Plumbush
Plumbush is a historic house and former farm located where NY 9D meets Peekskill Road, just south of Cold Spring, New York. Built in 1865 for Robert Parker Parrott, the inventor of the Parrott gun, it was designed by local architect George Edward Harney, who was overseeing the nearby West Point Foundry at the time. The property covers about 9 acres of the original 65-acre farm and sits across Route 9D from Fair Lawn.
The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (since 1992) for its association with Parrott and for Harney’s use of patterns influenced by Andrew Jackson Downing. Harney designed Plumbush in a Picturesque Gothic style, with three main rectangular sections, a striking veranda, varied rooflines, and asymmetrical massing that blend with the landscape. The main two-story block measures roughly 23 by 33 feet and has a hipped roof with patterned slate.
Two other original wings—the east wing and a single-story wing—extend from the main block. When Plumbush was later turned into a restaurant, two additional wings were added but designed to be unobtrusive. Several original features remain, including much of the fenestration and decorative details, with later additions, such as a wrought-iron spiral staircase, crafted to fit the overall look.
On the same parcel are three other buildings. A wood house, remodeled into a residence, retains much of its original form. The carriage house, now a garage, has been heavily renovated and lost much of its original character. A larger house built in the mid-20th century stands toward the rear.
Downing’s influence: The house mirrors Downing’s ideas for rural, harmonious design. Harney placed the veranda to overlook trees and aimed to capture views of the Hudson River and Hudson Highlands from upper windows, creating an integrated relationship with the landscape. Harney published plans for Plumbush in his 1870 book Barns, Outbuildings and Fences, showing the influence of Downing’s architectural patterns.
Robert Parker Parrott’s background: Parrott, an early Cold Spring resident and West Point graduate, served as inspector general for the Army at the West Point Foundry during the Civil War, then became its superintendent. He married Mary Kemble, niece of the foundry’s founder Gouverneur Kemble, and lived at Plumbush until his death in 1877.
Modern history: Plumbush was converted into a restaurant in 1971. In 2014, the main house and one outbuilding were renovated and became home to The Manitou School, a private elementary school.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 12:28 (CET).