to describe this amazing house. You have the most amazing feeling of being part of a bygone era when you tour it. The fact that ti was left abandoned for over a decade is just disgraceful. Howver, its remarkable its not in worse condition. While costly, most of the repairs are cosmetic and there are quite a lot of details that have been left in tact and have been in good repair.
If anyone has the chance to tour this estate, jump on it. Its worth the drive and the time. I can’t wait to watch the progress Tara Circle makes over the next few years.
[...] recently posted about scouting Alder Manor, a dilapidated yet beautiful abandoned mansion in Yonkers. The manor was owned by William Boyce [...]
fantastic – i love it!!!!
im about ready to start a charity for terminally ill / special needs children & at the same venue – have a resort, for the general public to stay, whilst the children enjoy the facilities.
this place would be so ideal. i can see it alive again…. with lots of chatter, laughter & music to fill the estate….
thank you..
[...] The Clue Mansion…in Yonkers? http://www.scoutingny.com/?p=655 [...]
I worked here on a fashion shoot years ago and it is truly an astounding place to be in. The top floor is broken up into many many tiny rooms and feels rather like The Shining.
This place is awesome!
It was used as the main setting in Ghosts of Girlfriends Past!
I attended Elizabeth Seton College from 1987 – 1989. Crocodile Dundee was filmed at this location. I dormed at Bosch Hall , worked in the library as a work study student and had some of my dance classes in The Alder. I met my husband at the entrance of the college at the bus stop. Many many good memories about this college.
I hope that they re – store this beautiful location. Please keep up the good work.
this place is Ah-mazing!!!! i wonder why it was abandoned…
Fascinating. In a good sign, the website http://www.taracircle.org/ is now working, it has some additional pictures of Alder Manor.
I attended college at this property when it was Elizabeth Seton College. Even as a young person, I was able to appreciate the beauty of the grounds. There were so many spaces to explore. I read the comment from Mr. Don Bayley dated April 21, 2009 and he was actually my instructor from 1977-1979. I was a Radio/TV major and he was one of my favorite teachers! I believe he was a radio jockey ‘back in the day’!
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This location has been used in: Crocodile Dundee, Mona Lisa Smile, Royal Tenenbaums, A Beautiful Mind, The Good Shepard and others. I was just there today and it is breathtaking and I’d imagine that their prices are reasonable. It’s also only 25 minutes to Midtown. Awesome location.
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such a great post, and an amazing building. imagine living there…
My 7th grade television production teacher from Yonkers got married here. She madie it a class project to go here and film it. Cool place in crappy city. Such a shame!
Oh my. I think I’m in love. That is truly amazing. I’d love to see it in person!
Thank you for these pictures. I have been heartbroken since I checked out this place a few years ago & read about the disarray & destruction. I am so thrilled to see all these pictures as they conjure up such wonderful, awesome memories.
I attended Elizabeth Seton College 1966 – 1968. My first year, my dorm room was in the Alder Manor. I went swimming in the 2nd floor pool & we snuck down to the kitchen at night (a HUGE No-No).
I remember saying good-bye to my parents in the huge foyer many a Sunday night & the bursars’ office on the first floor.
I loved the Greek gardens in the back & around, & the magnificent Library. They made for wonderful School pictures.
Thank you for restoring my faith as well as warm & tender memories.
Amazing! thanks
And for any other English peeps, TheClue = Cluedo
I was at this mansion last night and it was amazing. A film shoot. No heat though so we were freezing all day.
I actually attended Elizabeth Seton College from 1976-1978 (Class of 78) and I had to complete a credit for phys ed in order to keep my graduation on track. The only course left that was available was “Swimming”…..and guess where???…at the Manor Pool…so I had the pleasure of swimming through that echoed room and in that great pool pictured above for a half-semester during February…my hair would have icycles as I would then traverse the campus in time to make Don Bayley’s Broadcasting 101 class!…Later on…I also later had the pleasure of playing in a wedding band. We were contracted to play a party at the manor and we set up our equipment right next to the marble staircase. I was a night of elegance and delight….Great days…memorable times!
I took Radio and Television courses here when it was Elizabeth Seton College. One of my wonderful instructors, Don Bayley, also left a comment below. My husband also attended this school for the same degree but being 4 years apart, it wasn’t until after graduation that I met him. Still. we both feel as if it’s part of our foundation. I had classes in this beautiful house and our Cotillions were held here in one of the magnificent ballrooms. I remember running up that grand marble staircase to my Jazz dance class, passing the indoor pool. I never felt like it was spooky to be here as I have in other houses like Lyndhurst. I just felt like I belonged there. I am so happy that this house is a part of even my history!
Rather nifty find here for sure! And with all those wonderful architectural details – this mansion should definitely be restored to its original beauty! Yet another building in need – please Yonkers – pass those building permits and grant those loans in need of getting this place back to its running splendor -
Wow!! !My husband just threw me the most amazing Surprise Murder Mystery birthday party at the magnificent Alder Manor! I was floored by its beauty and elegance! What a venue! My husband rocks!!! I could not believe that such a place existed in Yonkers!
As 26 Marie pointed out, this was used quite extensively in the Royal Tenenbaums. They used it for the interiors of Margot’s home, and also in dozens of different flashbacks.
I think it was also used – at least the front exterior anyway – for the highly underrated movie, Addams Family Values. =]
This place is amazing. Right out of the movies, only real. Is this a landmark. This should never be forgotton.
when to school there 80/81 and even worked there a couple years later left just before Iona took it over. Iona came in and made the staff and students feel like they were second class. the grounds were beautiful and Iona came in and cut down most of the trees and started to sell parts of manor off and left it in the shape that it is in today
http://taracircle.org/home.html is up and working – just on it!
Thanks for an amazing website!! You have the best job, ever!
I was delighted to find this website and thread as I worked in this amazing mansion for more than 12 hours yesterday, on the new HBO series Boardwalk Empire shooting on location there. I am bookmarking this website — as I’m sure there are many local treasures to discover here. I am delighted to see all the photos here because we were limited to a few rooms and certainly didn’t have the run of the place. Thanks for demystifying — plus enhancing my appreciation for this wonderful architectural gem.
I filmed at this Location for The Royal Tenenbaums and soon after we were done A Perfect Mind filmed here
I spent a week at Alder Mansion in February of ‘98 as a Locations PA for a movie called “Nora”. For most of the week I was alone and did a lot of exploring. You neglected to mention the basement! That was the coolest part of the house back then. It’s a labyrinth of bookshelves filled with books. Thousands of books. It was kind of like a maze down there with narrow isles and tiny rooms that sneak up on you. There is also a tiny elevator just inside the front door. Very cool.
Keep up the good work.
Yonkers is actually loaded with places like this. Alder Manor was also in Crocodile Dundee. I scouted for Lost in Yonkers with Martha Coolidge, but they decided to film in Ohio, I believe. Go check out Untermyer Park, just south on Broadway.
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WOW! I know you posted this a year ago, but it is new to me – thanks so much for sharing these images and the story behind them. I just cannot believe that such a place had been left to ruin – I suppose much of it has to do with the fact that those that value such things do not have the funds for renovation. I’m glad the Tara Circle has stepped in – hopefully they will be able to restore the whole property.
As someone mentioned boyce thompson institute is in horrible condition however as a urban explorer i found something very interesting about all 3 sites that made up thompsons property.
Boyce was a very private person who actually made way to the building on north broadway (barely noticable unless u walk up to it) and to the institute main building through a tunnel. On my exploration i found a set of stairs in the basement of the north broadway building that went deep underground. I was by myself that day and never go subterrain without someone with me. I also found a dod (department of defense) document that showed that boyce thompson had clearance for nuclear testing. If you go to BTI cornell site they vaguely mention the testing. In the main building however there are multiple fallout chambers and local residents have told me many stories about BTI Yonkers testing.. By the way someone also stole the tiffany lamps that were in the garden and on the side of the building. Some people just live to destroy history…
I love this place and spent many happy hours wandering through the grounds before it was vandalized. Your history is sadly lacking in the 1952 through 1995 timeline. The buildings were cherished, valued and used during those years. It lay vacant and was vandalized primarily between 1995 and when Tara Circle took the Manor over to revitalize it and use it for their cultural center.
You stated “After the death of he and his wife, the mansion fell into ruin as it was traded between owners who had no use for it. ” and that is an error. After her death it was either donated to or bought by the Arch Diocese of New York and Elizabeth Seton Highschool was established there. The manor was residence for both nuns and boarding students (about 50-60). I was a boarder when my dad went on business trips, so I’ve lived there at times. In 1960 or 1961 the highschool was changed into a Junior College, and run first by the Sisters of Charity, and later by Iona College until 1995 when they sold it to the City of Yonkers. THAT is when it became abandoned until Tara Circle bought the Manor.
I need to add to my post just above.
I attended Elizabeth Seton Highschool at the Manor from 1956 through 1960. Apparently it changed to a college either that fall, or the following year.
Study hall was in the basement, and after the nuns went to bed at night, we’d sneak out of our rooms and take the elevator (a forbidden thing for students to do) to go to the basement to share a chicken another boarder had brought home, or maybe to have a prune pit fight. The nuns were so “cloistered” that most of them didn’t know what we did at night. One savvy nun would periodically catch us.
I remember the fountains in the photos, and the small arched door that we were told was for maid servants to enter the grounds rather than come through the main gate. I LOVE the photos at this blog! It’s wonderful to see the grounds and rooms in current photos. Day student rarely saw the manor building except for swimming classes. Boarders got to roam the grounds, except the area where the nuns resided. THANK YOU for posting all these photos.
Another website on this property is:
http://www.hudsonvalleyruins.org/yasinsac/alder/alder.html
The class of 1960 is having a class reunion on June 12, 2010 in Larchmont.
I like, Nedra Headen, attended school from 1956 – 1960 at Elizabeth Seton and was a border at the beautiful manor. I recall the beauty and elegance of the place. Every inch of the place was incredible. The only horror was rising at 6 in the morning in the winter to bathe and dress. The good sisters conserved the heat and we froze until breakfast or morning chapel. The grounds were elegant and we could imagine we were in some Italian garden ruins rather than a high school in New York. I appreciate the beauty, the wonderful friends and the education from the good Sisters of Charity to this day. It doesn’t seem like 50 years have flown by since our graduation.
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Oh man, I’ve seen this place before. Were you scared when the candle stick and the clock started talking to you?
No photos of the kitchen? Old kitchens are *so* cool. The rest of the house is just magnificent. I would love to see it restored.
Thanks for posting these photos. I love your site.
My wife (Liz Ermish) and I were married at this location when it was Elizabeth Seton College in 1978. It was also my wife’s dorm when she attended the college. The 2nd floor pool did work. The Grecian Garden was where we had the ceremony. It was a great location for a wedding with the Hudson River in the background.
The college was sold to Iona College and they promptly closed it down and sold the property. The city of Yonkers owned for awhile and the Irish Cultural center took it over. As previously stated, the mansion also appeared in the first Crocodile Dundee movie.
I just love old places like this, this may be a good place for TAPS to investigate! Thanks for sharing.
Resident evil…. house of the game
I filmed an episode of a TV show at this location. It is incredible!!
What a find!. I believe this mansion is across the street from the Andrus orphanage. My best friend Sandra was raised at Andrus in the 1950’s until she was 18 (abandoned with her brother)and she told me of all these wonderful stories of her sneaking out of Andrus with her 2 girlfriends when she was about 10 years old. They would cross over into the yard and then into the house. They would scare each other to death on the second floor, thinking that someone or something was chasing them. I would love the opportunity to photograph the estate in Black & white so I can give Sandra a bound book of images to remind her of the fun times she had at the estate. Regards