A Look at Madam C.J. Walker’s Stunning New York Estate

Madam C.J. Walker made Black history when she became the first woman self-made millionaire in the country. Inspired by her scalp and hair loss issues, the daughter of enslaved parents built her own brand of trailblazing haircare products made with Black people in mind.

The Louisiana-born businesswoman eventually settled in New York, building a beautiful home in Irvington, a town located along the Hudson River, just 20 miles north of Manhattan. Villa Lewaro wasn’t just a home. It was a place for Walker to host many of her friends, including Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, who were leaders in the Harlem Renaissance.

Villa Lewaro was designated a historical landmark in 1976 and purchased by The New Voices Foundation, an organization that helps women of color entrepreneurs get access to capital, in 2018. Because this is home that you truly have to see to believe, we’re taking a look inside Madam C.J. Walker’s beautiful estate.

Entrepreneur and Activist

Madam C.J. Walker was best known for her “Madam Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower. However, she was also an activist who used her platform and her resources to advocate against lynching and to improve the quality and access to education for Black people.

A Massive Estate

Walker tapped Vernor Woodson Tandy, the first Black architect registered in the state of New York, to design her lavish estate. Built in 1918, the 20,000-square-foot home, which sits on four acres of land, has amazing curb appeal and stunning details, including the large stone columns that lead to the entryway.

Surrounded by Greenery

The view from the rear of the home is just as impressive, with spectacular staircases and plenty of lush greenery for added privacy.

Related: Ingenious Stories of Daring Slave Escapes That Will Make You Proud to Be Black

A Backyard Oasis

One of the highlights of the backyard is the swimming pool, which is surrounded by perfectly manicured

It’s All in the Details

Gold accents, ornate chandeliers and archways carved from stone are just some of the timeless details found throughout Walker’s home that make it so unique.

A Regal Feel

Another angle of the entryway shows off the beautiful marble floors and a grand staircase that is perfect for someone who wants to make an entrance.

Custom Organ

One of the most special features of the home was this grand organ, which allowed Walker, who loved music, to hear beautiful sounds throughout the space.

Spacious Dining Room

The dining room was made for large dinners and gatherings. Among the beautiful details are hand-painted ceilings and French doors, which open to the patio.

Comfortable Sitting Room

You could easily get lost in a home with 34 rooms, especially when there are so many intimate spaces for guests to relax. This sitting area includes lots of seating and a piano.

Space to Entertain

This spacious parlor is located just off the dining room. From the fireplace, to the ornate chandelier, to the rich wallpaper, this space is full of luxurious details.

Stained Glass Windows

Stained glass floor-to-ceiling windows add a touch of elegance to this grand parlor.

Cozy Bedrooms

The second level of the home is where you can find the bedrooms. Walker and her daughter, A’Lelia, had their own wings on the floor for added privacy.

Kitchen

The home included a full kitchen with lots of cabinet space, refrigeration and a working stove.