A huge vase  near the house's main entrance as seen from across the upper garden;  the vase from the entry porch toward the garden ; and a  symmetrical display as viewed from in front of the entrance door.  The  overcast light brought out the lush greens and set a relaxed, contemplative mood.  The few light showers did not dampen our enjoyment.

Our group exploring the upper gardens and sculpture.

Stone, metal and plants provide pleasurable details at every turn.

Top:  The long view, across the Hudson is magnificent.  Middle:  The black rectangle nestled among the shaped hedges in the left foreground is a Louise Nevelson sculpture -- one of more than 70  in the gardens.   The plantings are carefully chosen and maintained.  Bottom:  The group exits the terraced gardens through delightful architectural details.

This elegant historic building began life in 1790 as a barn.

The windows in the luxurious interior looked out onto lovely lush gardens.    After inventive and delicious appetizers, including a smooth surprising beet drink, the group chose between salmon and steak.  Dessert was sample sizes of goat milk cheese cake, pecan pie, and chocolate cake.  Yum.

Their tummies happy, trippers board our bus, conveniently  just outside the restaurant, for our surprise last stop. 

When you enter this exquisitely crafted stone church, sunshine brings the windows to vibrant life.  You gain insight into  the relationship between the Rockefellers, distinguished patrons and collectors of modern art, and two great 20th-century artists:  Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall.   

It was the perfect ending to our visit to Kykuit.