Idling in Idle Hour

America is a funny place. We love our history but value progress, and the result in our cities - in the built environment at least - is an odd mix of old and new, evolution and decay. Although we often take it for granted, the preservation of all but our most significant urban landmarks is relatively new. The Landmarks Preservation Commission of New York City - one of our nation's oldest and richest cities - was only created in 1965, mostly as a reaction to the destruction of Pennsylvania Station to build the "modern" Madison Square Garden arena.

The upside of this mix is that you can often find old gems tucked amongst new buildings all over our major cities. This is how you find an ancient gas lamp in the West Village in Manhattan, or a circa-1765 stone house in the middle of a busy shopping area in Washington DC.

This is also how you find Idle Hour, a bucolic community quietly nestled in the very-developed town of Oakdale, a suburb of New York City on Long Island.

Idle Hour was originally built in 1882 by William Vanderbilt, a nearly 1,000-acre estate with a mansion and series of out-buildings along the Connetquot river.  This private residence and farm ultimately became a prominent artist community, and much of it now belongs to Dowling College. You can read more about Idle Hour's history here and here.

I always enjoy a trip to Idle Hour to experience the turn-of-the-century atmosphere and architecture. The houses are small and appointed with Queen Anne and gingerbread details that are almost heart-breakingly charming.  At times you cannot imagine that you are just minutes away from a strip mall instead of immersed in an old Victorian town. Take a look and enjoy for yourself!

Comments

[Designer Fountains]

Absolutely stunning!!

[alexis dawn]

Idle Hour is definitely at the top of my bucket-list!

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