Estates and Gardens from the Index of American Design

There’s something irresistible about a bygone era captured on paper—a sense of grandeur preserved in ink and imagination. The Estates and Gardens from the Index of American Design transports us to the Gilded Age, when Manhattan’s elite turned the island into a mosaic of opulent estates and sprawling gardens. Before the skyscrapers took over, New York’s upper crust carved out their little slices of Eden, and thanks to a New Deal initiative in 1936, we have these intricate plans to marvel at today.

The Index of American Design was born out of necessity and vision—a WPA project aimed at cataloging the artistry and craftsmanship of America’s past. But let’s be honest, these estate plans aren’t just historical artifacts. They’re a bit of a flex. They’re the receipts of Manhattan’s gilded set, flaunting their mastery of both money and taste. Gardens, terraces, fountains, and palatial mansions are rendered with a precision that’s as artful as it is functional. These weren’t just homes; they were stage sets for an era of unapologetic excess.

Each illustration in this collection offers more than a glimpse into old New York. They invite you to linger—to imagine the conversations held on a perfectly manicured lawn or the parties spilling out of grand parlors into moonlit gardens. It’s a snapshot of an era where artistry wasn’t just appreciated; it was demanded.

But don’t think for a moment these plans are just about nostalgia. Like the Italian villa gardens that inspired Wharton, these estates and their surroundings serve as blueprints for timeless elegance. The symmetry, the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, the careful attention to detail—it’s all a masterclass in design that still resonates with today’s aesthetics.

For Carthay Studio, this collection isn’t just about preserving the past. It’s about celebrating the enduring beauty of thoughtful design. These plans aren’t relics; they’re inspiration—a reminder that art and architecture have the power to elevate our everyday lives. Whether you’re a lover of history or someone who simply appreciates a good story told through line and form, these illustrations bring a touch of Manhattan’s golden age into your modern world.

So take a moment, pour yourself something appropriately decadent, and explore these estates as they were—a time when Manhattan was an arcadia, and beauty wasn’t just admired; it was engineered.