by Shannon Butler Our last entry looked at a grand house from the Gilded Age that is somewhat forgotten today. However, there are a couple houses that still hold their gilded shine and attract people from all over the world who come to see the remnants of that glamorous era. Vanderbilt Mansion and Staatsburgh (also known as Mills Mansion) are both local sites that focus on the architecture and lifestyles of the Gilded Age, and they also happen to have fantastic views of the Hudson River and pleasant paths for strolling, just like the Vanderbilts and Mills families would have done. Both of the properties have histories that go back long before the Gilded Age. Vanderbilt had once belonged to Dr. Bard in the 18th century, and later by Walter Langdon. The Langdon house and property was purchased by the Vanderbilts in 1895 but they had determined the home itself to be in need of too many repairs. The architectural firm of McKim, Mead, and White was brought in to build a sturdier and much larger house which was based very similar to the design of the Langdon home. Many of the rooms, including Mrs. Vanderbilt’s bedroom seen on the right, [...]