Sands Point Preserve, near Port Washington, features three historic buildings and 216 acres of natural habitat.
The historic castles, Castlegould and Hempstead House, and Falaise, a grandiose Normandy-style Manor are quite different. While the interiors of Castlegould and Hempstead House have not been restored, the Renaissance art and beautiful period furniture are what make Falaise a favorite Long Island historic attraction.
Castle Gould was built for the son of Jay Gould and was based on the Irish Kilkenny Castle. Although quite impressive even for the North Shore of Long Island, the new owner, a Guggenheim, decided it would be best used as a stable and servants quarters. Daniel Guggenheim then built Hempstead House in 1917 and included woodwork taken from European palaces and gold leaf ceilings.
The architectural style of Falaise has been described as "French Eclectic", based on a medieval manor house. Many of the furnishings remain from Harry Guggenheim's day, including antiques and Renaissance art.
Hike the nature trails through forest, meadows and along the Long Island Sound shoreline. The property, especially the area around the pond and the shore is home to a variety of wildlife.