Our friends used to live right next to this mansion. They’ve told us that when they were there it was quite a ‘happening’ place, a popular spot for weddings and other events. It was even listed among one of the top five best wedding ceremony locations in the Hudson Valley (See Five of the Best Wedding Ceremony Locations in the Hudson Valley, NY: Part 1 on the Huffington Post) where it is described as follows:

Interviewee: Nikola Rebraca, proprietor of the Belvedere Mansion. Nikola characterizes the Belvedere as “a boutique hotel with great, authentic European food and an intimate setting on a totally private estate.” They offer three outdoor ceremony locations as well as an indoor option. Small ceremonies often take place in Belvedere’s original Stanford White designed gazebo. Larger gatherings of 200-250 often choose a site along the pond, but 90 percent of Belvedere ceremonies are mid-sized and take place behind a gate in a lovely French Garden. Indoor ceremony options are also available.

Alas these glory days have now gone. The mansion is now closed and judging from the amount of neglect has been for some time.

The former entrance now blocked with a chain.

The main house.

Pavilion by the pond.

Gazebo. Apparently designed by Stanford White (see above).

Field of Jars.

Taken with a Minolta STsi and Minolta AF Zoom 28-80 f3.5-5.6