In the heart of a quiet New York countryside, a remarkable story unfolded at Gladwood, a grand estate lost to time. Back in 1921, William Walter Willock Sr., a powerful railroad executive, bought a large plot of land in what was then southern East Norwich. He soon built a stunning three-story home called Gladwood, tucked away off Oyster Bay Road.
This wasn’t just any mansion—it sat on 200 acres filled with wonders like tennis courts, a big pool, and, most amazingly, a full-size train with its own track looping across the property. Unlike other fancy estates of the era, Gladwood’s train set it apart, sparking curiosity about the Willock family’s bold vision.
A Home Full of Drama and Delight
Gladwood buzzed with life and surprises over the years. In 1926, a shocking $16,000 theft rocked the estate, with the money later found hidden in a local’s cabinet—claimed to have “magically appeared”! Just three years later, in 1929, headlines flared when William Willock Jr. married a foreign servant, upsetting his parents at first. Thankfully, they soon welcomed her warmly.
The estate’s story took a turn in 1939 when William Sr. passed away, leaving his $120 million fortune to his son and daughter-in-law. Around this time, the family made a surprising move, cutting down two-thirds of the mansion, leaving only the left wing—a mystery still waiting to be explored.
Treasures and a New Legacy
The Willocks didn’t just live quietly. William Jr. became known for collecting rare automotive relics, turning the grounds into a showcase of vintage cars that drew attention into the 1960s. The estate’s train remained a highlight, chugging along until the family decided to move it to a Maryland property.
In a generous act on May 1, 1963, William Jr. donated 2.15 acres, including outbuildings, to the nearby village of Muttontown, established decades earlier. This gift became the village hall, a lasting mark of the Willocks’ presence. Soon after, the family left Gladwood, taking their locomotive with them.
Echoes of a Lost Era
Gladwood stood as a shell of its former glory until 2005, when a modern McMansion replaced the remaining wing. Yet, traces linger—outbuildings and remnants dot the landscape, while the train rests in Maryland.
This once-vibrant estate, with its train and quirky tales, inspires others to uncover the hidden stories of century homes, proving history’s magic endures.