Eagle's Nest: The William K. Vanderbilt II Estate

Images of America: New York

by Stephanie Gress

Designed and constructed by the eminent New York City architectural firm of Warren & Wetmore, Eagle's Nest estate is the easternmost Gold Coast mansion on Long Island's affluent North Shore. From 1910 to 1944, the palatial Spanish Revival estate was the summer home of William K. Vanderbilt II, great-grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. Eagle's Nest hosted the most exclusive guests and intimate gatherings of Vanderbilt family members and close friends. Included among them were the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, golfer Sam Snead, and the Tiffanys. Vanderbilt embarked on many of his legendary world voyages from this locale, along with a 50-person crew and a few fortunate invited passengers. During his travels, he collected natural history specimens and ethnographic artifacts from every corner of the earth. With the help of scientists and museum professionals, Vanderbilt created exhibits at Eagle's Nest to showcase his collections. "Willie K.," as he was known, bequeathed his estate and museum to the public, fulfilling his intended mission.

131 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2015

Reviews

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small paperback book about One of the Vanderbilt's homes--mostly photographs. The Eagle's Nest was the mansion built by Wm Kissam Vanderbilt II was a great grandson of Vanderbilt Patriarch, Cornelius Vanderbilt. and grandson of Cornelius's favorite son, William Henry Vanderbilt. His mother was socially ambitious Alva Erskine Smith...and she wanted nothing more than to be known as "the Social Queen of High Society". His dad, Wm Kissam Vanderbilt II, grew up in a 5th avenue NYC and had summered in the famous "Breakers" mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. Thus born with "a silver spoon in his mouth"...he built a house to match his upbringing. The Eagle's Nest (1914)...and later (1930) a Fish Museum was was built on the North Shore of Long Island. In his Last will and testament he left an endowment and after 2nd wife's death in 1947, Eagle's Nest became a part of the Suffolk County Parks System. Today visitors from all over the world visit.