Hidden Gem: 50 miles north of NYC sits a private island tribute
From overlooked roadside attractions to offbeat museums and obscure natural wonders, Local Hidden Gems will showcase some of the unique and unexpected treasures that make America extraordinary. We will emphasize charm, surprise and delight.
Local hidden gem: Petra Island on Lake Mahopac, New York
Only 50 miles north of New York City lies an oasis so removed from the hustle and bustle that you have to get there via ferry or helicopter.
Petra Island, on Lake Mahopac in Putnam County, is home to an architectural work of art inspired by the icon Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Family had a $50K budget to build a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
In the 1940s, the Chahroudi family, owners of Petra Island at the time, commissioned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to design a home on the heart-shaped island. On Sept. 3, 1950, Pamela Chahroudi sent Wright a letter discussing plans for the home, as well as possible names for the design.
“We have been trying to think of a name for the house, but so far have not thought up anything better than – Shipwreck, Shiprock, Isosceles, Innisfree, Rockwater, Stillwater,” Pamela wrote, asking the designer for his suggestions.
The Chahroudi family’s budget, including Wright’s fees, was set at an “absolute maximum” of $50,000.
Rather than start with the main home, the family built a guest cottage on the island instead.
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New owner decided to finish what was started on Petra Island
John Massaro, who purchased the island and the home in the 1990s, received Wright’s original architectural drawings for the main house design with the sale. He decided to finish what Wright and the Chahroudi family started by completing what is now known as the Massaro House.
According to the Wright Over Water website, Massaro worked with Tom Heinz, a Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiast, to preserve the “spirit” of the original design. Heinz produced new construction drawings from Wright’s originals. The home was completed in 2008.
The island again listed in 2021, this time for $9.95 million.
Tour the Massaro House on Petra Island
While the island is for sale, you can tour the Massaro House and the Chahroudi House.
Tours cost $150 per person and are guided by a member of the Massaro family.
Good to know: The tour is not handicap accessible, and children under 12 are prohibited. Heeled shoes are prohibited.
For more information: wrightoverwater.com
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: This Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home is a hidden gem in Hudson Valley
