With a major markdown, the palatial 56-room estate—set to be auctioned on July 12—is practically a steal!
Anyone with a bit of spare change and an appreciation for architecture—or Taylor Swift—now has a chance to own Winfield Hall. The palatial estate located in Glen Cove, Long Island, which was featured in Swift’s 2014 “Blank Space” music video, is set to be auctioned later this month. Although the original asking price was $20 million, the current starting bid ask is only $7 million—a 65% decrease.The 32,000-square-foot mansion overlooking the Long Island Sound was built in 1917 by famed architect C. P. H. Gilbert, who was commissioned by wealthy businessman (and founder of one of the first dollar stores in America) Frank Winfield Woolworth. Upon its construction, the estate was said to be the largest home in America, according to the New York Post. Winfield died in Glen Cove just two years later in April 1919.
The estate was featured in a March 1920 edition of Architectural Record. Writer Herbert Croly stated, “Notwithstanding the large number of rooms the plan is simple and convenient. The visitor enters through a spacious hall which runs through the house and leads straight to the formal garden on the other side.” He went on to write, “The interest of the Woolworth house is increased rather than diminished because of the fact that it belongs to a type of domestic architecture which is destined to disappear. In the future it is improbable that even very rich men will want or can afford a big grandiose formal residence of this kind.”
Here, take an inside look at the mansion and its breathtaking grounds. Winfield Hall will be auctioned by Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Co. on July 12.
The massive 32-square foot home sits on 16 acres of land.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJIts wooded property backs up to the Long Island Sound.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJStraight through the grand foyer is the entrance to a garden.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowIn her music video, Swift sits against the foyer’s fireplace.YOUTUBEThe foyer’s white marble staircase reportedly cost $2 million to build.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJFrom floor to ceiling, the music room is filled with opulent detailing.BOB DANN, MAX SPANN AUCTION CO.
In Architectural Record, Croly called the music room “the largest and the most important and most elaborately designed room in the house.”
Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowHere, you can see one of the mansion’s 16 fireplaces.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJSwift used the luxurious room for an equally luxurious feast in the “Blank Space” video.YOUTUBEThere’s a stunning formal dining room that would have worked, too.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowNote the floral detailing on the paneled ceiling.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJShown here is the sunroom, one of the mansion’s 56 rooms.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJThere are a total of 12 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowFloor to ceiling windows like the ones in this sitting room are common throughout the palatial home.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJSwift danced in this same room.YOUTUBEThe clock from the video can even be seen in the real estate photos.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowPETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJThis picture-perfect window is just one example of the ornate detailing to be found throughout the home.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJWith carved wood-paneled walls, swirled marble columns, and a majestic domed ceiling, this alcove is fit for a grand piano.Included on the property is a separate structure with a clock tower and room for 11 cars.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJ
The building was once used as living quarters for staff, according to the New York Post.
Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowThe epically proportioned lawns look ready for a Gatsby-sized party.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJRome or Long Island? Details like this beautiful fountain are reminiscent of European styles.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJA photograph of the same belvedere was printed with Croly’s article in Architectural Record.PETER OLSCHEWSKI, REAL ESTATE PHOTOS OF NJAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowThe publication also showed off the magnificent grounds.