The Epic 46-Bedroom Vanderbilt Mansion Spans Two Towns – and Was Just Listed for $12.5M

It’s not every day that a historic piece of property goes on sale, so when it does we all sit up and take notice. History buffs and home design aficionados will both swoon over this stunning 46-bedroom 50,000-square-foot mega-mansion that once belonged to the illustrious Vanderbilt family. From the expansive rooms and original fireplaces to the Greek-inspired swimming pool and lush gardens, you’re going to want to take a peek at this mansion, priced for a comparatively modest $12.5 million.

The exterior of the historic Vanderbilt mansion - the largest Shingle Style home in the area

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A Piece of History

Originally built in 1886 for the granddaughter of railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, this impressive American Shingle-style home boasts a whopping 46 bedrooms, 27 bathrooms and spans two Massachusetts towns (yes, you read that right). It also played a significant role in the creation of the League of Nations at the conclusion of the First World War. For a similar price point in Canada, check out this $12.9 million Montreal condo.

A bird's eye view of the Vanderbilt mansion and surrounding property

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Bird’s Eye View

Although less ornate than the Vanderbilt’s famous Biltmore House in North Carolina, the 89-acre Elm Court Estate sprawls over the towns of Stockbridge and Lenox, Massachusetts. Colonial American architecture was popular at the time it was built and, at 55,000 square feet, the three-storey mansion features a total of 106 rooms – in various states of repair.

An historic black and white photo of the Vanderbilt mansion around the time it was originally built

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Blast From the Past

Check out this throwback photo! The lush landscaping and grounds were done by Frederick Law Olmstead, who was renowned for his work on Central Park in New York City.

The spacious main lobby with original hardwood flooring, area rugs and window drapes

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Be Our Guest

The mansion, which is registered as a National Historic Landmark, got the name Elm Court Estate from a large elm tree that originally stood at the entrance to the home before it had to be removed due to disease. Believe it or not, the property, complete with this expansive front lobby, was only designed as a summer cottage retreat.

An historic stone fireplace in the spacious lobby off to the side of the dining/ballroom area

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Firestarter

The Vanderbilt mansion comes well-equipped with a plethora of wood-burning fireplaces in a variety of shapes, materials, styles and designs. For more inspiration, check out these home decor ideas for styling an empty living room fireplace.

A spacious white kitchen with wood countertops and plenty of glass cabinets

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Chef’s Kiss

Due to the extravagant costs of running such a large property, the Vanderbilt family transformed the mansion into an inn in the late 1940s. Over the years, it’s hosted a myriad of dinner parties and overnight guests before it officially closed its doors in 1999. Years later, the descendants of the original owners renovated the estate, including this impressive chef-friendly kitchen.

Another view of the kitchen featuring an accent brick wall

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Old and New

Many of the original features of the kitchen have remained intact, including the brick accent wall. However, the Vanderbilt descendants have added various upgrades and renovations over the years.

A cherry wood-infused servants kitchen and dining area with carpets and small round table

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Ask Jeeves

Off to the side of the main kitchen is a large mahogany butler’s pantry complete with a charming window seat and room for casual dining for the staff.

White storage cabinets in a hallway leading to various rooms and a door leading outside

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Storage Galore!

Many of the winding hallways and nooks and crannies feature plenty of storage space that harkens back to the days when the property was party central.

A large pastel blue library with plenty of natural light with a wood-burning fireplace and oversized area rug

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Reading Room

With a library the size of most houses, there’s no doubt that the Vanderbilt’s and their guests enjoyed reading during their downtime.

A sitting room with a large wood-burning fireplace and original hardwood flooring

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Take a Seat

Just off the library is another cavernous multi-purpose room with an oversized stone fireplace that is giving us seriously cozy Zen vibes.

A spacious dining/ballroom area with large windows and marble fireplace

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Dine In

The mansion still features original details, such as the intricately carved plaster ceiling in the dining room, herringbone-wood floors and the epic stone fireplaces. Want more? Check out these incredible celebrity dining rooms you’ll want to have a feast in.

A renovated marble fireplace centred between two second floor windows overlooking views

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Light it Up

Let’s take a closer look at this glorious veined stone fireplace centred between two large windows overlooking the estate.

An all-white bathroom with various tiles in different textures and deep soaker tub

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Spa Retreat

Although tiny, this bathroom (one of 27 in the entire mansion) features soothing white tiles and a deep tub that is optimal for a little R&R. We also want to relax in the bath in these celebrity bathrooms.

A floral patterned carpeted staircase leading up to the second level, with walls painted in a sage green

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Walk This Way

A delicate floral carpet winds its way up the grand staircase leading to the second and third levels. We especially love the steepled ceiling and sage paint colour. Find more staircases that will make a statement in your home here.

A chaise lounge next to a fireplace in a second level bedroom that overlooks the panoramic views

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Kick Up Your Feet

A chaise lounge is perfectly positioned in front of the fireplace in one of the 46 bedrooms scattered throughout the 55,000-square-foot property. We wonder how often the Vanderbilt’s and their guests got lost wandering through the hallways?

An original games room on with a crumbling fireplace and old billiards table

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Crumbling Fortress

Although the Vanderbilt descendants renovated some rooms on the sprawling property, some rooms (such as this former games’ room) haven’t been touched in years, if not decades, and are in need of a little TLC.

A long shot of the Vanderbilt mansion in the distance, and a stone bench under a tree in the foreground

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A Room With a View

The grounds contain more buildings including the larger butler’s house, gardener’s cottage, multiple long greenhouses and two barns.

An old stone pool with Corinthian columns and panoramic views of the surrounding scenery

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Dive In

We want to dip our toes in the original Corinthian-inspired swimming pool with jaw-dropping panoramic views.

Another view of the pool and majestic views from the focal point of the second floor balcony

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Taking in the Scenery

Many of the 46 bedrooms have walk-out balconies where you can take in the sights and sounds of the surrounding area. You can also take in the breathtaking views in these celebrity homes.