Mill River Cottage

Mill River Cottage

Nestled between a verdant hillside and a tranquil creek, Mill River Cottage stands as a testament to the art of serene living. This charming retreat offers light and composition, where natural luminescence is thoughtfully curated. East-facing fenestration, consisting of double-hung windows, elegant French doors, and the sculptural lift of a shed dormer, ensures light permeates the three primary spaces. The property's truly bucolic setting is more than a backdrop; it is integral to the cottage’s timeless details.

Upon crossing the threshold, one is immediately welcomed into the heart of the cottage—a generous, multifunctional space designed for seamless living. A trio of French doors, set beneath a wide trellis, ushers guests directly into the composition of the kitchen, dining, and living areas, even thoughtfully integrating the laundry. The west wall presents a study in classic millwork: a composition of white painted cabinetry, perfectly crowned with the warmth of a white oak counter and backsplash. Above the sink, a generous picture window serves as a living canvas, framing the tranquil, wooded landscape beyond.

The interior’s rich palette of vibrant colors is brilliantly layered against the white oak timber framing and the texture of the tongue-and-groove ceiling. The aforementioned shed dormer is more than a window; it is an architectural gesture that dramatically amplifies both volume and light.

The exterior presents a beautiful nod to classic, enduring architecture. Square Tuscan columns lend gravitas, supporting a trellis adorned with decorative rafter tails and sheltered by a lead-coated copper roof. Below, a subtle bluestone porch, gracefully bordered by delicate latticework, offers an intimate vantage point from which to savor the rolling lawns and the picturesque creek. The palette is crisp and defined: white clapboard siding and an asphalt shingle roof are sharply complemented by black shutters. Completing the design, a stately cupola is perched with quiet dignity atop the main ridge.

Location: Muttontown

Architect: Schneider Architectural Works

Interior Designer: Patsy North

Builder: Birch Ridge Builders

Photography: Nathan Schroder