In the wealthiest suburb of New York City, the Old Westbury Gardens, on Long Island, flow over 160 acres and include eight formal English gardens to roam through. Many movies have used the grand estate, built in 1906, as a backdrop, including "Love Story" and "The Age of Innocence."
The 654 acre country estate of Filoli, about 30 miles south of San Francisco, has 16 acres of formal gardens. The mansion was used in the opening credits for the TV show "Dynasty." William Bowers Bourn II named the lavish manor by combining elements of his life's credo: "Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life."
Villa Vizcaya, on Biscayne Bay in Miami, Fla., was built in the Italian Renaissance style, also combining elements of French design. Now a museum and public garden, with 10 acres meticulously landscaped, it originally took more than 1,000 workers between 1914 and 1922 to construct the entire estate.
Built in 1800, Dumbarton Oaks mansion, in Washington, D.C., has a series of terraced gardens that span 10 acres. The whimsical nature of the design, with its intricate, winding paths will give you the feeling that you've just stepped into your own private fairy tale.
Trip Tracker is compiled by Joy Guest. Is there a vacation or excursion that interests you? Email jguest@adn.com or comment online at adn.com/life/travel.
"Winterthur's 1,000 acres encompass rolling hills, streams, meadows, and forests. Founder Henry Francis du Pont ... selected the choicest plants from around the world, arranging them in lyrical color combinations, carefully orchestrating a succession of bloom from late January to November." - www.winterthur.org
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