A Bronx Oasis Overlooking The Hudson River - Wave Hill

In 19th-century New York City, the population was growing, and typhus, typhoid, and cholera were on the rise. As a result, wealthy New Yorkers began moving north to purchase land and build homes. This is how Wave Hill got its start.

In 1836, prominent New York attorney, William Lewis Morris purchased 15 acres in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. He and his wife, Mary built Wave Hill which was completed in 1843. After Mary’s death Willam and his children moved back to Manhattan in 1851 and his nephew Edward managed the estate. The Morris family resided at Wave Hill from 1843 to 1852.

In 1865, publisher William Henry Appleton purchased the estate and transformed the main house into a Victorian villa, renaming it Holbrook Hall. In 1903, Appleton sold the property to George W. Perkins.

Between 1893 and 1911, financier and conservation pioneer George Walbridge Perkins acquired numerous parcels of land—including the Appleton villa—to assemble an 80-acre estate. His acquisitions form the core of today’s Wave Hill. Perkins served as vice president of the New York Life Insurance Company, later becoming a partner at J.P. Morgan. He played a key role in the creation of U.S. Steel and other major conglomerates. Perkins and his family settled in Glyndor, while leasing Wave Hill House to Mark Twain from 1901 to 1903. He expanded the estate by adding greenhouses, terraces, and a recreation building.

In 1960, the Perkins-Freeman family deeded Wave Hill to the City of New York and the estate was designated a New York City Landmark in 1966 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

This is what caught my eye - I hope you enjoy!

Set on top of a steep embankment this grand platform for enjoying the majestic view was built on top of the entrance to the underground recreation building,

This is the entrance to a large, three-story underground recreation building, that was designed by Robert M. Byers in 1909. It included a billiard room, bowling alley and a squash court, as well as a large Adirondack-style gathering room with a stone fireplace and is connected to Glyndor House by a tunnel.

The Marco Polo Conservatory built between 1906-1907 was originally called The Palm House and was one of two greenhouses Perkins added to the property. Today it houses cacti, tropical plants, and palms.

One of several designated picnicking areas.

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Nature into Art: The Gardens of Wave Hill

By Christopher, Thomas

Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (Hdsn Rvr Vly Natl Hertge Area)

By Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area

The Bronx (Columbia History of Urban Life)

By Gonzalez, Evelyn

Wave Hill is 28 acres of gardens and woodlands situated on a high ridge above the Hudson River.

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Stairways and paths lead you through the garden areas.

Wave Hill's meticulously curated gardens showcase a diverse array of plants.

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Themed gardens include Perennial flower garden, Shade Border, Elliptical Garden, and Conifer Slope.

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A hilltop pavilion.

The view from a pavilion.

The Aquatic & Monocot Garden features water-loving plants and monocots.

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Wave Hill House was originally built in 1843 with additions and modifications over the years.

Inside Wave Hill House, now used as a venue.

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Added in 1928, the magnificent ceiling of Armor Hall—designed by Dwight James Baum in collaboration with Bashford Dean—was conceived to complement the hall's purpose as a home for an extraordinary armor collection.

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In the outdoor cafe area.

The rear facade of Wave Hill House.

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Outdoor art is displayed around the grounds.

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Glyndor House was built in 1927 and today is a multi-room art gallery.

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Glyndor House features rotating visual arts exhibitions inspired by nature.

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What you should know:

• You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day exploring here.

• You can purchase admission on site.

• Public restrooms are available.

• Picnicking is allowed in designated areas.

• On site parking is available at an additional charge.

• There are walking trails in the Herbert & Hyena Abons Woodland as well as through the individual gardens.

• There is a cafe on site.

• Check website for days and hours of operation and if there are any special events.

Location: 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx, NY 10471

For more information: Wave Hill

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