Stable Grounds

A few years ago I was surfing for images 

of old polo stables when I found this amazing photo.

The details are stunning:  herringbone brick floors, 

circle windows above the tilt-in stall windows, 

an arch window topped doorway, 

 and a handsome hanging light fixture. 

We've all seen new, state-of-the-art equestrian 
ranch buildings in magazines and books, 
but when you run across an older photo, 
it's more interesting somehow. 

After a little digging, I quickly found the source 

of the photo and the exterior of the building.

This was the polo pony barn for the estate 

of Marshall Field III, grandson of the famous 

department store pioneer, built in 1922. 

It is now part of the state parks system in New York. 

The property was purchased from the family in 1961 

and became Caumsett State Historic Park. 

These historic estate grounds are situated 

on a peninsula extending into Long Island Sound.

In 1921 Marshall Field III purchased 1750 acres to 

build a self-sufficient English-style estate which 

he named "Caumsett" an Indian name 

meaning "place by a sharp rock."

The complex was a combination country club, 

 hunting preserve, and home, complete with its

own water and electrical supply. 

When the estate was finished, it had facilities for 

every sport except golf. The main house is shown below, 

and was originally much larger than it is now.

The land is now open to the public, as are 

most of the remaining buildings.

I have never been there but it is now on my "list".

If you have ever had the pleasure of visiting Caumsett, 

please comment and let me know if it is worth a visit.

For more information:

http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/23/details.aspx

www.caumsettfoundation.org

Photo credits:

1. Samuel H. Gottscho taken in 1933. Courtesy of Shorpy.com

2. Caumsett  Estate, Polo Stables. Photo courtesy of nysparks.state.ny.us

3. Photo courtesy of pbase.com, photos taken by James Robertson.