415 Ocean Road
(1885-1886) – A 2-1/2 story, hip-roofed, Shingle Style dwelling designed by McKim, Mead and White of New York for Allan McLane of Washington, D.C. It has twin 3-story hip-roofed front pavilions with a segmental-arch loggia between them, an octagonal corner bay, and stone chimneys. It was begun in August, 1885, and completed in 1886, at a cost of $12,626. It is located in the Ocean Road Historic District.
There is a large carriage house on the property (not part of the tour) which had to be raised eight feet in the 1980’s due to significant damage by powder post beetles. At that time a new concrete basement was poured. There is also a gardener’s cottage on the property.
The property has been owned by the Frost family since 2000, and they have done significant work to restore and maintain the property.
Special Features
The main house has a signature Stanford White floating staircase.
The bar has an assortment of African animals, from a monkey ready to drop from the rafters, to a stately giraffe watching over proceedings, to a zebra hiding in the rushes – all friendly reminders of the Frosts’ South African roots.
The garden birdbath is believed to be original to the property, and the gardens are a major attraction. The Frost family has extended the patios and installed a natural-feeling, two-level waterfall with a remarkable assortment of impressive and well-integrated plantings. These are enhanced by a few whimsical stone garden creatures.
This property is indeed one of our town’s treasures, and it is a rare pleasure and opportunity to be able to be “Inside the Garden Gates.”