Brookwood Hall in East Islip, NY is a Neo-Georgian style mansion built in 1902 by the architects Delano and Aldrich.
Brookwood Hall Entrance
When I visited the mansion in late February 2011, the building was undergoing extensive and much needed renovations.
Back of Building
The mansion was built by the Knapp Family, and was also subsequently owned by the Thorne Family.
Brookwood Hall Marker
From 1942-1965 the mansion served as an Orphanage.
Orphan Registry Sign
Today it is the home of the Islip Art Museum and the Islip Arts Council and it sits in Knapp Lake Park.
Allee of Trees
Original Entrance Gate
Main Stairs
Breakfast Room Fireplace
The Breakfast Room serves as an exhibit space for local history organizations.
Original Flooring outside Dining Room
Many of the original architectural details of the mansion are hidden behind modifications made to the estate through the years. It was nice to see some of the original flooring.
Detail of Solarium Fireplace
Mansion lore has this fireplace originally coming from the Idle Hour Estate. The French style of the fireplace makes the story plausible. It is not in keeping with the Georgian decorative style of the rest of the house.
Carriage House
The carriage house now serves as a contemporary art space. I hope to visit Brookwood Hall again, when the renovations are complete.
For more photos of Brookwood Hall see my Flickr site.
Historic Houses 