What Happened to Cornelius Vanderbilt II's Mansion in Manhattan? (SEE PINNED COMMENT)

You've heard about keeping up with the Jones'... but what happens when you take that to extremes? Join us as we explore the largest house to have ever been built in New York.

Location: Manhattan, New York

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What Happened to Cornelius Vanderbilt II's Mansion in Manhattan? (SEE PINNED COMMENT)

Photos from: Flickr User: Wally Gobetz, Flickr user xiquinhosilva, New York Public Library, Wikipedia User: Summ

Photos from: Flickr User: Wally Gobetz, Flickr user xiquinhosilva, New York Public Library, Wikipedia User: Summ
Music by Epidemic Sound

[mrs.g.]

I've said this before and I'll say it again: Cities looked classier and friendlier with the old architecture. Modern cities look cold and soulless with all those glass skyscrapers. At least that mansion could have been turned into a hotel or a museum.

[elinfesty]

My Swedish grandmother worked as the 2nd cook there, and told me she saw the mistress of the house only twice - her back entering a carriage. She cooked for all the servants while the first cook cooked for the mistress. And she learnt to drive by the German drivers inside the private park at the summer home.. It all sounded so exotic!

[hamie]

I love that she tried to preserve as much of the mansion as she could and that some of it still exists today.

[trenawawrzyniak]

I was a private nurse to a woman who lived in a beautiful mansion in Reading PA. Look it up, " Stirling" bed n breakfast now. I was privileged to know Gertrude Sternbergh for the last 5years of her life. And even though she owned a mansion it was her beloved home. She was such a nice n humble woman. She was born in 1899 n died in 1996 if my horrible memory is right. She owned the entire block on Center avenue. The house Stirling is alot like it was when Gertrude was alive, the amazing woodwork is beautiful. But it is no longer the Home that it was for the simple reason the lady of the manor no longer resides but is across the street in the cemetery. She breathed life n love always in her home. N even though it was her home her entire life she still in her late 90 felt lucky to live in such a beautiful home. N I was very lucky to have known her. She is greatly missed.

[erikaleonard]

To me, it's a sin, taking these old homes down. They should still be standing if for no other reason than to use as a museum. The gate from the home at central park I've walked through a few times had no idea until now the significance of the gate. Thankfully Biltmore castle still stands bc that family was smart with it!

[brokenglass]

Bergdorf Goodman has occupied that location since about 1927, I never understood why the house wasn't modified to accommodate the upscale department store. They could have had the most sumptuous backdrop for their merchandise imaginable, and preserved an architectural marvel at the same time. I never knew Mrs Vanderbilt opened the house to the public before it was razed.

[baffledanderanged]

I don't envy the rich lifestyle, however I do enjoy looking at the architecture of the houses that they have built.

[njhawk]

This is fascinating history! The story of the family who lived in this mansion can be found in the book "Fortune's Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt". A good read for those interested in the Gilded Age in New York City.

[ReesieandLee]

I don’t know how I found myself on your channel, but I love it so much! I live in an 80 year old small home and it has so much more personality than the new McMansions on the hill. I even got a ghost, the original owner.

[cathycorriher]

coming from NC and seeing the Biltmore can only imagine this homes beauty and elegance.

[bradleymorris]

I love this channel. I'm originally from St Louis but have been gone since the the mid '80s. I've lived a lot of places and currently live in Sheki, Azerbaijan. St. Louis is still my favorite city. Everytime I see a new video from This House, I get a warm blast of energy to my heart. I'm a big fan. Thanks for all your hard work.

[luislaplume]

Boy do I wish I was around in 1926 and see the inside of that mansion. I am a New Yorker.

[bonnieabrs]

Just randomly found your channel! This wonderful. TU for posting.
I watch a British news caster daily that has a side panel of his screen showing all the beautiful old buildings & gardens(we had the opportunity to meet the cat that guards 10 Downing St!) I truly wish we had more regard for the history that these beautiful buildings hold. I’m a New Englander & they rarely tear down anything. Most newer buildings have to fit in with the historical area.
Oh, yes, I was referring to Neil Sean here on yt. He’s known many greats & interviewed ton of the ton. Very funny guy!

[Gizathecat]

I can imagine if the mansion was still intact today. It would have been carved up into MANY separate residential units and Cash Jordan would be promoting them on his YouTube channel! “The most affordable apartment in the old Vanderbilt mansion! How much? Five thousand a month for a one bedroom apartment!”

[Dina]

I’m glad that at least the “Breakers” mansion was saved. The Breakers is absolutely stunning; words and pictures cannot describe its magnificent opulence and marvel of architecture. I toured the Newport “cottages” some years back and I’m so glad I did 🥰.

[keithng]

Such a BEAUTY.... it can become one of the most Luxurious boutique hotel in NYC, and provide jobs opportunities for the community.
With such refinement and taste, that a city can be proud of.

So sad, that it's gone. Because, beauty as refined as this, will never happen again.

[cremebrulee]

This crazy house building is one of the reasons the Vanderbilt money ran out. There were many other, more significant reasons, but this certainly contributed.

[claudiocavaliere]

Absolutely magnificent! Majestic in every possible way! Fascinating! Lovey to see it all!

[sha.elaine]

One of the problems people have when they don't toil to earn their own money, is that nothing is ever enough! I enjoy visiting the Gilded Age mansions, they are our American palaces and castles, but can't imagine living in one.

[deanc]

I've been in the home building industry for over 24 years...man would I love to walk through some of these amazing homes! Pretty crazy how awesome they looked back the VS now.