Inwood

Hyde Park, Dutchess County, New York

Built circa 1811, for the Rev. John McVickar (1787-1868) and his wife Eliza Bard (1789-1838) on land that was once part of the what is now known as the Vanderbilt Estate. McVickar was the amateur architect who designed both this house and the church of which he was the first Rector, St. James' at Hyde Park....

This house is best associated with...

Rev. John McVickar

D.D., Rector of St. James, Hyde Park, New York

1787-1868

Eliza (Bard) McVickar

Mrs. Eliza (Bard) McVickar

1789-1838

Louisa (Coster) Wilkes

Mrs. Louisa Matilda (Coster) Wilkes, of "Inwood" Hyde Park, New York

1808-1862

Hamilton Wilkes

of New York City & Hyde Park, Dutchess Co.; Owner of the Hudson River Railroad

b.1804

Maj. Francis Griswold Landon

of "Mansewood" Staatsburg, Dutchess Co., Member of the New York State Assembly

1859-1947

May Horner (Toel) Landon

Mrs. May Horner (Toel) Landon

1874-1924

Sometime after the death of Mrs McVickar, Inwood became the country home of Mrs Louisa (Coster) Wilkes (1808-1862), one of the several stepdaughters of the distinguished Dr. David Hosack, of New York. By 1913, Inwood had either undergone a major overhaul or it had been replaced altogether by "Mansewood," the home of Francis Griswold Landon - so named in recognition of it having been "on the site of the home" of the first Rector of St. James Parish, Hyde Park. In Scottish, a clergyman's home was his "manse".

Mansewood was listed for sale in the December 1923 issue of Country Life magazine: "Country estate near Poughkeepsie. 125-acres, stone and stucco house of solid construction, 20-rooms and 5-baths, steam heat, electric light. 2-large brick stable/garages with living quarters and bath, superintendent's cottage with bath, barn, ice house, etc. Woods, pond, open fields, pasture.  Extensive views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. On main line of the New York Central Railroad and New York-Albany main highway. Mansewood is situated in a section noted for its handsome estates and is accessible the year round. Perfectly adapted for a residence or private school..."