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HOW TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLACE 



The Crow's Nest in the Hemlock. 



On the ravine side is a firmly built platform half way up the 

 trunk of a big hemlock, reached by a railed step-ladder, forming a 

 veritable crow's nest among the feathery boughs. Here the tune of 

 the hemlock's faithful branches, "green not alone in summer time, 

 but in the winter frost and rime" brings rest and inspiration. 



Croftleigh House with its Galleried Veranda. 



A few steps from Brier Cliff stands one of the most enjoyable 

 houses in Hillcrest Manor. Croftleigh House has two pronounced 



CROFTLEIGH HOUSE. 



motifs that at once stamp it as out of the ordinary. One is the 

 galleried veranda, projecting about sixty feet from the southwest 

 corner of the house, and ending in a big porch room supported by 

 stone posts. This room overlooks the same charming valley, threaded 

 by the same silver stream, its beauty and utility greatly enhanced by 

 separation from the house, standing as it does so that breezes reach 

 it from all sides. Still farther away one sees the Sound and the sand 

 bluffs of Long Island. 



Feature Levels. 



The second and interior motif is a combination of rooms at slight- 

 ly different levels. North of the entrance hall three steps lead down- 

 ward to the dining room and three steps under the large stair-land- 

 ing bring one to the rear hall door leading to the east veranda. Open- 

 ing this and the front door ventilates the entire house. 



Hall, dining room and stairs are Colonial, with white enamel 

 finish ; the stair rail of mahogany. The broad landing with curved 

 front holds a piano and a grandfather's clock, and over it is a three 



