Adapted from the 1993 House Tour Guide

In addition to the Thomas Clapham House, the only other structure known to have been built by Clapham was a cottage intended for his mother, constructed in 1875 and known as "Dower House." The construction of the modest building was fortuitous, as shortly after the Stone House was completed, another heir to the family fortune in England was located. This heir claimed the remainder of the estate by the law of primogeniture, leaving Clapham without the means to suitably occupy and sustain the Stone House. He had reputedly spent at least $250,000 for its construction, but in 1885 he moved into Dower House, having occupied the mansion for less than 15 years.

The small house was known as "Comfort Cottage," perhaps an allusion to Clapham's solace in removing to such a modest abode.

Clapham is best known as a designer and builder of small yachts, a profession he successfully pursued until his death in 1915. His boat building sheds were on Mott's Cove creek, nearly within view of the Stone House, and the boats he designed there, including the "Roslyn Yawl," and his "Bouncer" design, a shallow draft scow, are well-known for their speed, and ingenuity.

Unfortunately this unique beautiful Victorian chalet is an example of a developer demolishing a home rather than attempting a restoration. This 1,632 square foot house was taken down in 2014. The lot remains vacant today.

Source: The Early History of Roslyn Harbor Long Island, Conrad Godwin Goddard, 1972

As seen in this 1926 aerial, the relationship can be seen between the Comfort House and the Thomas Clapham House (Wenlo) located at 48 Glenwood Road.

2012 photos courtesy of Oldhousedreams.com

2014 photos courtesy of Oldhousedreams.com

Oldhousedreams.com posted this blog on the Comfort House dating back to 2012.