It’s only natural to be proud of your home. The amenities, décor, landscaped grounds and updated features—so many thoughtful, personal touches that make a house home. To be able to show great pride in its entirely original, forward-thinking architecture though, is the timeless gift that can truly set a home apart. Here are five residences that display the unparalleled talent, design and inspiration of some of the world’s most renowned architects.
81 Cross Ridge Road—New Canaan, Conn.
Originally constructed in 1950 by Eliot Noyes, one of the legendary architects comprising the “Harvard Five,” this mid-century home known as the Brown House embraces the spirit of nature with its light-filled rooms and beautiful views. Similar to the other Harvard Five architects, Noyes built residential properties in New Canaan, Conn. that evoked simplicity, openness and integration with the surrounding environment. Renovated in 2003 keeping in mind Noyes’ distinct principle that form follows function, the home now has a second story complete with warm, natural materials, defining proportions of spaces and expansive usage of glass. The lower level, in the Noyes spirit of nature and home being one, still opens to the landscape through glass doors and walls. The 2.81-acre, retreat-like property also has its original pool house, restored as Noyes designed it, and a renovated cabana that is currently used as a guest house.
15 Selden Road—Lyme, Conn.
This modern barn-style home in Lyme, Conn. is designed to reflect the work of famed American abstract architect and artist Richard Meier. Meier is most known for his geometric designs and prominent use of the color white. Using a combined focus on modern roots, cultural allusions and custom approaches, local building firm Beinfield Architecture successfully created a distinct structure that catered to this design inspiration and its clients’ desire for a contemporary home that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Completed in 1992, this three-bedroom, three and a half-bath home rests peacefully on its over 11 acres of sweeping land and lush meadow. Natural light floods into the house, which features a simple, timeless white façade and floor-to-ceiling windows to embrace its surrounding pastoral land neighboring the Connecticut River. The construction of this agricultural-inspired, contemporary residence was even honored with the American Institute of Architects’ Connecticut Award in 1994 for its design excellence.
7 Cyrus Field Road—Irvington, N.Y.
This mid-century modern in Irvington, N.Y. exudes pure luxury, glamour and charm. The style of the house was inspired by acclaimed German architect Walter Gropius, and his work involving the Bauhaus school in Germany. Gropius is regarded as one of the pioneering masters of modern architecture. In accordance with his style, this Westchester County home rests on 3.4 acres of private land overlooking a reservoir, and boasts a rectangular design and traditional architectural layout that is both contemporary and classic. Standout features include elegant terrazzo and inlaid wood flooring, beautiful moldings, marble fireplaces, a pyramid skylight, arched doorways and a modern kitchen with custom cabinetry.
24 Old Wagon Road—Ridgefield, Conn.
An English stone manor residence designed by famed architect Grosvenor Atterbury rests on 3.57 acres of pristine land and surrounding historic gardens in the town of Ridgefield, Conn. Grosvenor Atterbury was a Yale-educated, American architect who specialized in constructing weekend homes for the wealthy. Also known as The Mansion at Eleven Levels, this masterpiece country home, built in 1937, maintains all of its original quality and charm. Inside, a meticulous restoration and expansion made by the current owners grace the residence with modern luxuries and conveniences, while honoring the structure’s distinct architectural roots. The comprehensive endeavor includes all of the home’s systems, replicated moldings and millwork, a full kitchen remodel, as well as a family room addition with a cupola and French doors leading to the rear terrace complete with an outdoor fireplace. All bedrooms and baths have also been updated.
25 Greenfield Avenue—Bronxville, N.Y.
Created in 1923 by internationally acclaimed architect Andrew Reinhard, most known for his work in designing Rockefeller Center and the Chrysler Building, this stunning Bronxville Colonial has been scrupulously updated to preserve its quality architectural design throughout. Its style follows the design of homes in Colonial Williamsburg as well as the estancias of Argentina, resulting in a culturally rich, brilliant blend. Renovated and expanded in 2008, the residence now offers a sensational kitchen, master suite, rustic family room and more, all in a luxuriously comfortable atmosphere.
For more information on the first property, located at 15 Selden Road, please visit our website here, or contact Essex agent Janet Peckinpaugh by phone at 860.985.3659, or by email at Jpeckinpaugh@williampitt.com. You can also reach out to Old Lyme agent Sue Cohn Darmon by phone at 860.707.6879, or by email at Sdarmon@williampitt.com. For more information on 7 Cyrus Field Road, click here, or contact Irvington’s HCH Team by phone at 914.295.3535, or by email at Hch@juliabfee.com. Details on 24 Old Wagon Road can be found on our website here, or by contacting Ridgefield agent Laura Freed by phone at 203.733.7053, or by email at Lfreed@williampitt.com. For further information on 25 Greenfield Avenue, please contact Bronxville agent Kathleen Collins by phone at 914.715.6052, or by email at Kathleen.collins@juliabfee.com. You can also visit its listing website here. Lastly, information regarding 81 Cross Ridge Road can be found here, or by contacting New Canaan agent Inger Stringfellow by phone at 203.321.9361, or by email at Istringfellow@williampitt.com. New Canaan agent Fatou Niang can also be contacted by phone at 212.961.7428, or by email at Fniang@williampitt.com.
