Washington Irving’s Cottage.
It is curious to observe the interest attached to everything connected with a great man. We love especially to visit the residences of those who have excited our admiration either by their writings or their actions. It may be pleasant to our readers, therefore, to see the picture, on the opposite page, of the cottage of Washington Irving, a pleasant and amusing writer, who has acquired great reputation. There are very few persons, in this country, who have not read some of his books.
The cottage, of which we have given a picture, is situated in a secluded spot, on the eastern bank of the Hudson river, a considerable distance above New York. The place is called Sleepy Hollow, and is the scene of one of Mr. Irving’s best stories. The building is a curious one, seeming to partake partly of the English and partly of the Dutch style of architecture.
The place is remarkable for the quiet and tranquillity that reign around. The whistle of the quail and the tapping of the woodpecker are almost the only sounds that are heard.
In this delightful spot Mr. Irving fixed his residence some years ago. But, about two years since, he was appointed minister to Spain, and in this capacity he is now living at Madrid.