This was not an easy haul from the city by train, but it was quite the adventure!…read more
It was such a trek I almost didn't go, but am so glad I did!
I took the 80 minute train ride from Grand Central to Croton Falls, a tiny little hamlet that basically looks like a one horse town once you get off at the station (a deli, a cafe, a general store, a wine shoppe, a post office, and that's about it). Then I had to figure out how to get a Lyft to the dock, about five miles away in Mahopec (which was no easy feat, but not impossible).
The dock is easy to find by the address they give. The owner is nice and makes a ton of "dad jokes" and the daughter, who is a local chef, helps out. She is also very kind and is the one who keeps things organized and keeps her dad in line ha!
They furnish the relaxing, brief boat ride over and back.
This house is definitely one of a kind. Situated on an 11 acre island, this is a Frank Lloyd Wright designed/inspired home (there is a story behind designed/inspired that you'll learn about on the tour). Honestly, this would be my dream home/getaway/zombie apocalypse home!
Anyone who knows anything about Wright will see him everywhere in this structure. The architecture is absolutely breath-taking. I found myself fantasizing what it must be like to relax on any of the numerous terraces overlooking the water, or how it must feel to enjoy the breeze blowing through the many large pivoting doors.
Anyone would be able to enjoy the beauty of this house, not just Wright fans (though they would be the most blown away). The story of the house is pretty interesting, though at times it gets a little heavy into the owner's work and finances. They make the argument that this home is more interesting and beautiful than falling waters, and given the stats (for example, 26--I think--skylights vs. zero) I am inclined to agree.
The tour cost 150. For me, it was worth it. They are letting us into their personal residence. They furnish the boat ride. And I can't imagine the property taxes and maintenance. My friend who actually found this tour and suggested it tapped out after she found out the price. But to each their own--I felt it was totally worth it.
Again, the owner/owning family is super nice and welcoming. The owner's daughter even offered me a ride back to the train station (I had already called a Lyft), which I felt was above and beyond.
This is a small lake-side community with small shoppes and restaurants. Almost feels like Maine or Connecticut in New York, but I wouldn't want to insult the people of Mahopec if that's not an appropriate comparison!
Again, the owner's daughter is a chef, and has a local breakfast and lunch spot. You could come out for the day, enjoy the scenery, local people, have some great food, and make a day of it (though this is probably best done by car rather than train!)