CAROLANDS FOUNDATION is pleased to open its doors for small curator-led tours of the Château and gardens. Tours focus on Carolands’ rich historical background and classical architectural traditions. Guests glimpse both the “Upstairs and Downstairs” experiences of those residing in one of the last of the Gilded Age mansions.
Because of the extraordinary number of requests and our limited guest capacity, reservations are offered on a first come, first served basis. Reservation requests will be limited to two visitors.
Dates are released on a rolling basis about two months ahead. When you reserve a place it is held for you immediately, and your confirmation arrives by email. Guests are limited to one visit per year.
Tours are complimentary and conducted on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. by reservation only. Tours vary in length, but please allow for 2 ½ hours. Tours involve as many as 100 steps, both up and down, and include a considerable amount of standing. Guests may not self-tour, and audio tours are not available.
Places are limited and dates fill quickly, so we encourage you to reserve as soon as a date that suits you is open.
Reservations
Reservations for 1-2 visitors are made on carolands.org. Please submit all names when you reserve. Your confirmation is emailed to you immediately. Other than student tours, guests must be 16 years of age. Minors 16 to 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Guests are limited to one visit per year.
Visitors without a printed reservation confirmation and picture ID will not be admitted onto Carolands’ grounds. Reservations are not transferable. Guests are asked to arrive at 12:45 p.m. for check-in.
Cancellations
Guests are urged to cancel reservations within 48 hours when they are not able to attend so that others may have an opportunity to tour. Your confirmation email carries a cancellation link, and cancelling reopens the place for another guest. If you no longer have the email you can look up your reservation. Reservations that are not cancelled within 48 hours count as a visit.
Accessibility
Guests who need wheelchair access are asked to contact the Foundation to arrange for special accommodations. Inquiries may be sent through [email protected].
Student Tours
Inquiries about student educational programs may be sent to tours@carolands.org.
Guest Rules
In order to ensure the enjoyment and safety of guests and to provide for the preservation of the historic building and grounds, the following rules apply:
PARKING
As a respect to our neighbors, guests are asked to park vehicles inside the gates.
SMOKE-FREE POLICY
Carolands Château and grounds are smoke-free.
MOBILE PHONES
Cell phones must be turned off while on tour.
DRESS
For safety and protection of antique floors, guests are asked to wear flat shoes. The interiors of the Château may be cold in the winter and warm during the summer, and guests are asked to dress accordingly. Backpacks are not allowed.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is not permitted inside the Château. Guests are welcome to take casual photographs of the grounds for personal use. Posed portraits, staged photo sessions, and commercial photography are not permitted.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Carolands Foundation does not assume responsibility for personal items. Valuables should be secured in guests’ cars. Art supplies are not permitted without prior approval of the Foundation.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Food and beverages may not be brought onto Château property. Bottled water is provided to guests during the tour.
PETS
The only animals allowed on the property are service animals.
FOUNTAINS, POOLS AND STATUARY
Guests are not permitted to wade or make other contact with water features, nor are they allowed to climb statuary.