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Marjorie Merriweather Post Estate

From 1921 to 1951, Hillwood, one of the famed estates of Long Island’s Gold Coast, was the home of Post Cereal Company heiress and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post. The estate’s lavish Tudor-revival mansion was a symbol of her preeminent social and financial status. Hillwood was an idyllic country retreat for her family and friends to escape the noise and crowds of New York City. Tennis, horseback riding, swimming and golf were just a few of the favorite pastimes that guests enjoyed on the estate. The property also was used for numerous social and charitable events. Actress Billie Burke and her husband Flo Ziegfeld, and the Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg were just a few of the famous individuals who stayed here during the first half of the 20th century.

In 1947, Marjorie Post put the estate up for sale. Long Island University expressed interest in purchasing the property and in turning it into a small liberal arts college to serve the higher education needs of a growing Nassau County. The University officially purchased the estate in 1951, and in 1954 named the campus for her father, C.W. Post.

Tours of the mansion are held twice a year: once in the spring and again in the fall for groups of 25. The cost of the tour is $15.00 per person and are available on a first come first served basis. Reservations are required. For more information, contact Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Community Relations Director at neighbor@liu.edu.