Falaise Museum Re-Opens For Tours

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

In 1923, after Harry F. Guggenheim married Caroline Morton, his father Daniel presented him with 90 acres of waterfront property on the estate.

Guggenheim hired famed architect Frederick J. Sterner along with Polhemus & Coffin to design his home in the style of a 13th-century Norman manor house. Distinctive features of the house include an enclosed cobblestone courtyard, thickly mortared brick walls, steeply pitched roofs of heavy tile, and a round tower. The medieval atmosphere continues inside with archways, thick wood beams, textured plastered walls, and carved stone fireplace mantels.

Falaise is furnished with antiques, many from the 16th and 17th centuries; the Guggenheims collected architectural fragments of medieval and Renaissanceperiod buildings from their extensive travels in Europe. There are woodcarvings, sculptures, columns, doors, gates, Renaissance paintings and several important pieces of modern art.

A beautiful swimming pool is located behind the house. Originally a rose garden, Guggenheim converted it after he became ill, and doctors told him he needed exercise.

Guggenheim had a strong commitment to public service. He was ambassador to

Cuba during the Hoover administration. A Navy pilot, he served in both World Wars. He had a lifelong interest in aviation, and Charles Lindbergh was a close friend and frequent visitor to Falaise. Guggenheim was also instrumental in securing funding for the research of rocket pioneer Robert Goddard. In 1939, Guggenheim and Alicia Patterson were married. Shortly after, they founded Long Island’s daily newspaper, Newsday Guggenheim was an avid horseracing fan. He raised and raced thoroughbred horses, and he helped establish the New York Racing Association (NYRA). His trophies, awards, and racing memorabilia are on display at Falaise.

This historic home has limited handicap access. Indoor photography is not allowed.

Falaise tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays hourly at 12, 1, 2 and 3 pm through September. Tours are $15 per person. No children under 12 are permitted on the tour. Purchase tickets at the welcome center in Castle Gould. No reservations are available. Tour tickets sell out quickly each day. Limit of eight people allowed on each tour hour. Parking is an additional $15 per car for non-members of the conservancy.

Sands Point Preserve Conservancy is located at 127 Middle Neck Rd. in Sands Point.

Visit www.sandspointpreserve.org for details about Falaise and more information about Sands Point Preseve, Castle Gould and Hemsptead House.