Compared with the blunt angles of the two photos provided below, the half-profile of the guest cottage is a far more flattering and intriguing view. Framed by the tree above and descending flagstone pathway drawing the eye in, not to mention the delightful volumes and good bones of the house itself, the scene is utterly charming. Gottscho uses his mastery of lighting to great effect, imparting an almost cinematic quality to the scene, which heightens the fantasy allure and attracts us even more. I expect to see a young Judy Garland run out laughing at any moment, or maybe a smart-talking Katharine Hepburn in trousers.

Now owned by the Nassau County Museum of Art, and all fixed up.

While the historical view looks like the kind of place where Kathryn Katharine Hepburn might have been seen planning a cinematic weekend, the modern view of what's best known as the Jerusha Dewey House shows that time hasn't been so kind.

[This photo dates from 2008, three years before the 2011 restoration seen in the later comment. -tterrace]

This estate was named Clayton, after the home he grew up in - the Pittsburgh estate of his father, Henry Clay Frick. Childs felt he didn't inherit what he should have; I'd say he did alright.

I want to hang out here.

[There's a quality that draws me as well. I can't quite put a name to it. -tterrace]