December 29, 2023
As promised a few years ago, a visit to King Zog’s estate in the barren winter. Thwarted at two previous visits, I finally saw the ruins of these ruins, formerly the Knollwood Estate. It was purchased by the exiled ruler of Albania, King Zog, in 1951. But King Zog, who Read more…
December 28, 2023
I was so happy to get an intimate tour of the mansion and greenhouses at Planting Fields. The former Gold Coast estate of William Robertson Coe and Mai Rogers Coe, heiress and daughter of Standard Oil partner Henry Huttleston Rogers. Like many of the preserved former estates on Long Island’s Read more…
July 27, 2021
During the Gilded Age, extravagantly lavish mansions were built by big money families on Long Island’s North Shore. Their opulence dubbed the area The Gold Coast. Within that latter history the Knollwood Estate was purchased by the exiled ruler of Albania in 1951, King Zog. But King Zog, who had Read more…
April 24, 2016
Undeveloped Long Island: It is so easy to hate where you’re from. It conveniently holds blame for all the ails of your upbringing. It takes no offense. But it’s other things, you just need to look beyond the paths you’ve worn well. Like anywhere, it can be new and fascinating Read more…