What Westchester locations made it into season two of HBO's 'The Gilded Age'?
HBO's historical drama "The Gilded Age" is back for its second season Oct. 29 — and that means so is Westchester.
The production for the eight-episode show, which is set in 1880s New York City, delves into the opulent, old-money lifestyles of high-society New York, exploring themes of ambition and societal change. Several storylines are interwoven including Bertha Russell’s attempts to force her way into elite social circles; her husband George Russell’s union troubles at his Pittsburgh steel plant; Marian Brook's foray into teaching; and Peggy Scott’s activism.
The show filmed in Westchester over a two-week period in summer 2022 and included the Jacob Purdy House in White Plains. The 1720 farmhouse, which Executive Producer David Crockett called a "diamond in the rough," stood in for the Tuskegee classroom where Marion secretly teaches.
Another new location for the production team included Reid Castle at Manhattanville College in Purchase, which served as office and art gallery interiors for the show. Crockett said in a press release that they shot there for several days in multiple locations, taking advantage "of the period nature and the great look of the area.”
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The show's actors and production team also returned to Lyndhurst Mansion, which featured prominently in season one. According to Director Michael Enger, there was a lot there to work with. “We knew we had more stories, so, we used more rooms, more entrances, more of the grounds, and the service parts of the grounds," he said.
The crew also revisited Glenview Mansion at Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, which served as the interior for Mrs. Astor’s house, as well as Pace University in Pleasantville, which served as a restaurant interior and provided space for base camp.
According to Engler, it's all about location, location, location. "These magnificent homes and estates, now repurposed for public and civic use, still bear the unmistakable imprint of the Gilded Age," he said. "Look no further than Manhattanville College and Lyndhurst Castle for proof. It was invaluable to have those resources available to us — you just can’t fake that.”
County Executive George Latimer said: “Having 'The Gilded Age' film its second season in Westchester not only shines a spotlight on our County's rich history and stunning landscapes, but it demonstrates that we are a prime destination for top-tier film projects. Our diverse locations and spaces are a huge draw for the industry, which bring $1.1 billion in economic activity to Westchester.”
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Added Westchester County Tourism and Film director Natasha Caputo: “We're thrilled to host the production team for a second time as it brings economic benefits to our communities and signals. We couldn’t be prouder to see Westchester featured in the show.”
Season two of The Gilded Age premieres October 29 at 9 p.m. on HBO with streaming on HBO Max. Go to hbo.com/the-gilded-age for more details.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: HBO's The Gilded Age Season 2 will feature Westchester NY locations
