Alexander Duer Irving (1842-1910)
of Grymes Hill, Staten Island & "Sunnyside" Irvington-on-Hudson, New York
His wife was a granddaughter of Irénée du Pont de Nemours, founder of Dupont Inc. In 1885, they purchased a 3-story Italianate mansion (see images) on Grymes Hill in Staten Island. Fronted by a circular drive, it had a wrap-around porch and a second-floor balcony. In 1896, they moved to Sunnyside, the former home of Irving's great-uncle, the author Washington Irving. They added an addition to the north side of the cottage and replaced the original farm buildings and gardener’s cottage for new. They also made several significant modifications to the landscape, eliminating public access to Sunnyside Lane and separating the old farm pond from the brook while rerouting several driveways and fences. Sunnyside remained in their family until 1945.
