The Rockefeller family is one of the most prominent and influential families in American history.
They made their fortune in the oil industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and have since been known for their philanthropy and contributions to art, education, and science.
John D. Rockefeller Sr. was the patriarch of the family, who is widely considered one of the wealthiest people in history. His descendants have continued to make an impact in various fields and industries.
20 – Mount Desert Island Holiday Home
The Rockefeller Mount Desert Island Holiday Home, located in Maine, USA, was built by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the 1920’s.
The luxurious retreat sits on a secluded island and features stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is now a popular tourist destination and historical site.
Designed by the famous American architect, Charles Platt, it was built in the style of a traditional New England coastal village with rustic, shingled cottages and winding paths.
The property was also one of the first places in the U.S. where land was preserved for both public and private use, setting a precedent for future conservation efforts.
19 – Rockefeller Center
Spanning 22 acres and consists of 19 commercial buildings. The most notable buildings in the complex include the 70-story GE Building, which is the centerpiece of the complex, and the RCA Building, home to the famous Radio City Music Hall.
The cost of building Rockefeller Center was significant, with estimates ranging from $250 million to $500 million at the time of construction, which took place during the Great Depression in the 1930’s.
The project was funded by the Rockefeller family, primarily John D. Rockefeller Jr., who owned the land and was the driving force behind the development.
Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, it was built by the Rockefeller family in the 1930’s and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
Home to some of the most well-known attractions, including the Top of the Rock observation deck, and the famous ice-skating rink, it also features the Atlas statue, and yearly Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
The tree lighting ceremony is a beloved tradition that attracts visitors from all over the world and today, the Rockefeller Center remains a hub of commercial and cultural activity in New York City and continues to be a popular tourist destination.
18 – Hudson Pines Mansion
Built in 1938 for John D. Rockefeller Jr., and was designed by architect Mott B. Schmidt in the Georgian Revival style, Hudson Pines Mansion is a historic estate located in the town of Pocantico Hills, New York.
The estate spans over 75 acres and features expansive gardens, woodlands, and a lake, while the mansion itself has 40 rooms, including a grand ballroom, library, and dining room.
The mansion is now privately owned and not open to the public but it remains a significant example of the grandeur and luxury of the Gilded Age in American Rockefeller history.
17 – 1917 Crane-Simplex Model 5
Owning a luxury car back in the days of John D. Rockefeller was quite the feat and his 1917 Crane-Simplex Model 5 was powered by a 680 cubic inch, six-cylinder engine that produced 110 horsepower.
The Crane-Simplex Model 5 was notable for its elegant design and craftsmanship, with many of the cars being custom-built for individual owners and were among the largest, most powerful and most expensive of the early 20th century.
The car’s exterior was typically adorned with fine finishes, such as nickel plating, and featured a distinctive long hood and graceful lines.
Despite its high price tag, the Crane-Simplex Model 5 was popular among wealthy car enthusiasts, and was owned by many prominent figures of the time.
Today, the car is considered a classic example of early 20th century automotive design, and is highly sought after by collectors with only a few dozen believed to still exist.
The good news is that Rockefeller’s car still exists and can be seen today in the LeMay-America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington, having undergone a 100th anniversary restoration.
16 – 28 Liberty Street
Formerly known as One Chase Manhattan Plaza, this 60-storey skyscraper is located in the Financial District of Manhattan and was proposed by David Rockefeller in the 1950’s.
The building was designed as a means to keep the newly merged Chase Manhattan Bank within Lower Manhattan while merging its 8,700 employees into one facility.
The building has about 1.8 million square feet of above-ground floor area, features a 30-foot tall lobby, five basement levels below the concourse and once had vaults located on the lowest floor.
The fifth basement had a bank vault nearly the size of a football field, which sorted $35 billion worth of securities and covered about half the site.
Largely built above a layer of quicksand located 60 feet, over 45,000 gallons of sodium silicate and 99 short tons of calcium chloride were used to solidify the site through more than 200 pipes.
At the time of construction, the total cost was estimated at $121 million, however once completed, the building is thought to have cost significantly more at $138 million in total.
Today the building is owned by Fosun, a Chinese investment company, who paid roughly $725 million for the building in 2013.
15 – Lakewood Golf Course, New Jersey
Located in Lakewood Township, New Jersey, this public 18-hole golf course was originally built in the 1890’s and was once owned by John Rockefeller.
John Rockefeller began acquiring property in Lakewood, New Jersey in March 1901 and the course features tree-lined fairways, several water hazards, and well-manicured greens.
A popular choice for golfers of all skill levels, Lakewood Golf Course also features a driving range and practice putting green, as well as a pro shop and snack bar.
The course is open year-round, weather permitting, and tee times can be booked online or by phone and Lakewood Township is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and beautiful parks.
The town is also home to several shopping and dining destinations, making it a great place to visit for a day or weekend getaway.
14 – St. Barts Home
Once owned by the late billionaire businessman and philanthropist, David Rockefeller, who passed away in 2017, this luxurious private estate located on the island of St. Barthelemy in the Caribbean.
The estate spans over 15 acres and features a main residence, guest house, and several other buildings.
The main residence is a sprawling five-bedroom villa that boasts stunning ocean views, high ceilings, and luxurious amenities such as a pool, spa, and fitness center.
The guest house is equally as impressive, with three bedrooms and its own private pool.
The property is known for its beautiful landscaping, which includes lush tropical gardens and manicured lawns.
There are also several outdoor living spaces, including a covered terrace with a dining area, a barbecue pit, and an outdoor bar.
Considered one of the most exclusive and sought-after properties on the island, the home is not open to the public and is only available for rent to a select group of high-profile guests.
The estate offers a level of privacy and seclusion that is difficult to find in other vacation rentals on the island, making it a favorite of celebrities, politicians, and other VIPs.
13 – The Casements
Another substantial property that was once owned by late billionaire businessman and philanthropist, John D. Rockefeller, this home is named after the large casement windows that adorn the front of the house.
The house was built in 1913 and was purchased by Rockefeller in 1918 as a winter retreat and he spent many winters at the property until his death in 1937.
The Casements is now owned by the City of Ormond Beach and has been restored to its original grandeur. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The house features over 30 rooms and is decorated with antique furnishings and artwork while the property also includes several acres of gardens, a riverfront park, and a cultural center that hosts art exhibits, concerts, and other events.
Open to the public for tours, which provide a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most famous industrialists and philanthropists, visitors can explore the house’s many rooms, including the library, music room, and dining room.
In addition to its historical significance, the Casements also serves as a community center for the City of Ormond Beach and is a popular venue for weddings, meetings, and other special events.
12 – Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate
One of the more famous Rockefeller Estate’s, this historic property is located in Pocantico Hills, New York and has been the home of several generations of the Rockefeller family.
The estate spans over 1,400 acres and features several historic buildings, including a six-story stone mansion, a coach barn, a golf house, and several gardens and terraces.
The mansion, which was built in the early 20th century, is a Beaux-Arts style building with 40 rooms that are decorated with art and antiques from around the world.
The property is known for its stunning views of the Hudson River Valley and its landscaped gardens, which were designed by renowned landscape architect William Welles Bosworth.
Now owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation its gardens feature fountains, sculptures, and an extensive collection of rare trees and shrubs.
Kykuit is considered one of the most impressive and significant estates in the United States and attracts visitors from around the world who come to learn about the history of one of America’s most influential families.
11 – The JY Ranch
Considered a national treasure and recognized as a valuable example of the American West’s rich cultural heritage, JY Ranch was known for its high-quality cattle.
Known today as the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, it sits on a 1,106 acre refuge within Grand Teton National Park on the southern end of Phelps Lake.
Owned by John D. Rockefeller and his family after he purchased the ranch in 1932 for just $49,000, quite a significant amount of money at the time.
The home became the Rockefeller family’s summer retreat, eventually donating much of the land to The National Park Service.
The property is now owned by the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, and is operated as a public park and nature preserve where visitors can hike or ride horses through the scenic landscape, learn about the history of the ranch.
10 – Fieldwood Farm
Owned by Blanchette Ferry Rockefeller, John D. Rockefeller’s wife, Fieldwood spans over 1,200 acres and includes several barns, training facilities, and paddocks.
Known for breeding and training high-quality thoroughbred racehorses, many of which have gone on to win major races and championships, the farm is located on the wider Pocantico estate.
Fieldwood Farm has a long and storied history in the horse racing industry and has been associated with some of the sport’s most famous horses, including Native Dancer, Sea Hero, and Rags to Riches.
The farm is also known for its breeding program, which has produced several champions and award-winning horses over the years.
Today, Fieldwood Farm continues to be one of the leading thoroughbred horse farms in the United States and is owned by the Mellon family and operated as a commercial breeding and racing operation.
The farm is also open to visitors by appointment, giving fans of the sport a chance to see these majestic animals up close and learn about the rich history of thoroughbred horse racing.
9 – International House of New York
Originally providing a significant donation to help establish the International House of New York, which opened its doors in 1924, the Rockefeller family and the International House of New York have a historical connection.
Over the years, the Rockefeller family has continued to support the mission of the International House and in 2009, David Rockefeller Jr. made a generous gift to create the David Rockefeller Global Leadership Program.
In addition, several members of the Rockefeller family have been involved with the International House over the years.
Nelson Rockefeller, the grandson of John D. Rockefeller Jr., served on the I-House Board of Trustees in the 1950s and 1960s, and his wife Happy Rockefeller was a longtime supporter of the organization.
Many other members of the Rockefeller family have also been involved with the International House as donors, volunteers, and advocates for its mission.
8 – Rockwood Hall
Originally owned by William Rockefeller, the younger brother of John D. Rockefeller, Rockwood Hall served as his country home in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Located in Sleepy Hollow, New York, this historic estate covers over 200 acres and features a large mansion, extensive gardens, and scenic views of the Hudson River.
The mansion was designed in the Beaux-Arts style and features elaborate architectural details, including a grand entrance hall, a sweeping staircase, and ornate plasterwork and woodcarving.
After William Rockefeller’s death in 1922, the property was sold to the American Cyanamid Company and used as a research facility for many years.
In the 1980s, the property was acquired by the State of New York and incorporated into the Rockefeller State Park Preserve.
Today, the mansion and its surrounding grounds are open to the public for tours and events and the property is a popular destination for hikers, picnickers, and nature enthusiasts.
7 – Playhouse Estate
Built by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. for his family in 1927, this two-story, Tudor-style building was built for the family to gather, host events, and simply have a good time.
The family hired architect Edward Durell Stone to oversee a renovation in the 1940’s, which involved adding several new wings to the original structure and updating the interior to create a modern living space.
Located on the vast Rockefeller estate in New York, this home, has today, been passed to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Located alongside a nine-hole golf-course, the Playhouse includes and indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball court, squash court, billiards room, and bowling alleys.
More than 270 members of the Rockefeller family have gathered there twice annually for meetings and will continue to do so under a lease with the National Trust.
6 – Laurel Hill Estate
Once owned by Abby Rockefeller Mauzé, the granddaughter of oil magnate, John D. Rockefeller, this massive estate has 57 acres of woodland, a pool, tennis court and Tudor mansion.
Now owned by William J. Catacosinos, the estate is worth $18,500,000 and has been completely modernized while honoring its enduring legacy.
Completely fenced for ultimate privacy, the land itself acts a barrier from prying eyes and the home features a three-quarter-mile drive lined with stands of beech trees and a cobblestone motor court.
The historic 10,000-square-foot Tudor manor, dating to 1928, presides over the property against a backdrop of rolling manicured lawns.
The estate also features a three bedroom guest cottage, root cellar, carriage house and a pool house.
Several private schools are within driving distance as well as hospitals, country clubs, churches and both JFK and MacArthur airports are 45 minutes away.
5 – One Beekman Place
Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac overlooking the East River and is known for its exclusive location and high-end amenities, One Beekman Place was built by John D. Rockefeller in 1929.
Featuring four bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, the home was well placed for some of the amazing parties that took place here.
Easily worth the $11,500,000 asking price and coming with a with a maintenance of $8,800 a month, this is by far one of the nicest homes on the East River.
Among other famous tenants was John D. Rockefeller III, Sir Francis Rundall, the British consul-general in New York and “Wild Bill” Donovan of the Office of Strategic Services.
The home features 60 linear feet of windows, a one-bedroom staff apartment on a separate floor and 5,200-square-feet of living space.
The home also features a private elevator, stylish library, soaring ceilings and fireplaces, expansive eat-in kitchen, indoor swimming pool and east-facing garden courtyard.
One Beekman Place was a pioneer building among some of the earlier pre-war buildings.
4 – Upper East Side Townhouse
Another home belonging to the late David Rockefeller, this 10,000-square-foot home recently sold for $20 million.
Located at at 146 East 65th Street, the property was was originally built in 1924 where Rockefeller hired Mott Schmidt to renovate the interior.
Spread over five floors including a 2,958 square foot basement, the home has eight bedrooms and eight full bathrooms while the spiral staircase has a domed skylight at the top.
The basement includes a temperature-controlled wine vault and the whole property is served by its own elevator covering all levels.
Officially Peggy and David Rockefeller’s primary residence for 69 years, the home is 40 feet wide and has a gold dining room that overlooks the 40-foot-wide garden.
3 – 13 West 54th Street Home, NYC
Originally commissioned for businessman William Murray, he sold number 13 to John D. Rockefeller Sr. in 1906 who let his son-in-law, John D. Rockefeller Jr live in the home until 1913.
Nelson Rockefeller used number 13 as an office from the 1940s until his death in 1979 and he purchased number 15 and operated it as the Museum of Primitive Art from 1957 to 1979.
Designated the house as an official landmark in 1981 the homes were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
Today the houses are used for a number of ventures including restaurant space.
2 – Chase Manhattan Bank
Probably one of the most famous banks linked to the Rockefeller dynasty, John D. Rockefeller, Jr made a significant acquisition through the Equitable Trust Company of New York in 1930.
This instantly made Chase the largest bank in the US and the world and in 1955, Chase National Bank and The Manhattan Company merged to create the Chase Manhattan Bank.
Chase established the first branch of an American bank in Moscow, in the then Soviet Union in 1973 and took control of over 16 companies.
After global success as CEO of the bank, Rockefeller retired in 1981, succeeded by his protégé Willard C. Butcher.
1 – 740 Park Avenue
One of the most expensive properties in the Rockefeller Dynasty, the $39.5 Million Penthouse at 740 Park Avenue was built in 1929 by James T. Lee and was designed by architect Rosario Candela.
So me of its more famous residents include, of course, John D. Rockefeller, but other names people may recognise include Stephen Schwarzman and Vera Wang.
The home includes a private elevator vestibule that covers every floor, multiple living and entertaining spaces and a wood-paneled library with a built-in bar.
The property includes a formal dining room with renovated kitchen and butler’s pantry that has its own separate wine refrigerator.
Named one of the World’s Richest Apartment Building’s, much media coverage has been had over the decades.
Several high profile buyers have had their offers turned down including Joan Crawford, Barbra Streisand and Barbara Walters.
The building in which the apartment is located is by far one of the city’s most celebrated addresses and sits on its corner with absolute authority.
Other features that residents have access to include a doorman and a concierge, a health club, private storage and a central laundry room.
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