Estate Built for Steel Tycoon Heir Sells First Time in Nearly 100 Years
Erchless, a storied Long Island Gold Coast estate steeped in history and grandeur, has officially changed hands for the first time since its construction nearly a century ago.
One of several significant properties owned by the Phipps family in Old Westbury, this 1936 Georgian Colonial-style mansion was built for Howard Phipps, the son of Henry Phipps Jr., Andrew Carnegie's partner in the Carnegie Steel empire.
Designed by the architectural firm Adams and Prentice, the estate’s timeless design and meticulous craftsmanship have preserved its legacy as one of the last great intact estates of Long Island’s Gold Coast.
Named “Erchless” after a Scottish castle frequented by the Phipps family, the estate’s rich heritage is reflected in every detail. The brick for the mansion was imported from Williamsburg, Virginia—a nod to the birthplace of Howard Phipps’ wife, Mary. The property remained in the family for decades, passing from Howard Phipps Sr. to his son, Howard Phipps Jr., who maintained it until the recent sale.
Spanning a sprawling 92.7 acres, Erchless’ grandeur is unparalleled. The U-shaped mansion encompasses 16,000 square feet of living space, featuring 15 bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms, and 2 half-baths. Original architectural details such as a curved staircase and nine fireplaces add to its timeless allure.
Preserving the Grandeur of a Bygone Era
Visiting Erchless is like stepping back in time. The estate’s meticulously maintained grounds include sweeping meadows, an allee of towering beech trees, and award-winning gardens—notably an extraordinary rhododendron garden, which earned the elder Howard Phipps a bronze medal from the New York chapter of the American Rhododendron Society in 1978.
Beyond the main mansion, the property boasts an impressive array of secondary buildings: four greenhouses, a four-stall carriage barn with loft bedrooms, a superintendent’s house, and a chauffeur’s house. One of the barns even features a 400-year-old cellar, further underscoring the estate’s rich history.
A Record-Breaking Sale
The sale of Erchless is a milestone for Old Westbury, setting a new benchmark for residential real estate in the area. Marketed by Lois Kirschenbaum of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty and represented by Maria Babaev of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, the property’s final asking price was $23 million.
End of an Era, Start of a New Chapter
“We don’t have properties like this anymore,” said listing agent Lois Kirschenbaum. “This is one of the last great homes of a bygone era that will pass hands.”
Congratulations to the new owners of this storied masterpiece, a home that continues to reflect the opulence and elegance of Long Island’s golden age.
All photos belong to the listing agencies.
