5. Wave Hill

Wave Hill was constructed in 1843 by William Lewis Morris, grandnephew of Lewis Morris, signer of the Declaration of Independence. Its famous residents have included Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, and Arturo Toscanini. In 1960, the house was donated to New York City. Today, Wave Hill is a great place to go to escape the urbanism of the City. In addition to gray fieldstone mansion, Wave Hill boasts a green house, gardens, and views of the Palisades which are unrivaled.