Thursday, August 6, 2009

When 'Ivycroft' Was For Sale

A brochure advertising 'Ivycroft', the estate of Eliot Cross of the architectural firm of Cross & Cross. Originally built for Perry Tiffany in 1891 by Gage & Wallace in Old Westbury, the home was sold to William Gray Park in 1892 who called it 'Turnpike Cottage'.  His family sold the estate to Harry Payne Bingham in 1920 and he in turn sold it to Cross in 1925 who made numerous alterations. According to SPLIA, "Inspired by Tidewater mansions such as 'Westover' and 'Carter's Grove', the existing house was raised on a high basement. In contrast to the wings, the center portion was two-and-a-half stories. Cross added two additional flanking wings to form a U-shaped configuration. He also replaced the porte cochere with a graceful double flight of steps and a broken pedimented door. On the interior, the most prominent alteration was the creation of a large two-story hall with freestanding spiral staircase." Click HERE to see 'Ivycroft' on google earth (the house has undergone significant additional alterations since then).

1 comment:

The Down East Dilettante said...

So odd for the design, the house, and the architect that the windows are one over one with no muntins.