See inside Eagle's Nest, the 42-acre New York Vanderbilt estate where a Gilded Age heir built his sprawling mansion

On the North Shore of Long Island, about 40 miles outside New York City, lies the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

There's also the Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium, which holds multiple shows daily.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

The biggest attraction, though, is Eagle's Nest, the 24-room mansion of William K. Vanderbilt II, the great-grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

At the entrance stood a pair of stone eagles, which were taken from Grand Central Terminal. Cornelius Vanderbilt himself commissioned the train station.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

One of the first things I did was head toward the Rose Garden; sadly, most of the roses had already bloomed.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

But the landscaping was still immaculate.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Even if the roses were already gone, the views of the Long Island Sound were worth it.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Eagle's Nest was originally built in 1910 as a small cottage. It expanded over the next three decades to become this Spanish Revival-style mansion.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

The courtyard was set up for Shakespeare readings, which happen throughout the summer.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

One side of the mansion is a natural history museum.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

The other side is preserved to be just as the Vanderbilts left it in the early 1900s.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

These cobblestones were taken from the streets of Greenwich Village in Manhattan before the streets were paved over.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Upon entering the home, the first thing you see is the staircase. It was imported from a Belgian castle.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

There are portraits of William II's family in the entryway. This is his father, William Kissam Vanderbilt. He ran an arena you may have heard of: Madison Square Garden.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Pictured top right is William II's mother, Alva Vanderbilt. She inspired Carrie Coon's character, Bertha Russell, on "The Gilded Age."

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

The first room I saw was the dining room.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

In the corner is a beautifully crafted fireplace. The floor tiles were imported from Portugal.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Next to the formal dining room is the butler's kitchen. At the height of William II's entertaining, 36 servants worked at Eagle's Nest.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

With a view as great as Eagle's Nest's, of course there's a screened-in veranda.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Off the veranda is the Portuguese sitting room, named for the ornate fireplace imported from Portugal. It was constructed in 1494.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Here's one of the guest rooms open for display. Each guest room had its own closet and bathroom.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Then, it was time to go upstairs and view the rest of the mansion.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

One upstairs sitting room was almost entirely covered in dark wood. It also housed a giant organ.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

She was married to Charles Spencer-Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough. If their marriage didn't produce children, his title would've gone to his first cousin, Winston Churchill.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Here's one of the guest bathrooms at Eagle's Nest. Note the marbled walls and tub.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

This was William II's bedroom. The room is bright, with beautiful views of the water — he probably had a great view of his 264-foot yacht, the Alva.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

In addition to loving the sea, William II was an avid race-car driver, naturalist, and golfer.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

His bed, seen here, was a to-scale replica of the bed of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

These buttons, right by his bed, were connected to the servant's staircase. He could summon his butler, and lock or unlock the servants' stairwell.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

In his bathroom, nods to his love of the water included a large ship on the floor. He also had a shower, which was somewhat unusual for the time.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

To get to his wife's quarters, I had to pass through the breakfast room.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Like the rest of the home, it had a lovely view of the water.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

William II had two wives — this is how the bedroom looked when it was occupied by his second wife, Rosamond Lancaster Warburton.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

This is her changing room and bathroom.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Rosamund's tub is made of rose marble — a nod from William II to his nickname for his wife.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

As I left the living quarters, I reached one of the entrances to the museum. This room is dedicated to William II's son, William K. Vanderbilt III.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Inside were specimens collected by William II's son on a 1931 trip to Africa.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

The scenes reminded me of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, which made sense — the same designer and taxidermist, William Belanske, did both.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

This is a portrait of William III during a safari in 1931. He died two years later in a car crash at 26.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

While it was time to exit this wing, there was still the rest of the museum to see.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

The other half of the mansion is filled with specimens the elder William collected on his trips around the world.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

There's also a miniature replica of his yacht, Alva. During World War II, he donated it to the US Navy, and it was renamed the USS Plymouth. It was sunk by U-boats in 1943.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

There are multiple rooms that are filled with sea creatures. William II himself discovered multiple species during his travels.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Down a final set of stairs was a basement filled with more relics from William II's life.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

There were also two of his cars parked and awaiting a driver (and probably a tune-up).

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

As I exited the home and crossed the courtyard, I was surprised to learn that there was even more to see.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't a giant whale shark hanging from the ceiling.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Another room was dedicated to large predators. It had a taxidermied lion and a tiger, but my favorite was the polar bear.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

The exit brought me to the back of the house. I decided to go back to the central courtyard to see if I had missed anything.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

And I had! There was a small doorway that led to Eagle's Nest's backyard.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

First, I walked to the right.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

There was a large reflecting pool.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Then I walked to the left and came across another fountain and some well-manicured hedges.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

But the main attraction was, once again, the view.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

The lawn was open, so I decided to trek down and see what structure at the bottom was.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

They'd even left the ladder in.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

There were also changing rooms.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

With that, I had seen almost everything the Vanderbilt Museum had to offer, with the exception of a few hiking trails.

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

I left the museum with a greater understanding of the Vanderbilts — and ready to keep watching "The Gilded Age."

Inside the grounds are hiking trails, gardens, and a gift shop., Before I toured the home, I visited the museum grounds., But the landscaping was still immaculate., Then it was time to head over to Eagle's Nest., One side of the mansion is a natural history museum., The first room I saw was the dining room., The ceiling is constructed from Florida cedar, or Southern Red cedar., This is her changing room and bathroom., The house was set on a hill, so the yard was multi-level., First, I walked to the right., There was a large reflecting pool., But the main attraction was, once again, the view., To my surprise, it was a filled-in saltwater pool., They'd even left the ladder in., There were also changing rooms.

Post Related