Weekend Getaway: Sunnyside on the Hudson
Alexia Rossetti Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 10:00AM 
Washington Irving's Sunnyside
Why visit Sunnyside? If you’re looking for a bucolic retreat that’s only a short scenic drive by the Hudson River from Manhattan, then Sunnyside is a beautiful destination. But don’t just come for the scenery; visit Sunnyside because it’s also the home of writer, Washington Irving. You may remember his chilling stories around Halloween – of headless horsemen and the time-travelling Rip Van Winkle.
As a teen, Washington Irving went to live in the Hudson Valley area to escape a yellow fever outbreak in New York City. In Tarrytown, he discovered the old Dutch ghost stories that eventually became the basis for his stories, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle.
Irving later traveled extensively throughout Europe, living in England, Germany, France, and Spain. While he was in Spain, he received access to the Spanish archives, and as a result he was able to write a biography of Christopher Columbus and stories of Granada’s old Moorish palace, the Alhambra. Due to his book of the Alhambra, Irving was able to raise awareness of the deterioration of the palace and consequently managed to save the palace from decay.
Lions Court at the Alhambra
Irving came back to the Hudson Valley and began work on his home. Sunnyside started out as a simple cottage and grew to incorporate Irving’s interpretations of Scottish Gothic Revival architecture and Spanish monastic buildings. Much of the house’s original interior design and furnishings is still intact. Irving’s study, where he wrote his books, remains the same and in good condition.
Irving's study at Sunnyside
A 19th-century costumed guide will give you a lively tour of the house and the grounds – which also include an ice-house and a Spanish tower. And when you're done touring Irving's house, take a walk through his estate. His house overlooks the Hudson and commands stunning views.
Hudson River Valley
Interested in learning more about architectural history? Take a look at Sheffield School's Complete Course in Interior Design. At Sheffield, you will learn how to transform a space, create color schemes, and select furniture, lighting, and accessories.