Carll/Doscher Homestead

May 28

Here’s a detailed history of the Carll–Doscher Homestead in Dix Hills, Long Island:

Circa 1790 – The original Oliver Carll farmhouse was constructed on the north side of Jericho Turnpike (between Manor and Warner Roads), on land originally granted by the King of England to the Carll family. [patch.com]
18th–19th centuries – The house functioned as a popular inn and tavern, known as Platt Carll’s Inn. It served stagecoach travelers, and local militia drills and community meetings were often held there. [patch.com]
1814–1866 – Gilbert Carll operated the tavern, though licensing records list him from 1814 to 1840; operations likely continued informally until 1866. [patch.com]
Late 19th–early 20th century – Ownership passed through the Carll lineage to Oliver Carll Jr., and subsequently to his daughter, Hattie E. Carll, upon his passing in 1905. The farmhouse, long a stagecoach stop and even a post office, remained in the family until about 1906. [patch.com]

1906–1909 – Hattie Carll left the homestead in 1906. Ownership transferred to John Slade by 1909, who made structural improvements including house expansions and relocated barns farther from the road. [patch.com]
1914 – Charles Doscher, a real estate developer and sugar refiner, purchased the property (~228 acres). He had the farmhouse carefully moved back and modernized while preserving its historic character. [patch.com]
1922 – Charles Doscher died at age 52 at the property, which was his summer home. His estate (valued over $1 million) transferred to his widow, Alice Bechtold Doscher, under a trust. [patch.com], [patch.com]

1922–1930s – Alice maintained the homestead, actively engaging in local horticulture.
1932 – She transformed the grounds into a breathtaking “secret garden,” opening it for charity events. The property featured elaborate rose gardens, delphiniums, rock gardens, lily-filled pools, and thoughtful landscaping. [patch.com]
1930–1940 – Alice was deeply involved in horticultural societies, serving on the Radio Garden Club broadcasts and various gardening organizations. [patch.com]
1942 – She sought commercial zoning to operate farm and nursery ventures. Shortly after, she sold the estate (226 acres) to Gasper Mediavilla for just over $40,000. [patch.com]

Post-1942 – Mediavilla intended the site as a gentleman’s estate with cultivation, stables, and orchard activities. [patch.com]
1943 – A public auction liquidated farm contents: livestock, machinery, and tools. [patch.com]
March 9, 1948 – A devastating fire destroyed the 17-room, 200-year-old farmhouse. No occupants were present. [patch.com]
Post-fire – Mediavilla rebuilt a residence on the site and, by 1959, established an apple orchard. The orchard continues to be family-run on the original property. [patch.com]

~1790 Oliver CarllHouse built; inn/tavern

1814–1866 Gilbert CarllTavern operation, community hub

~1905–1906 Hattie CarllLast Carll descendant owner

1909 John SladeStructural modernizations

1914–1922 Charles DoscherSummer home; architectural preservation

1922–1942 Alice DoscherSecret garden, horticultural prominence

1942–Present Gasper Mediavilla & familyEstate sale, rebuilding, apple orchard