As residents of Old Westbury, we are fortunate to be surrounded by properties steeped in history, elegance, and horticultural brilliance. Among them is Erchless, a grand estate that has long stood as a quiet counterpart to the more publicly celebrated Old Westbury Gardens, located just across Post Road. Built in 1935 for Howard Phipps, brother of The Gardens' Westbury House owner John Shaffer Phipps, Erchless is a true jewel of our village and a reminder of the Phipps family’s enduring legacy here.

While many of us have walked the stunning grounds of Old Westbury Gardens, fewer may be familiar with Erchless, its more private relative and neighbor. Designed by Adams & Prentice with contributions from Philip Goodwin—the same architect who worked on the original Museum of Modern Art—Erchless is a masterpiece of Georgian Colonial architecture. Its stately 26-room main house boasts intricate details, from statuary sourced from Europe and Asia to brickwork made with 18th-century Williamsburg kiln techniques.

Phipps brought his passion for horticulture to the estate, transforming the grounds into a botanical paradise. His focus on plant breeding, particularly rhododendrons, earned Erchless a reputation as a world-class arboretum. Thousands of bare-root rhododendrons were imported from England, and today, the property features over 10,000 rhododendrons grown from seed. The estate’s gardens remain a testament to decades of dedication, much like the neighboring gardens just across Post Road.

The residence itself spans over 16,000 square feet and features 15 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, alongside a full suite of servant’s quarters. The expansive grounds also include stables, barns, greenhouses, and picturesque rows of 80-foot beech trees, which screen the property’s outbuildings. Two Japanese tea house-style pool cabanas and a sprawling field with horse rings add to the estate’s charm and create a property as functional as it is beautiful.

Erchless has always been intrinsically linked to Old Westbury Gardens, not just by proximity but through the shared legacy of the Phipps family. While Old Westbury Gardens was made open to the public as a place of inspiration and culture, Howard Phipps nurtured Erchless as a private sanctuary of horticultural innovation. Together, these estates tell a story of vision, elegance, and the enduring value of preserving beauty in our neighborhood.

**SIDEBAR**

Recently, Erchless made history as the largest sale ever recorded in the village, closing at an impressive $21 million. The transaction was a collaboration between Old Westbury resident and Daniel Gale broker Lois Kirschenbaum and Douglas Elliman’s luxury home broker Maria Babaev, both known for their dedication to the community and valued supporters of Stroll Old Westbury. Their hard work and professionalism helped to bring this landmark sale to fruition, marking a significant moment in Old Westbury’s history.

Lois Kirschenbaum of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty

"Working on the sale of Erchless, one of the last great remaining estates on the North Shore of Long Island, is a remarkable milestone especially for me as a resident who has raised her family here and has enjoyed the splendor of our village for 37 years. For residents, it reinforces Old Westbury's reputation as a desirable location, fostering a sense of pride while opening up opportunities for growth and engagement within the village. It’s fulfilling to be part of something that will be remembered in the community, highlighting the importance of collaboration and strategic negotiation in achieving success."

Maria Babaev of Douglas Elliman Real Estate

"The sale of Erchless, one of the village’s most iconic estates, not only sets a new benchmark in the real estate market but also reaffirms Old Westbury’s standing as a premier destination for distinguished properties. For me, this transaction is about more than just closing a deal—it’s about honoring the history of Erchless and ensuring its legacy continues in the hands of someone who truly cherishes its significance.  What makes this achievement even more meaningful is my longstanding relationship with the buyer, a valued client and fellow resident of Old Westbury. This moment highlights the importance of expertise, dedication, and the ability to connect extraordinary estates with discerning buyers, and I am grateful to have played a role in preserving this chapter of Old Westbury’s storied history."