An Enchanted Afternoon In A Secret Garden

One doesn’t have to know much about architecture to appreciate the simple beauty of the Rose Cottage in the Douglaston Hill Historic District.

A Long Island vernacular-style farmhouse built in 1835 by oystermen who made their living off the bay and called Little Neck their home, the cottage has an understated charm that unravels the more time one spends walking around the garden.

And this past Saturday, the entire community was invited to linger on the winding brick paths of the Rose family’s secret garden and allowed an opportunity to daydream about what life was like when Douglaston was still considered the "country."

The 'Enchanted Cottage and Garden Party,' was an educational program hosted on Sunday by the Douglaston Little Neck Historical Society.

“Imagine that it’s 1902 and you’re in one of the earliest subdivided urban communities in New York City. Then look outside this window, to the garden down below and you can see that not a lot has changed to the landscape, and you really get a sense just how special this house is,” said Kevin Wolfe, co-founder of the historical society, while giving a private tour of the Rose Cottage on Sunday.  

Those lucky enough to attended Sunday's gathering witnessed unique perspective into the history of the Rose Cottage, which recently went on the market, and were able to see a slice of Douglaston not often appreciated by the outside world.

“That's what I like most about my home - it's a relic of a simpler time and there’s really nothing else like it anywhere in the neighborhood. That’s what always attracted me to it,” said Joan Rose, the Rose Cottage's owner.

The house, which is set back from Depew Avenue, gives off the vibe of a home along a country road, rather than a residence in the five boroughs.

“I think that’s what so important about historic preservation because when we destroy these old homes, the flavor of a neighborhood is lost forever,” Rose said.

Today, the Rose Cottage is a reminder that Douglaston's future is indelibly linked to its past.

Still, for members of the Douglaston Little Neck Historical Society, preservation is about more than just saving a few landmarks around the neighborhood.

"Being part of a community that really enjoys one another is the nicest part about living here in Douglaston," said Bob Coddington, president of the Douglaston Little Neck Historical Society. "It's just a rare, special place."

For more information about the Douglaston Little Neck Historical society or to see a list of their upcoming events visit www.dlnhs.org.