1886-87
Architecture
McKim, Mead & White
This is a great house. It is nearly perfectly symmetrical, featuring the four bay windows looking out over the impressive hillside from which the picture was taken. The interior of the house contains six bedrooms, and 9 other rooms, not including the servant's quarters, of which it has four. What separates the Low House from other houses, however, is the roofing. It forms a wide angle making the house itself appear to be much smaller than it is in reality, almost smooshing the rest of the house underneath it. When the large roof is combined with the tall trees to the right of the bay windows and the expansive shrubbery in front of the house, we are deceived into believing that this mansion is either a small restaurant or perhaps a seasonal hotel. The small windows at the top directly in the center of the house also seem to be eyes looking down the hill at the photographer, which gives the house an intimidating vibe. In addition, the location of this house on top of a hill, overlooking the Atlantic, provides breathtaking views from any side, and also provides anyone inside it with a sense of security
I was initially drawn to this house because it reminded me of the Overlook Hotel in Kubrick's the Shining. Upon closer inspection, however, I can see that it is an expansive home requiring two full chimneys, with a porch that runs the length of the east side of the house. The windows on top and the two sets of bay windows combine to make a sort of face at the photographer, making it seems like the house is a separate entity of itself.
Over all, the William G Low house is a great piece of American architecture from the later part of the 19th century, that would stand out solidly and be able to hold its own against many of the unique houses being built today, if it hadn't been torn down and demolished in the 60's.
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