Product Description

Enter the world of the rich and famous of America's past...by visiting the mansions they left behind, now open to the public. This unique guide leads you in words and pictures through the opulent estates of the industrialists, wildcatters, inventors, and others whose lives define the American success story.

Practical information helps plan your visits, while each entry tells the stories of the houses, architects, and owners, and describes the period furniture and decor. All 50 states are represented, giving you hours of armchair travel to America's castles.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #612940 in Books
• Published on: 1999-03-01
• Released on: 1999-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Customer Reviews

Travel on land or in your imagination
This refrence book is not just for the tourist. The book is divided into four large regions of the country; the west, the heartland, the northeast and the south. In all four regions 156 houses are highlighted and even more briefly noted as local intrests. Every house represented gives a brief history and includes information on entrance fees, available tours, wheelchair accessiblity, restaurants, gift shops and parking. For additional information the book also provides the address and phone number to each location. This full color book has phoographs for almost every house and even includes a few full spread photos. It is great not only if you are planing a trip, but also if you appreciate architecture, history and culture.

A book that I've really used
I have owned this book for a few years now and have loved it.

It lists over 150 of America's greatest homes that are open to the public. It is organized by region of the U.S. For each region, it list the homes by state and supplies a map of the region, marking where each of the houses are. For each house, a one to two page description is given along with in many cases a color photograph on the property. It also lists, the property's address, phone, opening hours, and what facilities are available at the property such as restaurant, gift shop, guided tour, etc. It even lists the site's website so that you can get up to date information regarding opening times and admission fees.

Admittedly, it does not list every home in a area that is historic and open to the public, but it does list a very good starting point. Enough to point you to a place that you would like to visit if you are a architecture or old classic home buff. Once there, you can explore on your own and find the less publicized gems that appeal to you.

I have really used this book. I have planned and completed trips to New Port, Charleston, and the James River area. I am actively planning a trip to the Hudson River Valley because of this book and can't wait to return to New Orleans and Washington DC with this book in hand.

My star ratings:

One star - couldn't finish the book
Two stars - read the book, but did a lot of skipping or scanning. Wouldn't add the book to my permanent collection or search out other books by the author
Three stars - enjoyable read. Wouldn't add the book to my permanent collection. Would judge other books by the author individually.
Four stars - Liked the book. Would keep the book or would look for others by the same author.
Five start - One of my all time favorites. Will get a copy in hardback to keep and will actively search out others by the same author.

Awesome!
I am 10 years old and I got this book as a present from my parents. I am a big huge fan of old things and this was the perfect book for me. If you like historical things like huge houses and fancy dresses this is the book to get. It lists a ton of houses - over 150!! So far we have gone to the biltmore estate (INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!) and plan on going to the hearst castle and others. I highly recommend this book for great family trips. It also notes important things like websites, phone numbers,gift shops, etc. I love this book!