Wednesday, January 21, 2015

The Alexander C. Humphreys Estate

The Alexander C. Humphreys estate designed by C.P.H. Gilbert c. 1899 in Glen Cove.  Click HERE for more on the Humphreys residence.

4 comments:

Magnuspetrie said...

Astonishing how closely Woolworth and Gilbert adhered to the outline of the original house when they rebuilt it in granite and marble.

And dig the cunning little table and two chairs with what appears to be a champagne bottle. I imagine this was a flight of the photographer's fancy- hard to imagine the Humphries or the Woolworths sat by the front door staring down the driveway as the work went by.

Anonymous said...

Moreso adds a sense of scale to the picture often lacking in many other photographs

The Down East Dilettante said...

Speaking of Glen Cove, I see that the John Teele Pratt House has been sold to a developer from China. His attorney says that the hotel will be made 'real pretty', and that subdivision and development of remaining land for 'homes' will begin as soon as 'practically possible' (you mean practicable, sir, practicable. Is English no longer a requirement for a law degree?).
Poor Glen Cove, another estate landscape, mature and harmonius, broken up in favor of mini-estates with landscape 'features' along the driveways and roadsides. The 21st century marches on, devouring all in its path.

lil' gay boy said...

Magnuspetrie,

There was some speculation at the time of the fire that more was going on at the time than originally believed (i forget the exact source, but wouldn't be surprised if it was Monica Randall's book Winfield).

The plans for Winfield Hall were available so quickly that some said they had already been executed beforehand, and apparently there was enough time to remove almost all of the valuables from the burning house. Construction was almost 24/7 under nighttime lighting as well.

Gilding the lily, I's say; there is enough intrigue surrounding Winfield Hall as it is.