Welcome
to the centennial Farm manorGet away from it all and vacation like a Standard Oil heir at this gorgeous country estate, open to the public for the first time since its prewar conception. Steeped in wealthy history, this former vacation home, built in the early 1900’s for New York most famous equestrians and heirs of a Standard Oil founder and Rockefeller partner has been restored to maintain the charm of yesteryear while providing updates of modern conveniences. The View of the surrounding 550 acres overlooking the Butternut Valley provides a peaceful retreat from the city and an amazing back drop for New York’s most grandiose weddings and events. Whether you’re looking to bring your family and friends together for a reunion an office Holiday Party or to hold the a casual backyard barbecue or the classiest of weddings, Centennial Farm Manor is an amazing setting in the foothills of the Catskills in Upstate New York.
We are the first non-heirs to own this property. We purchased the property, several other structures (Butler House, Carriage House, Linen House, Farm House, (The Village Farms complex) and over 550 acres because we are crazy about architecture, history and horses. We've tried to maintain the charm of yesteryear while providing updates of modern conveniences but original wall paper still fills the hallways, original oak parquet floors still take your breath away when you walk into the living room or dining room. The eighteen 10’ French doors overlooking the Butternut Valley still leave you in awe as you look out for miles. The 6’ fireplaces in the Living Room and Dining room still cast a romantic glow as they once did. Hopefully you can feel the history in the rooms that entertained the rich and famous from the gilded era of the Roaring Twenties. It’s a place where you take a minute and enjoy the smell of a fresh cut hay field, gazing at a night sky in disbelief on how many stars fill the sky. It’s a place where enjoying a camp fire with friends and family becomes a nightly occurrence. It’s walking for miles on endless hiking trails and appreciating nature without looking at a watch or a cell phone. The Manor House is such a place. It is truly a special and unique place rich in history, natural resources and beauty. The setting together with a 9500 square foot Neo-Classical Mansion full of antiques from an era long gone make it place you won’t forget. Come be our guests.
Centennial Farm Manor
"Vacation Like Gatsby
On a 550 fairy tale historical Estate."
History
Construction began on Centennial Farm Manor in 1914. It was placed on hold due to the War and completed between 1917 and 1920. The widow of Al Bostwick, son of Standard Oil millionaire Jabez Bostwick, remarried attorney Fitch Gilbert, Jr. and they spent summers here, vacationing with her children. One of her children, George Herbert 'Pete' Bostwick, a legendary polo player, as well as tennis champ and a steeplechase winner built a world class polo field and complex on the estate. Equestrians and polo players from all over the world would bring their grooms their tack and horses to play World-Class Polo Tournaments. On Sundays people would come from all over New York to watch the best polo players in the world, feel the excitement in the air and hear the pounding of hoofs as the players would charge their horses toward the ball. At one time the estate included over 1500 acres and included Restaurants, a club house, a practice field and additional houses and barns. The Butler's house is still part of the estate and is also available for rent. Also located on the estate is the Carriage house, the linen house, and the original 'Village Farms' farm-house and barns. We still have a Thoroughbred broodmare or two and maintain a Thoroughbred boarding and breeding facility across from the old polo fields. The history of this place is phenomenal. We are the only owners since the Bostwick/Gilbert family to own the place and we have tried to keep the historical charm intact. Please, come and be our guests!
Area Attraction
National Baseball Hall Of Fame And Museum
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is an American history museum and hall of fame, located in Cooperstown, New York, and operated by private interests. It serves as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, displays baseball-related artifacts and exhibits, and honors those who have excelled in playing, managing, and serving the sport.
Farmers Museum
The Farmers' Museum is located in Cooperstown, New York, and is probably the second-best-known attraction in the town. Just north of Cooperstown, it overlooks Otsego Lake and recreates rural life from the 19th century through exhibits and interactive workshops.
Fenimore Art Museum
The Fenimore Art Museum (formerly known as Fenimore House Museum) is a museum located in Cooperstown, New York. It presents changing and permanent exhibitions of American Folk Art, North American Indian art and artifacts, Hudson River School and 19th-century genre paintings, and American photography.
Brewery Ommegang
Brewery Ommegang is a brewery located near Cooperstown, New York, that specializes in Belgian-style ales. Ommegang began brewing Belgian-style ales in 1997.
Glimmerglass Opera House
The Glimmerglass Festival (formerly known as Glimmerglass Opera) is an opera company which was founded in 1975 by Peter Macris and presents an annual season of operas at the Alice Busch Opera Theater on Otsego Lake eight miles (13 km) north of Cooperstown, New York, United States.
Otesaga Resort
Overlooking Otsego Lake, this resort hotel in a federal-style property dating from 1909 is an 8-minute walk from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The elegant rooms and suites feature country-house style furnishings, and all have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers.
Dreams Park
The Village of Cooperstown adds even more magic to the experience of our tournaments. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and attend baseball games at Doubleday Field, the legendary home of baseball, where the game began one afternoon in 1839.
Coopers Town All Star Village
Cooperstown All Star Village is the ultimate youth baseball experience, featuring a world-class baseball tournament, Major League style fields, on-site lodging, full service dining, and so much more!
Wooden Bull Antiques
A gigantic 4 story antique and design experience. Collected over 40 years by artists Kip and Judith Coburn. Visit “The Barn" near Cooperstown and browse 62 room settings with 28 farm tables, 38 cupboards, vintage chair sets of all sizes and styles... expanding outside on 4 acres of garden furniture, statuary, pools, sculpture, ponds, and paths.
Gilbertsville Value Way
Located in the historic village of Gilbertsville NY, this location has served residents and visitors since 1894. Not a reproduction, the Value Way features its original interior, local food, regional specialties and old-time grocery brands.
The Old Butternut Road
Migrating aboriginal people at the end of the last ice age discovered a natural wonder that would become known as the Butternut Valley. They found abundant natural resources, good water, flint and rock for tools, arrowheads and other weapons, many edible wild plants, grasses, fruits and nuts, and one nut in particular.
Mill Street Stables
Established in 2013, Mill Street Stables is a privately owned facility located in historic Gilbertsville, on the western edge of New York’s Catskills Mountains. Offering English riding lessons and training with concentrations in the disciplines of Dressage, Eventing, Hunter Equitation and Jumpers. Quality of care and attention to detail are the core of what makes Mill Street Stables unique.