See inside Coe Hall, a 65-room mansion built by a Gilded Age businessman who was booked on the Titanic's return voyage
The mansion, Coe Hall, was built by William Robertson Coe, an executive who succeeded in the insurance and railroad businesses, and his wife, Mai Rogers, an heiress to a fortune built on Standard Oil money. In fact, Coe was the president of the company that brokered the insurance for the hull of what was known as an unsinkable ship: the Titanic. He was even booked on the return voyage of the Titanic from New York City to England, per the Long Island Press.
Coe Hall — the second mansion to be built on the property after the original from 1906 burned down in 1918 — looks like it was transplanted from the English countryside and dropped on the Gold Coast, a stretch of Long Island's North Shore that earned its nickname for the opulent estates built by wealthy families around the turn of the 20th century.
That's on purpose, as they wanted to make it seem like the home had been there for decades, making them " old money."
During my tour of the property this spring, a docent told me some architectural touches didn't match at the time of construction, as if to give the appearance that the home had been remodeled over the years.
In addition to the main house, which was designed by the architectural firm Walker & Gillette, the arboretum is home to beautiful landscaping and gardens designed by the famous Olmsted Brothers, who also designed Central Park and Oheka Castle.
Here's what it's like to visit one of the largest Gold Coast mansions left on Long Island.
Down the other hallway were the kids' bedrooms. They were all closed, though, because Netflix filmed season three of "The Diplomat" at Coe Hall, and these rooms were used as storage.
Coming back down the stairs, I got another look at just how intricate and intentional every detail in the house was.
Now it was time to check out the much-revered grounds.
Right off the bat, this fountain caught my eye.
I also enjoyed this courtyard. The landscaping was by the Olmsted Brothers, who also designed Central Park and Oheka Castle.
Near the house, there's a small pond and a bench off a hidden path. It's the perfect spot for quiet contemplation.
But the main draws of the backyard are the Blue Pool Garden and the Tea House.
Before the pool was here, this area was a tennis court. It took 16 workers to dig out 16,000 square yards of soil to build the sunken pool.
At the end of the garden is the Tea House, which was built in 1906.
The exterior makes the Tea House look like something out of a fairytale.
Can't you just hear someone saying, "Once upon a time"?
Rogers entertained her friends in the Tea House on nice days.
It looks like the inside of a Tiffany's box.
The other structure in this area of the park is the Playhouse, which was built so Natalie, the Coes' daughter, could have a place to play house.
As we continued walking around the park, we came to this archway made of pine trees.
Walking through it felt like walking through a storybook.
On the other side of the archway is the Main Greenhouse, built in 1914.
This was originally called the Hibiscus House, but now it's a mixture of tropical plants.
One corner of the building was anchored by this giant palm tree.
There were plenty of paths to walk down to get the full experience.
We then walked the Azalea Walk, one of 13 trails at the Planting Fields.
That led us to the other greenhouse on-site, the Camellia Greenhouse, built in 1917.
It has the largest collection of camellias under glass in the northeast.
However, camellia season is in January, so we missed it.
But there were still plenty of flowers and plants to check out in this greenhouse.
There are many more gardens to see at Coe Hall, including a rose garden, a hydrangea collection, and a dahlia garden.
Walking around Planting Fields and Coe Hall felt like stepping back in time and revealed the remarkable wealth of Gilded Age families. Any history buff should pay it a visit, if they can.
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Miami Herald
24 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
Discovered while in France's Basque Country: A desire to go back for good
In my 20s, I was a nanny in Switzerland, wrote a book in Spain and backpacked the globe. My husband, Benjamin, was raised in Spain, studied music in Germany, and fell in love with a restless American-Swiss girl in California. That's me. 'Citizens of the world,' we call ourselves, with bloodlines from Africa to Greece. While we might be rooted in San Diego, our limbs have clawed toward a brighter sun - the type that leaves mental tan lines as seasons change. And so, on our recent escapade we chose France, a country we've frequented over a dozen times, but always to the usual suspects. Now, nearing our fifties, we are plummeting through a midlife crisis. With 12 days on the calendar and restlessness on our hands, we dropped a pin where we could surf, hike and raise a glass to French cheese, Spanish tapas and everything in between. Enter the French Basque Country, cradled between the Pyrenees, the Atlantic, and a fútbol kick from Spain. We knew nothing about the area other than it sounded curated by us. Our plan was to fly into Barcelona, road-trip through southwestern France, and fly out of Paris. As usual, we started sleep deprived, stressing our way toward relaxation. We were ready for change, craving a remodulation of life in the mist of redundancy. This trip meant more than a vacation. It meant hope. As a beacon of limitless potential, it illuminated where retirement might lead. For now, that was Avis at the Barcelona airport. In Spain, Benjamin felt right at home, other than the fact we were renting an electric car with more screens than an American sports bar. In the U.S., the car would be 'compact,' but in Barcelona we were driving an SUV. Lanes were narrow, traffic was thick and drivers were bold. Siri spoke Spanish through the car and English through our phones, and we couldn't understand either because we were screaming at her. I bit my knuckles, wrung my shirt and braked the floor of the passenger side. Pulling into Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, we needed a drink, and the hotel delivered with a bottle of champagne in our room. Behind the design was Patricia Urquiola, splashing contemporary touches that spilled onto the rooftop garden, spa and restaurant by 7-Michelin-star chef Carme Ruscalleda. After a drink, steam and swim, we hit the town unsure of our destination. Two days were set aside to acclimate, but little did we know Barcelona would be a culinary awakening. Our hotel was smack in the middle of Quadrat d'Or gleaming with modernism architecture by Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. It felt good to explore, and more so when we stumbled onto Rambla de Catalunya where chic boutiques lure the fashionable. It snagged us with bars where jamón ibérico (cured ham), steamed mussels, tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelet), and other tapas left us speechless. Finally, we could exhale and sleep -12 hours to be exact. We felt revived to eat again, this time during a tapas tour hosted by City Experiences (Devour). Eating our way around the Gothic Quarter and Born neighborhoods, we paced ourselves on Catalan wines and small bites at family-run restaurants. From grain cellars to bustling bodegas, these tucked-away treasures were about authenticity. Duvets and Catalan flags fanned from balconies where curious cats watched the world go by. We drank around wine-barrels on cobblestone plaças where flamenco dancers passionately stomped near cathedrals. Behind storefront windows swayed sausages and pig legs, as chalkboards temped sangria and beer. Steps within drinking was Sagrada Familia, Barcelona's iconic Basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi. It was under construction when I saw it as a child and still was now. Despite cranes and scaffolding, the World Heritage Site was buttoning up for completion in 2026 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death. Until then, I would stand in awe of the architectural masterpiece. Just outside, couples were kissing, children were chasing bubbles and locals were walking dogs, playing dominos, reading books and everything that made life present. 'Maybe we should stay in Spain,' I suggested. Instead, we drove seven hours to Biarritz, a seaside resort just over the French border and the birthplace of European surfing. In the 19th century, European royalty put it on the map, and in the 1950s, surfers kept it there. A far cry from San Diego's surf scene, streets were lined with elegant architecture, luxury boutiques, and regal properties including Hôtel du Palais Biarritz-the former residence of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. The city's blend of haute couture and surf culture was unlike anything I had seen. Surfing, eating, exploring became our unwritten itinerary; and of course, sleeping at Regina Experimental. Founded in 1907, the 5-star hotel had a resurgence in 2024 with sleek rooms boasting French balconies opening to the sea and Golf de Biarritz - one of Europe's most prestigious courses. Reimagined by Dorothée Meilichzon, decor of the Belle Époque edifice applauded both Basque Country and seaside living with marine stripes and a wink of sisal and rope. Centering the hotel was an atrium where guests gathered for cocktails, piano, and breakfasts that made the lactose intolerant claim they were cured. Cut tableside were paper-thin slices of jamon that melted on the tongue paired with brie, butter and baguettes. We popped olives like candy and ate croissants like they were trending. From our room was a direct shot of the lighthouse where yoga took place on weekends. A rooftop pool, spa and fitness center were all sampled by moi because for these 12 days c'est la vie. By day we surfed La Grande Plage, walked the boardwalk and admired how locals looked effortlessly fashionable. It made me want to invest in scarves. Detours were made at Halles de Biarritz market and Côte des Basques beach - the surfing epicenter of Biarritz. From cliffside cafés, people drank wine with lunch, as if work was an afterthought. Joining the masses, we ordered a bottle, turning strangers into friends along Rue Gambetta. Gone were cell phones and language barriers, and in their place were eye contact and unfiltered authenticity. Of course, the camera came out the next day during our culinary tour of Bordeaux. The two-hour drive from Biarritz landed us back under the guidance of City Experiences (Devour). Between bites, we toured the center with its picturesque squares and narrow streets lined with boulangeries, brasseries and boutiques. From chocolate croissants and caramelized canelés to Tonka-bean truffles and dunes blanche (cream pastries), we sampled our way from one emblematic treat to another. The highlight was meeting cheesemonger Delphine, whose fromagerie served us charcuterie fit for a king - literally. Chez Delphine has fed everyone from the King of England to, well, us. In non-royal fashion, I asked how one might go about smuggling the 80-pound cheese wheel. It was easy to lose sight of reality, especially exploring Cathedral Saint André and Golden Quarter. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bordeaux had much more to offer than wine and cheese. In the late-90s, a restoration effort by Mayor Alan Juppé brightened historic buildings, renewed abandoned warehouses and revived the waterfront. In 2017, a fast train cut commuting from Paris down to two hours - plus its location ranks Bordeaux among the best qualities of life. Understandably so. We were hooked on southwestern France, especially on those long drives with stops at village cafes and Dune du Pilat - the tallest sand dune in Europe. Kids barreled down hillsides, dogs chased kitesurfers and I shoveled sand with my toes. We were far from ready to bid farewell to the ocean. Back in Biarritz, we moved to Le Garage, the sister hotel of Regina Experimental. The boutique property originally served as a parking garage - and then a mechanic shop - for classic cars of Regina's wealthy guests. In 2021, the garage was reborn as a design hotel with a neo-retro style complete with a bistro and pool. The minibar, espresso machine, bathrobe and slippers - I used them all because back home, life was not this. From our terrace, Benjamin mumbled something about the wild waves. Wild was an understatement. A swell came in, meaning waves pounded seaside cliffs. And so, we drove 45 minutes to surf in Spain. Zurriola Beach in San Sebastián was our spot of choice, where we paddled among locals while respecting the wave as theirs before ours. On the shore, dogs ran freely, couples loved openly and I couldn't stop smiling. Post-surf, we walked to Parte Vieja, historical old town in search of tapas, or 'pintxos' in the Basque Country. We ordered a dozen of these open-faced sandwiches and skewers, leaning into San Sebastián's reputation as the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world. Walking under the moonlight, I asked Benjamin, 'Are we sure we don't want to retire in Spain?' Back in France, that question faded in the foothills of the Pyrenees. In the town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, hikers were everywhere, backpacks locked and loaded as they embarked on the 500-mile Camino de Santiago trail. The 35-day pilgrimage spans from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port into northern Spain. 'Should we grab a beer?' Benjamin asked timely. We did, right after walking the city ramparts over arched bridges to the Citadel. The fairy tale continued at our bed-and-breakfast, Clos Mirabel, a white manor on the outskirts of Pau. With sweeping views of the Pyrenees, the property was built in 1732 as a Béarnaise farmhouse. From English lords to Parisian merchants, the 15-acre estate changed hands before landing in those of current owners, André and Ann. In 2005, the French-Canadian couple turned it into a hilltop haven while retaining its historical soul. Three years later, the manor opened its doors as a hotel, and most recently as the creative retreat, Clos Mirabel's Art Ateliers. Hosted by renowned artists, weeklong stays cater to painters, writers, tailors, carpenters, photographers, botanists, and other artisans. Meals were prepared with ingredients from the poolside garden, overlooking vineyards and the Pyrenees. For something more private, there's a villa and an apartment, the latter which became our base. Ranked by Forbes among top 10 places to retire, Pau was intentional. As the capital of the Béarn region, it was the birthplace of Henri IV and possibly the resting place of us. Low-cost living, high-quality life, old-world charm - it had all the makings of a retirement dream. Throw in free health care, low crime, good weather and its location between mountains and sea - it was easy to envision ourselves hiking, surfing, skiing, and basking in the French sunshine. But for now, we would stroll Boulevard des Pyrénées, Les Halles market, and Beaumont Park - part of Pau's 1,900-acres of gardens that make Pau one of the greenest cities in Europe. We drank at Aragon and dined at Le Berry, a lively brasserie with lines out the door. Just when we thought we had tapped it all, we discovered Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a fishing village where slender streets unlocked the bay of Grande Plage. On the water's edge, we lunched at La Terrasse where grilled sardines, seafood paella, drinks and dessert cost just $53. No one seemed to be in a hurry, walking the strand with dogs as accessories or surfing the outer banks. Even the pigeons looked content, strutting with fries dangling like cigarettes. As our last stop in Basque Country, we paused in Bayonne, a city known for its medieval streets, Gothic-style cathedrals, and riverwalk with red-shuttered half-timbered houses. Before our 8-hour drive to Paris, we stocked up on supplies, particularity chocolate that named Bayonne the 'chocolate capital of France.' Anxiety returned in Paris, weaving into the thickness of tourism as I directed Benjamin into parking spaces with the use of my 'accordion' hands. Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme saved the day, our hotel where we could walk everywhere: The Louvre, Palais Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe. Despite our exploring, we set aside time to relax at our Hyatt palace, balancing classical architecture with contemporary design. Outside were unobstructed views of Parisian rooftops and inside were mahogany headboards, white linens and bronze sculptures by Roseline Granet. As the grand finale, we dined at PUR', the hotel's restaurant by architect Hugo Toro and Michelin-starred Chef Jean-François Rouquette. This collaboration of art-and-gastronomy was like stepping into a 1930s private residence, with a tasting menu spanning stuffed morels to open-sea abalone. The 5 a.m. drive to the airport was painful, still in a daze as headlights sparkled like diamonds through the guardrail. As much as we loved Paris and Barcelona, it was the French Basque Country that fed us culture over couture and freedom over fashion. Squeezing Benjamin's hand, I told him I wanted to come back ... for good. On the flight home, we discussed how we could go about starting a new life - and making an impact - in a country that was not our own. We spoke of a sickly boy named Gaudí who went on to become one of the most influential architects of all time; and of 1950s American surfers who longboarded their way into Biarritz; and a French girl named Delphine who visited over 100 dairy farms before building a fromagerie fit for the king. We talked of a mayor who turned a forgotten city into a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a Spanish city whose people loved food so much, it now had 18 Michelin stars within a 10-minute drive; we reflected on a French-Canadian couple who took an abandoned estate and turned it into a hilltop manor for global artisans. 'Let's do it,' Benjamin said. 'Let's retire in France.' His words were not just a fantasy. They were a manifestation. And now, some six months later, we have the mental tan lines to prove it. ________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Time Business News
3 hours ago
- Time Business News
Safe & Affordable 24/7 Service
Arriving at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport and heading straight to Madinah is a common route for many Umrah pilgrims. Whether you're visiting the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) first or heading there after your Umrah in Makkah, finding the right taxi service from Jeddah Airport to Madinah is essential for a smooth, stress-free journey. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: travel time, costs, how to book, and why a taxi might be your best option. ✅ Direct and door-to-door service ✅ No waiting for buses or trains ✅ Perfect for families and groups ✅ Travel at your own pace and schedule ✅ Private and comfortable ride after a long flight Distance : Approximately 420 kilometers (260 miles) : Approximately Average travel time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours depending on traffic and rest stops Taxis generally use the highway route which is well-paved and has several rest areas and mosques along the way. Available outside the terminal Metered or fixed-price Immediate availability Book online or via WhatsApp Meet-and-greet at arrival gate Fixed price, no surprises Luxury cars (Lexus, GMC, etc.) Professional, multilingual drivers Premium experience for high-end travelers Use official websites or transport service providers with Umrah experience. Confirm vehicle type, timing, and fare. Many local providers now offer convenient WhatsApp bookings with real-time support and confirmation. Located near arrivals, these booths offer taxi bookings on the spot. However, prices may be higher during peak times. Vehicle Type Capacity Estimated Fare (SAR) Standard Sedan 3-4 passengers 500–650 SAR SUV / Family Car 5–6 passengers 650–800 SAR Luxury Car (VIP) 3–4 passengers 900–1200 SAR Shared Ride (per seat) Group basis 100–200 SAR/person Note: Prices may vary during Ramadan, Hajj season, and public holidays. Pickup directly from airport arrival terminal Luggage handling English or Urdu-speaking driver (on request) Air-conditioned vehicle Optional stopovers for prayer or food Some services even include: Wi-Fi on board Baby seat (on request) Snacks and bottled water Pre-book your taxi , especially during Umrah and Hajj peak times , especially during Umrah and Hajj peak times Keep your passport and visa details handy for checkpoints en route handy for checkpoints en route Ask for a fixed price to avoid surprises to avoid surprises Take breaks during the trip, especially for elderly passengers during the trip, especially for elderly passengers Stay connected using a local SIM card for communication Yes, but with limitations: Not always available for long intercity trips Prices are usually higher than pre-booked taxis Availability depends on the time of day and driver willingness Best for those traveling solo or in an emergency situation. Fastest travel option (~2 hours) Requires taxi or shuttle to/from station Tickets must be booked in advance Affordable, but slower and less comfortable Not ideal after a long international flight Early Morning (6–9 AM): Less traffic, cooler temperature (6–9 AM): Less traffic, cooler temperature After Isha Prayer: Night travel is cooler and quiet, especially for those used to jet lag Yes, many services offer shared rides, especially for those on a budget. No permit is needed for entry, but always keep your Umrah visa and ID with you during travel. Yes, the highway is well-maintained and safe with frequent patrols and rest stops. Definitely. Just inform the driver ahead of time for planned stops. Yes, but it's advisable to use trusted or pre-booked services and share driver details with a family member. A taxi from Jeddah Airport to Madinah is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to start your spiritual journey. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or in a group, choosing a reliable taxi service ensures peace of mind after a long flight. Book in advance, confirm your driver, and enjoy a smooth ride to the city of the Prophet ﷺ. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
3 hours ago
- Time Business News
Reliable Hotel Pickup Service
Your journey of faith may be concluding, but the last step — getting from your Makkah hotel to Jeddah Airport — is just as important. Whether you're flying back home after Umrah or completing a memorable visit to the Holy City, a well-planned transfer ensures peace of mind, especially with international flights involved. Let's make sure your departure is smooth, timely, and stress-free. The distance from Makkah to Jeddah Airport (King Abdulaziz International Airport) is about 95 km (59 miles). On average, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours by car, though this can vary with traffic, especially during peak seasons like Ramadan or Hajj. Missing your flight due to traffic delays or late taxi arrivals is the last thing you want after a fulfilling spiritual journey. Booking your airport transfer in advance ensures you: Reach on time Avoid last-minute stress Get assistance with your luggage The most popular option. You can pre-book a comfortable ride with a trusted service. Careem and Uber operate intercity rides. Booking via app is easy but rates can fluctuate during busy hours. Some high-end hotels offer private or shared shuttles to the airport. These may be free or chargeable. SAPTCO buses are economical but may not suit those with tight schedules or heavy luggage. Direct pick-up from your hotel lobby Comfortable seating and AC vehicles English-speaking drivers available No waiting or multiple stops It's perfect for families, elderly travelers, or anyone with a lot of baggage. Commonly used hotels and areas include: Clock Tower Hotel (Abraj Al Bait) Hilton Suites Makkah Ajyad Street Al Misfalah and Aziziyah regions Hotels near Haram and King Abdul Aziz Road Transport Option Approx. Cost (SAR) Travel Time Private Taxi 250–350 90–120 min Uber/Careem 200–300 90–120 min SAPTCO Bus 70–100 2+ hrs Hotel Shuttle Varies (Free–200) 2 hrs For international flights, leave your hotel at least 6 hours before departure. Consider: Traffic conditions Prayer timings Airport check-in deadlines Terminal distance and baggage clearance Leaving after Fajr prayer is ideal for early morning flights. Ensure the company is: Licensed Well-reviewed online Offers 24/7 customer service Ask for: WhatsApp confirmation Clear pricing English-speaking driver (if needed) Details of the car and driver ahead of time Most taxis take the Haramain Expressway or Route 40 . or . There may be toll booths on the route. on the route. Rest stops or Masjids are available along the way. The driver may recite Quran or play nasheeds if requested. Pack and prep your luggage the night before your luggage the night before Keep passports, boarding passes, and Ihram documents accessible accessible Carry a light snack and water bottle Be ready at the hotel lobby 10 minutes before pickup Request: Minivan or SUV Extra legroom Baby car seats Wheelchair-friendly vehicles Let the service provider know in advance for a hassle-free trip. Unregistered drivers offering rides outside your hotel Booking late during high season Ignoring traffic reports or roadblocks Leaving too close to your flight time If you're a pilgrim: Zamzam water can be checked in at designated counters can be checked in at designated counters Use Pilgrim Lounges for relaxation before your flight for relaxation before your flight Some Umrah packages include return transfer—verify with your agent Your transfer from Makkah hotel to Jeddah Airport is more than just a ride — it's the final chapter of your spiritual trip. Whether you choose a private taxi, app-based ride, or shuttle service, planning ahead will give you peace of mind and time to reflect on your journey. Don't rush. Be ready. And let your return be as peaceful as your arrival. 1. How long is the drive from Makkah hotel to Jeddah Airport? It takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours under normal traffic conditions. 2. What's the best way to book a taxi? Online taxi services or pre-arranged private transfers through your hotel or trusted providers. 3. How much does it cost on average? Private taxis usually range from SAR 250–350, depending on vehicle type and time. 4. When should I leave for my international flight? At least 6 hours before your flight to accommodate traffic and airport formalities. 5. Are group transfer options available? Yes, many providers offer vans, coasters, or buses for group bookings. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
