the clermont mansion

While I have yet to venture inside the Clermont mansion, I have had the joy of 'hiking' the grounds - during the summer, fall and winter months. Each holding its' own beauty and treats. In the summer, basking on the lawn - which overlooks the Hudson River - is stunning. Saugerties is seen to the West, and with it comes a view of the historic Saugerties Lighthouse to the South. You'll be sure to see many types of watercraft enjoying the long summer days. Picnic tables and some grills are scattered amongst the grounds for your use. In the fall, all the sites from summer turn into warm hues that fall brings. The various types of tress, both on the grounds of Clermont - and across the river, show off their colors. Visit close to Halloween, and you'll be 'treated' with pumpkins lining the walkways - each having been carved out and lit with candles. Winter...wow, what a treat this is. While walking the grounds becomes increasingly difficult to manage (unless you do so via cross-country ski's), the vistas won't disappoint you. The normally busy river traffic comes to a near standstill, however, this only brings a quiet that is just about deafening. The sun sparkling off the snow, creating diamonds...the sky bluer than anything you've ever seen...and breathing in air filled with a crispness, thus, filling you with a newness. While soaking this all in, make a snowman!

Given the reduced off-season hours, we were lucky to get a tour that turned out to be a private one -- which is always special. Jennie knew her stuff, provided us with a lot of information about the Livingstons of Clermont, and answered all of our questions. I had come across the Livingstons and Livingston Manor in my ancestry research and had always been intrigued; so it was particularly interesting to see Clermont and the views and grounds and to learn about the rich history of this particular branch of the family.

We visited the Clermont Mansion on a whim and were highly rewarded for our decision. The house looked especially appealing with all of the delightful pre-Halloween decorations. It is steeped in American history. Members of the Livingston family, who lived here, included a drafter of the Declaration of Independence and the Judge who swore in George Washington as first President of the US. The history of the house came to life as the result of our very charming, knowledgeable and engaging docent. A walk on the spacious grounds, with views of the Hudson River, added to our enjoyment of Clermont.

Beautiful grounds and the house is worth seeing due to its age and history. Take time to walk around the grounds. Go early to see the movie before your tour. If you are thinking of a picnic, this is the place. You can walk around the house and grounds for free and catch the view of the river but take the tour if you can.

The Livingston family built this amazing estate in 1740 in Clermont which is a French term meaning "clear mountain." Seven generations of Livingston's maintained this beautifully decorated National Historic Landmark. It's view of the Hudson River and Catskills is well-worth viewing. Tours are less than an hour in length and would reveal some valuable historical information. I would highly recommend this beautifully restored landmark.

My honey took me to this park as part of our "date day". The grounds are huge and the mansion tour is well done. The lady who explains the history and give the tour was very knowledgeable and friendly. However, the grounds are lacking a lot of beauty. There weren't many flowers and it seemed boring. The view of the Hudson River is beautiful. I liked the history of the mansion but I would not have driven two hours for this experience if I knew the grounds were so underwhelming.

Went here to walk the grounds. Didn't think the house was open, but was surprised to find it was and we were the only two on the tour. Tour was only $5 and parking this time of year is $5.

This was a great evening. The tour starts with a walk down a garden path lined with carved and lit jack-o-lanterns. You are met at the door to the Clermont mansion by the family’s maid. Various ghosts appear as you walk through the mansion - each from a different era of the home’s history. The tour ends at a wood fire where you roast marshmallows. There is hot-spiced apple cider and penny candy in the museum gift shop. We had a fantastic time. This is something historical/educational, fun and different to do - no Jason, Freddy or zombies jumping out at you. Kudos to all the actors/volunteers who put this event together.

This substantial mansion on the banks of the Hudson has been the home of 7 generations of Livingstons, a family that has served our country since its beginning. It is furnished in the style of the last generation, around the early part of the 20th century. The history of the family and its contributions to the USA is truly remarkable, and the home makes a perfect place for this celebration.

The Livingston Mansion located at Clermont State Historic Park is worth a visit. You may visit the historic home, as well as the gardens, and museum on site. Stroll along the tall trees and rolling hills on the Hudson River and bring a picnic to enjoy this beautiful property. It is a lovely and peaceful place to spend an hour or an entire day.

We enjoy attending "Clermont Events" . It is a unique place and everyone who works there gives 100% to make any event a wonderful experience. The old mansion is much loved and during the warmer days, the grounds are a joy to visit. My favorite place is the herb garden. If you visit, you may see me there, sitting on the bench, reading and soaking in the sun.

Hy husband, 16 year old daughter, and myself went to the Candlelight tour. What a wonderful experience. It was a delightful blend of history, reenacting and ghost lore. After the tour there was a fire outside to roast marshmellows! The actors were great and cracked us up. Great family fun for Halloween- the mansion itself is beautiful any season.

We were lucky enough to spend our 4th of July 2012 at Clermont Mansion. As much as we loved the grounds and the views of the Hudson, we feel the tour guide should have had more of a grasp of the Livingston Family history. Our Guide did not have any sense of the Arsenic and Clam Chowder book and the history behind it, dismissing it as being not part of the same Livingstone family. This was very disappointing considering that the book Arsenic and Clam Chowder was being sold in the Gift Shop. Lastly for all those who plan a visit, please allow at least 30 minutes to buy tour tickets at the gift shop. We had issues paying for tour tickets as well as books due to someone who was inexperienced on how to use a computerized cash register.

The movie where the last Livingston to live there gives a personal account of what it was like to grow up there, View of Hudson from Clermont is the best out of all the mansions along the Hudson except for Boscobel