Estate of the Day: $12 Million Astor Courts Mansion in Rhinebeck, New York

Astor Courts ($12,000,000) is among the grandest of the legendary Hudson River mansions. High on a bluff on 50ac, privacy is assured by a long winding driveway with views of the river below and mountains beyond. Designed by Stanford White with reference to the Grand Trainon at Versailles, the mansion was commissioned by John Jacob Astor IV in 1902 with indoor tennis court and white marble swimming pool. Converted to the Astor family country residence in 1941 it was recently restored with scrupulous attention to the original plans and an eye to modern lifestyle. Built into a hill there are two floors each with direct access to the outside and angled to capture both sunrise and sunset from east and west terraced wings. The elegant interior is bathed in soft natural light from arched doors and windows in every room. Rich in sumptuous materials, a center living hall, paneled library and five bedroom suites are just part of the picture. Clearly a masterpiece of architectural design.