The U.S. is blessed with some incredible mansion houses that have been transformed into museums and luxury hotels. Put these stunning American historic homes on your bucket list!
Iconic Historic Homes in the U.S.
From the birthplaces of former Presidents to the country retreats of industry tycoons, these historic houses are very diverse in style. What these old homes have in common is striking architecture and a well-thought out visitor experience.
Why not take a road trip and visit a few of these historic properties in one go. The unique features of these old houses are an important part of American history.
7. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Hyde Park, New York
The Vanderbilt Mansion is considered one of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the United States. The mansion was built in 1898 as a country home for Frederick William Vanderbilt, a member of the Vanderbilt family who made their fortune in railroads and other industries.
The 54-room mansion was designed by the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. The estate covers over 200 acres and includes formal gardens and greenhouses.
In 1940, the Vanderbilt family donated the mansion and surrounding land to the National Park Service, establishing it as the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. These days, visitors can tour the mansion’s lavishly furnished rooms and experience the elegance of the Gilded Age.
6. Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee
Pabst Mansion is a popular tourist attraction in Milwaukee and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It provides a window into the luxurious lifestyle of one of Milwaukee’s most prominent families in the late 19th century.
The luxurious mansion was built in 1890 as the home of Captain Frederick Pabst, the founder of the Pabst Brewing Company. The mansion was designed by architect George Bowman Ferry in the Flemish Renaissance Revival architectural style.
Considered one of the finest examples of Victorian-era architecture in the United States, it features intricate wood carvings, stained glass windows, and lavish interiors. After the Pabst family moved out, the mansion went through various owners and uses.
Today, the Pabst Mansion is open to the public as a museum, offering guided tours that allow visitors to see the opulent living spaces and learn about the Pabst family’s history.
5. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Springfield
The home of former president Abraham Lincoln and family from 1844 to 1861, this is one of the top attractions in Springfield, Illinois. Abraham and Mary Lincoln bought the Greek Revival style house for $1,200.
The only home that Lincoln ever owned, it has twelve rooms spread over 2 floors. It’s actually free to visit Lincoln’s home, although donations are encouraged.
You should arrive as early as possible at the Visitor Center front desk and groups of 15 or more should book 6 months in advance.
We were fortunate to visit this historic house museum before and loved the four block neighborhood, which is also part of the site. There are sometimes costumed volunteers playing traditional games here, and it’s fun to join in with them.
Address: 413 S 8th St, Springfield, IL 62701
4. Fallingwater, Mill Run
One of the most famous houses designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater is located in Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania. Built as a vacation home for the Kaufmann family who were department store owners, Fallingwater is a perfect fusion of architecture and nature.
The house stands over a waterfall and the architect created the house to resemble a diving board. Floor to ceiling glass windows bring the outside in.
Local sandstone was used in the construction, which was completed in 1939. This historic gem is one of the rare Frank Lloyd Wright designs in the public domain with its original furnishings, artworks and setting all intact.
Donated to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy by Edgar Kaufmann Jr., Fallingwater is now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since public tours began in 1964, over 6 million visitors have come to admire the house and grounds. There are 5,100 acres surrounding the house, known as the Bear Run Nature Reserve.
You can see another fine Frank Lloyd Wright designed home in Springfield Illinois: Dana-Thomas House.
Address: 1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464
3. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West
The former home of American writer Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s is a Spanish Colonial style house in the Florida Keys, built in 1851. When the writer and his then wife Pauline purchased the home in 1931, it was in a bad state.
They renovated the property and lived there until 1939, and it is now a National Historic Landmark. Hemingway wrote the novel To Have and To Hold here, as well as The Snows of Kilimanjaro, a selection of short stories.
Now the most popular tourist attraction in Key West, Hemingway House is famous for its six-toed cats. There are around 60 of them living on the grounds – descendants of Hemingway’s own polydactyl cat, named Snow White.
Address: 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami
Situated on Biscayne Bay in what is now the Coconut Grove area of Miami, Villa Vizcaya was the home of James Deering. The Deering family made their fortune in agricultural machinery, and James was the Vice President of International Harvester Company.
The Deering Estate in South Dade was owned by James’s brother Charles and is another interesting Florida visitor attraction. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a National Historic Landmark built between 1914 and 1922.
James Deering’s friend, the designer Paul Chalfin was actively involved in the project. Inspired by the country estates of the Veneto region of Italy, Vizcaya features many Mediterranean architectural elements. It is one of the most beautiful historical homes in Florida.
The house had quite a few design innovations, being built of reinforced concrete. A modern water filtration system was integrated, as well as a central vacuum system and an automated telephone switch board. In the grounds you’ll find a Secret Garden, maze, Fountain Garden, mangrove shore and iconic gondola dock.
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
1. The Breakers, Newport, Rhode Island
With an unbeatable location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is one of the most spectacular mansions in Newport, Rhode Island. The Breakers was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994.
Commissioned by Cornelius Vanderbilt II in 1893, the house was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt. Built in an Italian Renaissance style at a cost of 7 million dollars, it was one of the most expensive buildings in the world. This Vanderbilt mansion was inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin.
Inside the 70 room palazzo, visitors will be amazed by the Morning Room with its platinum-leaf walls and ceiling. Originally thought to be silver-leaf, it was found after analysis by the Winterthur Museum laboratory in Delaware to be platinum. This explains why the surface never tarnished.
Address: 44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840
