John W.T. Nichols House, “The Kettles”

Cove Neck Road, Oyster Bay, NY

c. 1908 - 1909 | Residence | Demolished c. 1990

 

Minerva designed a substantial summer house on a 36-acre estate at Cove Neck, on property adjacent to President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Sagamore Hill.” The commission was for her husband’s second-cousin, John W.T. (White Treadwell) Nichols, a successful dealer of cotton goods.

“The Kettles” was situated on Cooper’s Bluff, with eastward views towards Cold Spring Harbor. The three-story Dutch-gabled entrance bay projected from the main façade and was supported on six stout columns. A substantial porch extended to the south, while the service wing was set to the curve of the entrance drive.

— Researched and written by Bill Whitaker

"The Kettles," late 1960s. Courtesy of Peter D. Taylor
"The Kettles," late 1960s. Courtesy of Peter D. Taylor
"The Kettles," early 1980s. Courtesy of Peter D. Taylor
"The Kettles," date unknown. Courtesy of Peter D. Taylor
"The Kettles," date unknown. Courtesy of Peter D. Taylor
"The Kettles," date unknown. Courtesy of Peter D. Taylor
"The Kettles," date unknown. Courtesy of Peter D. Taylor
"The Kettles," date unknown. Courtesy of Peter D. Taylor