The Ultimate Indoor Tennis Experience
By Coulby Dunn

In the early 1960's my family had spent some time living at the 650 acre Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Estate in Old Westbury. My father, John Dunn, was a tennis professional who leased many of the private indoor tennis facilities owned by the rich and famous on Long Island. I had the opportunity to play indoor tennis at many of these aristocratic "Play Palaces." In the 20's and 30's indoor tennis under glass was the norm on many of these huge "Gold Coast" Estates. I played indoors at the Pratt, Whitney, Martin, Woodward and Winthrop Estates. My father was fortunate to be able to purchase the Winthrop indoor tennis court in Woodbury and I spent the rest of my youth living and playing there.

At one time there were over 25 such indoor facilities. How many exist today is unknown but I believe there are still at least 10. Some of these tennis "playhouses" had heated pools, saunas, steam baths, grand ballrooms and guest rooms. Most were built in the Roaring 20's and were built sparing no expense. The courts were usually the largest structure on any estate and were used not only for tennis, but for coming out parties and other gala events. The rich and wealthy used these huge tennis structures for lavish parties of 200 guests or more. Dance floors were put in, orchestras would play from the balconies and huge chandeliers were hung from the steel rafters 70 feet up. The fabled parties for the rich and famous went on for days.

A few of the wealthiest tennis playing families on Long Island were the Winthrops, Whitneys, Astors, Vanderbilts and Morgans. When they tired of playing tennis on their Long Island estates they toured Europe and played tennis on the grass with King George at Buckingham Palace and in Sweden with King Olaf. They all had a great love for the game.

In the late 20's these wealthy Long Island aristocrats loved to rub elbows with the tennis elite of their time, including Bill Tilden and Frenchman Rene Lacoste - they both were paid huge sums to visit their estates to play tennis and party. The worlds best players enjoyed the aristocrats as much as the aristocrats enjoyed them!

The Whitney Estate had the most incredible indoor court of all. It was a green har tru court with walls covered with ivy, imported plantings in the corners of the court and double balconies and staircases. The all glass roof was 70 feet high with a special steel roof frame. The court also had a tiled indoor pool, locker facilities with huge tubs, saunas, and showers that sprayed water all over your body from all directions. The ballroom had a huge fireplace that you could literally walk into! Playing tennis at the Whitney estate was special because of the incredible ambiance. The estate had miles of roads, several mansions, stables, polo fields, a sports complex and a private fire department with a 20 story lookout tower.

The Martin Estate was a hard court with many moose heads, elk and deer. The facility had a high balcony overlooking the court. The tennis was fun, but the estate grounds and main house were incredibly impressive. I enjoyed walking the grounds and looking around the mansion more than the tennis. The indoor court burned down in the late 60's.

The Woodward Estate had the main house attached to the court, while most of the estates had separate facilities. The Woodward home was spectacular and included art treasures, huge cut glass windows and a built-in pipe organ. The Great Room had huge dimensions with a 50' high cathedral ceiling with many hand hewn beams. The entrance and parking area was all cobble stone surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. The home was built by a Woolworth daughter in the mid 1920's. The center of their family life revolved around tennis and so they designed their home around the court. This is why the tennis at this home was awesome! You know tennis is special when you love the game so much you build your home around it!

Finally, the Winthrop indoor court certainly is my favorite of all. The European red clay court facility was just about totally destroyed when my parents purchased it in 1960. Kids had broken all the glass and smashed many of the interior doors. Animals were living in the eaves and walls. It was decided by the developers that the building was just a white elephant and the court would be torn down for a home. The developers were shocked when my father made an offer. My family purchased the indoor court and spent many years bringing it back to life. It became our home and has provided our family with over 40 years of enjoyment and pleasure. My sister Shirley had her wedding and reception there a number of years ago.

The court is perfectly maintained and is still one of the greatest indoor tennis facilities in the world! You can play tennis at the Winthrop "Play Palace" all year long. Just call us at (516) 692-7754…..and enjoy tennis at its best!