As exquisite as the finished product is, McKim's rendering for Cottage may be even better. There are a number of small but significant differences. The roof has no widow's walk, for example, and only two dormers instead of four. The curved pediment is slightly smaller and thus better proportioned, while the quoins are of brick, not stone, giving them a more muted appearance. A double string course, instead of single, separates the floors. The windows are curved to match the pediment and the balcony door is topped by a swag that is missing in the final building.

Unlike many of the eating clubs, the quality of Cottage's interiors equals that of the exterior. The main staircase and the library, a copy of the library at Merton College, Oxford, are particularly lovely spaces. The floorplan is also very well contrived, offering excellent circulation.

Other clubs, notably Colonial, would endeavor to match the splendor of Cottage, but without success. In this structure, designed by a top-flight architect and adequately financed, the eating club phenomenon reached it apotheosis.