Top Cottage

Top Cottage is a small residential building in Dutch Colonial Revival style near Hyde Park. The structure features large windows with views toward the Hudson River Valley and uses natural materials throughout its construction.

Roosevelt commissioned the cottage in 1938 as a personal retreat and participated actively in its design. The building was created during a period when the president was managing the effects of polio and needed special accommodations.

The cottage was where Roosevelt entertained guests and conducted informal conversations away from public view. Visitors can observe how this private space functioned during a transformative period in American history.

The cottage is accessible only through guided tours offered from May through October. Visitors should arrange reservations in advance and check with the National Park Service visitor center for additional details.

The building was one of the first of its era with specialized features for wheelchair users built into both the architecture and furnishings. These early accessibility solutions represent an important chapter in design history and demonstrate forward-thinking approaches to accommodating physical needs.