The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: June eighth, touring the treasures of Kykuit.

The 65-room mansion is situated strategically amid nearly 100 acres of formal gardens, near the village of Sleepy Hollow on the Hudson River an hour north of Manhattan. For a century, it was a private paradise for the Rockefeller family. Seven years ago, the gates of the huge estate were opened, and now from late April through November, you can come in and look around.

Run by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Hudson Valley Organization, Kykuit is both a conference center and an excellent house museum. The four-story Georgian structure retains the homey feel of a private residence, albeit one of grand tradition. There's an eclectic collection of art on its walls, including Rockefeller family portraits by artists ranging from John Singer Sargent to Andy Warhol. Works by Braque, Chagall and Picasso share display space with 17th-century English prints and ancient Chinese burial sculptures. The sculpture garden assembled by Nelson Rockefeller in the 19 years he lived at Kykuit has dozens of modern pieces by Calder, David Smith, Jacques Lipschitz and Henry Moore.

The Italian Villa gardens feature fountains, grottos and a grand swimming pool with a pebbled mosaic floor. There's a tea house furnished with Roman reproductions and a Temple of Venus. The stone coach barn features the family's carriages and automobiles. And, to divert your attention from the manmade wonders, there's the priceless view of the Hudson River valley.

Kykuit, a gift from the Rockefeller family to the nation.

For information on Kykuit, call Historic Hudson Valley: 914-631-8200 or visit www.hudsonvalley.org For tickets 914-631-9491

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