A historic Tarrytown estate will be getting a facelift thanks to a $1 million grant from the state Historic Preservation Office.

The renovations won't occur in the Lyndhurst Mansion itself, but instead on other properties that sit on the same land.

The project will tackle the rundown Lyndhurst swimming pool building, which was built by Helen Gould.

"She built it particularly to train young women and girls how to swim. There had been a drowning when a ferry on the Hudson River sank, and many of the women and girls died even though the water was shallow because they didn't have the slightest idea how to swim," says Howard Zar, executive director of the Lyndhurst. 

The Rose Garden will also be restored.

"There were also perennial flowers that we'll put back, there was also a fountain in there, there was lots of marble seating, so that will go in this whole area," says Zar.  "We'll paint the greenhouse frame, and there's a major fountain that will go in front of that."

Because the area is so flat, it gives them the opportunity to make improvements on accessibility for those who are handicapped.

"With disability parking and then surfaces where people, for example in wheelchairs or with mobility disabilities, they'll be able to walk and experience a really beautiful part of the landscape," says Zar. 

The project is estimated to take about two to three years, since it will have to be done in phases.

Lyndhurst is currently closed for the season but reopens to the public in April. 
People are then welcome to walk through the grounds from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for free.