By Ariana Finlayson

Old Westbury Gardens could very well be considered Nassau County’s best-kept secret.

The previous estate of the Phipps family spans 160 acres in Old Westbury. John S. Phipps’ father was a partner in the steel industry with Andrew Carnegie. His wife, Margarita Grace was of the Grace Shipping Line family. They moved into the estate in 1906 and lived there with their four children.

The grounds, which are 100 years old, are still flourishing in fauna. Adorned in rolling green lawns, multiple gardens, a lake and lily ponds, the estate has been open to the public for about 50 years.

When Peggy Phipps’ parents passed away in the 50s, she set up a foundation to preserve their memory and her childhood home.

Visiting the gardens, you pass through a gate dating back to 1730 that came over from England. As you drive up the long driveway, the branches of the European Lindens bow at your presence. Once you pay at the gate, you are free to roam around the estate.

There is plenty to do. Make a right and down the steps you’ll see a pond with a fountain in back that goes along with the décor on the back lawn: Greek statues. Follow the path down into “primrose path,” which is lined with a man-made trellis and pours you out amongst a sea of roses.

On the back lawn, you can look into the main garden, which is complete with a lily pond, and a large school of goldfish.

As you skirt in the woodlands around the lake, be careful not to trip over the stern established roots of the hovering majestic trees.

The lake is calm and serene. The “Temple of Love” is a marbled romantic accent, and standing on the bridge gives you a great photo opportunity.

Inside the mansion sits many parlors, a classic conceptual dining room and red ballroom. Hand-painted wallpaper covers the bedrooms on the second floor. Within all rooms lie original paintings and furniture. Hard wood floors are throughout the mansion, and you can practically hear the maid’s shoes briskly walking as she brings Jay Phipps and his wife tea.

“Because the grounds are so pretty, it is nice having a place to walk around,” said Vincent Kish, manager of public relations and communications at the gardens.

Though Old Westbury Gardens is a trip to take during any part of the year, it is highly suggested that you make a visit in May or June. During these months, the entire grounds are in full bloom and you get to see all of the horticulture and colors that the estate has to offer. Plus, the gardens welcome painters and photographers.

The regular season is from April until the end of October. In the winter, it is open on Sundays in November, about two weeks in December and for President’s Day Weekend.

What makes the gardens such an essential place to visit?

“Three things: the house is amazing, the gardens are indescribable, and the events that are held – the combination of those three things makes us unique to anywhere,” Kish said.

You can get to the gardens by taking a left onto Merrick Ave. Merrick Ave. eventually becomes Post Avenue which will become Post Road. Take a left onto Jericho Turnpike and at the first light, make a right onto Old Westbury Road. The gardens are on your right-hand side.

You may visit the website at www.oldwestburygardens.org