Idyllic Cottages
The fields and rolling hills of Dutchess County provide a glimpse into its distant past. It is here that idyllic cottages enchant residents and visitors alike.
In the Deborah Dows Collection, two pages of snapshots of the “King and Queen of England’s Visit to Top Cottage” were taken in 1939. The stone walls, vintage vehicle, and festive attire mark the occasion. Note the hats, glorious hats! Photographer: unknown. (2016-01.13.09.01, .02)
In the Astor Map Collection, this topographic survey entitled “Ferncliff near the Dairy” includes depictions of the ice house, dairy, cottage, barn, cow barn group, a lake, a quarry, trees, and a driveway. After a detailed analysis, it is not surprising that the renowned Frank L. Teal (FLT) (1867-1949) was the surveyor. (2018.003.4455)
In the CLC-DAR Collection, These two undated photos of the white Ferncliff Stone Cottage are included in the CLC-DAR Collection and can be accessed via (2013-096.10.028 and .027) Photographer: unknown.
Three black and white photos taken on the 3rd of February in 1959 on Astor’s Estate. Photographer: Unknown. The 1st is entitled “Chauffeur’s Cottage”; it depicts a two- story house with a small columned porch. The 2nd is “Gardener’s Cottage” depicting a two-story frame house with a slate roof. The 3rd is “Former Herdsman’s Cottage” and depicts a 2 ½ story stone building with three dormer windows and a slate roof. (2026-05.06, .10, and .15)
The following three photos from the CLC-DAR Collection depict three views of Foxhollow Cottage on Landsman’s Kill near Vanderburgh Cove. 1st: horizontal view, 2nd: vertical, and 3rd: front. Photos: undated. Photographer: unknown. (2013-096.08.025, .026, .061)
Such a wide variety of cottages found in the RHS Archives! After a close review, I keep returning for another view of the Foxhollow Cottage on Landsman’s Kill on Vanderburg Cove. This idyllic cottage and setting capture my imagination, and my mind wanders to plan a weekend retreat…
These featured Collections and many more can be viewed in the RHS Archives. Imagine the Past!
More From the Archives next month!
Bonnie Wood, MSLS
From the Archives
October 2026