Hydeaway Point

Hydeaway Point, originally uploaded by wgoodwin.

Hydeaway, the cottage owned by Dave's family. Some generations ago, in the 1800s, it was owned by a pair of spinster schoolmistresses, the Hyde sisters, who actually were responsible for its construction. The area, and their cottage in particular, featured regular visits from great numbers of women of their profession. The headmistresses would congregate in the summer and delight in each other's company. According to Dave's uncle, persual of the guestbook and log of the house, their delights were of a rather salacious form, a Sapphic affair limited to the fairer sex.

Purchased by Dave's great-great grandfather, the interior was remodeled by his own hand, creating a high ceilinged open living room with huge windows facing the sea. Dave's ancestor can be proud of his handiwork. The tall panes have withstood the best efforts of a hundred years of storms, some of which sent waves crashing onto the roof of the cottage and beyond.

These days, Dave's extended family shares the cottage over the summer. When we were there, it wasn't Dave's turn, so we stayed with his cousins up the way. It's a beautiful house, well-built, well-named, well-loved.