Entrance Hall

The entrance hall.

A seventeenth-century Medici crest is located prominently over the grand fireplace clearly marking this as the home of a “merchant prince.” Cipollino (“onion stone”) and Carerra marble walls and floor, classical statues and throne chairs create an impressive introduction into the Vanderbilt’s home and served to showcase their status. During a party, this would have been a location of formal reception and refreshments. In contrast, stretched bear and tiger skin rugs, piled oriental carpets, large palm trees and cut flowers (all now absent), allowed the room to function most often as a comfortable Living Hall. After a tiring outdoor activity like golf, horseback riding or tennis, weekend guests could enjoy cocktails and doze lazily on stuffed sofas by a roaring fire.