For those arriving from the east at the Vanderbilt estate, the East Gate House, designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the Vanderbilt architect, was their first glimpse of the premises. Situated at the northeast corner of the estate, the two story English cottage is a well-survived example of the nineteenth century architecture favored by the Vanderbilts. A smooth brick first floor is topped by a half-timbered and stucco second floor. All windows are diamond pane casements. Constructed prior to 1888, the cost was reported to be $40,000.

The well across from the gate house marked the eastern end of the famous Century Run for cyclists at the turn of the nineteenth century. It was connected to the gate house by the elaborate Vanderbilt iron fence seven feet high supported by stone posts ten feet apart and lofty entrance gates, constructed at a cost of $28,000, which were installed in 1890. As thirsty cyclists reached the well, they would take a much-needed draught of water, sign a log at the gate house, and proceed on their return ride to Brooklyn.

It is said that Willie K. Vanderbilt, Jr., once took his school lessons in the East Gate House.

Through the years following the departure of the Vanderbilts, the Gate House has had a varied history: as a private home and real estate office for James Johnson, formerly in charge of the Vanderbilt stables; as a Dowling fraternity house; as a home and hair salon.

Today it still stands at the corner of Montauk Highway and Vanderbilt Boulevard as a gracious entry marker to the Idle Hour section of Oakdale.

Let's walk down the road to the West Gate House.