Inside a French Chateau Hidden in New York

Tucked away on Long Island's historic Gold Coast, in Brookville, New York, sits Haute Bois. Designed by the renowned architect Ogden Codman Jr., this 18-room estate draws direct inspiration from the royal retreat that eventually grew into the Palace of Versailles. Codman's architectural mastery shines through classical symmetry and refined proportions. Beyond the wrought iron gates, a winding, tree-lined stone driveway leads to a stately façade cloaked in ivy. Inside, visitors are welcomed by a grand entrance hall featuring a sweeping marble staircase. Codman, who famously co-authored The Decoration of Houses with Edith Wharton, believed in a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature. This philosophy is evident in the formal living and dining rooms, where elegant French doors dissolve the boundary between the sophisticated interiors and the expansive outdoor entertaining terraces. The heart of the home is a chef's kitchen, featuring custom cabinetry and a magnificent La Cornue range, perfect for hosting elaborate multi-course dinners or simply appreciating French craftsmanship over morning coffee. The lifestyle at Haute Bois balances historic grandeur with playful modern luxury. For leisure, the estate functions as a private resort. The lower level offers a wellness retreat with a spa, sauna, and fitness area, alongside a billiards room and a temperature-controlled wine cellar. Upstairs, accessible by a private elevator, the primary suite boasts separate dressing rooms and two individual marble bathrooms, a layout that might be the ultimate secret to a long, happy marriage. Outside, the eight-acre grounds, originally designed by French landscape architect Jacques Gréber, feature a stunning step-down courtyard, formal gardens, a gated tennis court, a pool with a pool house, and even a chipping green to perfect your short game. Haute Bois remains a rare, living testament to the Gilded Age, proving that true elegance never goes out of style.