i8 



The Country House 



stone wall retaining it. As the dip of the land below the road is considerable, it 

 gives a view from above, through and over the trees to the south (see "D"). The 

 land below the road slopes to the river, where a screen of trees effectually hide 

 the railroad (see "F"). 



The soil is good. A few ledges crop out at intervals and the stone walls would 

 furnish considerable building material. 



The growth is largely cedar, oak and maple, with a sprinkling of locust and 

 a few elms. This growth is very well distributed, and is even thicker than is 

 shown on the plan, as the pictures suggest. The highest point on the land is near 

 the northern line and, with the trees, offers an excellent wind screen. 



So much for the present conditions. Now for the possibilities of the place. 

 (On the plan the site is indicated as lighter than the adjoining property, and the 

 existing roadways lighter still.) The fact that the old crossroad is semi-public is 

 the only stumbling block, and at first this seems a serious objection. Remaining 

 in its present location it makes the lot impossible, but there is nothing to prevent 

 the extending of this road in line with the easterly portion, and thence by the 

 easterly boundary to the highway below. This does two things makes the 

 westerly portion of the old road a part of the estate and gives a back way and 

 service entrance through the new extension. 



From outside encroachment we seem to be secure, as the highest land is on 

 the lot and there is no chance to throw drainage across the property. Further, 

 the lot is a mile away from one station and two miles from the other. The 

 river road is not the main highway and consequently has reasonable chances 

 of escaping the trolley. These facts offer a reasonable excuse for the non- 

 interference of the mushroom class of house. 



Having saved a portion of the old road, the next question is, what is to be 



done with it ? It 

 is important that 

 this should be util- 

 ised, as its natural 

 conditions are ex- 

 cellent. Let us see 

 the spring yes, 

 the spring is a fea- 

 ture and must come 

 into the game some- 

 how. A carriage 

 driving in must 

 make a turn in order 

 to get out. Then 

 why not make a 

 loop to connect the 

 two diverging forks 

 of the road and 



solve the problem thus ? In this way the overflow from the spring can be 

 made a watering place for the horses and its present intention retained. The 



A hill site in Dutchess County, N. Y. The knoll, sheltered by the oak growth to the north, 



is a good location 



