Built in the early 1800’s this castle is home to more than just memories and Hollywood props. Designed in 1838 by Alexander Jackson Davis, the home was made for the former mayor of New York City, William Paulding Jr. Paulding later sold the estate to an owner who again hired Davis to increase the size of the home. In 1880, Jay Gould, who was involved in the railroad system, purchased the estate and renamed it Lyndhurst.
The Gothic style estate maintained its elegance through the years and was eventually requested as a backdrop for many well known Hollywood films. This includes the set for the 1970 movie House of Dark Shadows, and the 1971 movie Night of Dark Shadows, both based on the famous Gothic soap opera Dark Shadows (which yes i watched).
Now while the history isn’t gruesome or filled with terrible acts of evil, there are a few legends surrounding the property.
The Little Girl
When you travel around the back of the estate, it opens up into a large hill with a breathtaking view of the Tappan Zee Bridge. There are numerous trees, plants, bushes and more surrounding the estate. Interwoven in this mix of nature is said to exists a little ghost girl wearing a white dress. Visitors to the estate have mentioned hearing a small child’s laugh and some have mentioned seeing a girl who runs behind trees and bushes. But when you go to see where she went, nobody is there. She just vanishes. Some say she is a child of one of the former owners who drowned in the Hudson River. Either way, she is known to be a good luck charm, bringing good fortune to those who see her.
The Crying Statue
Also in the rear of the house lies a statue. It’s now tarnished, with hands high in the air, looking up almost in hope (or fear) of something coming. As long as historians know, this statue has existed in the back of the castle. But visitors say that depending on when you visit, you might see a little bit more. According to legend, during the month of October, the statue is known to cry, giving off tears. Similar to the story of the Bronze Lady, the statue is said to haunt those who harm it in any way. This may be in protection of the estate, or over the soul of a former owner. Either way, keep an eye out and see what you find.
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Try to Scare me is NOT intended as a guide to trespassing. We present these sites, locations and stories as local unwritten history and the legends surrounding it that are told to us while traveling. Although we provide locations, and some directions, these articles are intended to be read with the knowledge that some places cannot be visited. We do not encourage trespassing onto private property and do not encourage trespassing to obtain articles, videos, pictures and other evidence to be submitted. Trespassing is illegal and those who disregard this advice will (in most cases) be arrested and charged.