About Olmsted-Beil House

Located within Olmsted-Beil House Park in Eltingville, NY, on the south shore of Staten Island, the Olmsted-Beil House was Frederick Law Olmsted’s primary residence from 1848-1855. The 130-acre site— later named Tosomock Farm— housed his agricultural and landscaping experiments and inspired many improvements that would influence his later designs. 

He redesigned the grounds to improve their aesthetics and utility, including moving structures to improve views of the nearby Raritan Bay. He created winding roads and paths, refined drainage techniques for improving sanitation and planted native and exotic trees in great variety. Some tree species he planted at the farm were featured prominently in his designs for Central Park and other spaces. 

During his residency at the farm, Olmsted embarked on a trip to Europe (1850) and then on two journeys through the American South (1852–1854) to report on slavery for The New York Times. These travels resulted in Walks and Talks of an American Farmer in England (1852) and The Cotton Kingdom (1861). It has recently been substantiated from Olmsted’s correspondence that he wrote both books while he was living on the property.  

In 2006, Olmsted’s farmhouse was purchased by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation from the Beil family, and the site became part of the NYC Parks system. Today, the 1.7-acre site and two-story wood and stone farmhouse are all that remain of the original farm. 

The house was designated a New York City Landmark in 1967. It was listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places in 2019 and the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. While the park welcomes visitors, the home itself is currently closed to the public while it awaits restoration.