Thursday, October 21, 2010

'Happy House'

'Happy House', the John W. Mackay III estate designed by John Cross of Cross & Cross c. 1929 in Roslyn. J.W. was the son of Clarence Mackay, owner of 'Harbor Hill' across the street. Click HERE to see the brochure from when 'Happy House' was for sale, and click HERE to see 'Happy House' on google earth.



4 comments:

Anonymous said...

OK....why wait,let's hear how this house has been mangled.

The Down East Dilettante said...

A classic case of action and reaction, architecturally---his father builds one of the most opulent houses of the day, he builds something intimate and understated..

Kellsboro Jack said...

Further is the obvious that his father's estate is pulled down in almost record time, while this modest stone home lives on. Survival likely in large part due to the livability and greater ease in taking care of it.

As much as I'm a fan of stone Cotswold influenced homes this just seems terribly bland for the era and skill of other architects.

Architect Roger Bullard, in my opinion, would've given it some more zest without it being considered too grand. Or even Charles Lewis Bowman (an ex MM&W) who didn't have any LI clients but was noted for his Bronxville /Eastchester homes in the same era would've worked that roof line, chimney, and facade with a bit more magic.

Anonymous said...

Some of the Mackay family still lives in the area.