Villa Lewaro, Historic mansion in Irvington, New York, United States.
Villa Lewaro is a large mansion in Irvington, New York, built in an Italian style. The three-story building holds richly ornamented interiors with a central staircase and windows overlooking the Hudson River.
Businesswoman Madam C.J. Walker commissioned the estate in 1918 after gaining wealth through manufacturing hair care products. Her daughter A'Lelia continued the house as a social center following her death in 1919.
The salon within the estate became a gathering spot for writers and thinkers from Harlem in the 1920s. The hostess received her guests in rooms with hand-painted ceilings and gold-leaf details.
Access to the building is usually limited to tours or foundation events. The approach is through roads along the Hudson River with parking near the entrance.
The estate name came from the first two letters of each word in the daughter's original name: Lelia Walker Robinson. The idea for this letter combination originated with Enrico Caruso, a well-known opera singer of the time.
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