Cover Originally built in the 1950s, the property is an Americanised version of a French country house with a distinctive Mansard roof
Originally built in the 1950s, the property is an Americanised version of a French country house with a distinctive Mansard roof
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Marmol Radziner harmonises traditional architecture with modern luxury interiors for this Greenwich country house renovation
Located in the southwest of Fairfield County in Connecticut, a 45-minute train ride from New York City, Greenwich has evolved from a farming community into the largest town in the New England state’s affluent Gold Coast.
An upscale coastal enclave that boasts historic estates owned by families like the Rockefellers, the “Gateway to New England” is a highly desirable location that blends small-town charm and cosmopolitan vibes–featuring abundant parks and beaches, as well as sprawling waterfront estates and private yacht clubs near the Long Island Sound.
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The residence was originally built in the 1950s once part of the original Wilshire Farm estate
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Nestled in dense greenery not far from the 13-acre Wilshire Pond, the home that was once part of the original 60-acre Wilshire Farm estate belongs to a valued, long-term client of Marmol Radziner, a design-build practice led by architects.
Sprawling 8,800 sq ft, the cul-de-sac residence with four bedrooms and four baths is an Americanised version of a French country house with a distinctive Mansard roof. Originally built in the 1950s, the property also includes a secluded two-storey guesthouse cottage spanning 2,000 sq ft, a pool, a reflecting pool, gazebo, and sunken formal and informal gardens within the 4.4-acre site.
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The 4.4-acre site includes a reflecting pool in the expansive back garden
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“The client wanted a home where he could enjoy every corner [when he is not spending] the other half of the year in Tuscon, Arizona,” says Ashley Nath, studio director interiors at Marmol Radziner.
“He cared about creating a cohesive flow and see-through lines from room to room,” she adds. “Each section of the house should inspire delight–an immersive experience when transitioning from one room to another, making each entry a memorable moment.”
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Above The circular skylight in the entry is a striking contemporary feature within an otherwise traditional home
The circular skylight in the entry is a striking contemporary feature within an otherwise traditional home
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Drawing on classic architectural notions of beauty with a strong emphasis on symmetry and proportionality, Nath and the Marmol Radziner team refreshed the traditional two-storey home with modern detailing–beginning with the circular skylight above the double-height entry hall.
“The centre oculus is a striking contemporary feature within an otherwise traditional home,” Nath explains. “The shifting light from the skylight emphasises the home’s connection to its site and the greenery outside, dramatically changing the experience [upon entering the home.]”
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An intentional neutral palette to highlight the lush greenery through the glass-panelled French doors
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From the central artery, symmetrical corridors lead the way into the elegantly proportioned rooms throughout the house. Each space features an intentional neutral palette to highlight the lush greenery visible from all levels through glass-panelled windows and French doors.
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The open-concept kitchen area with dark, custom cabinetry and warm oak flooring
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Furthermore, the interior design marries classic elegance with contemporary luxury through elevated, tactile materials befitting a country estate.
French oak flooring, prized for its warmth and durability, provides a timeless foundation that complements lime plaster walls with subtle textural elements. Meanwhile, marble and stone accents add a sense of sophistication and visual interest in living and entertaining areas.
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Distinct design identities for each area of the home amidst the overarching minimal palette
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To create a soft yet masculine interior, the design team sourced vintage French designs from the 1950s, reupholstered them in contemporary textiles, and layered them alongside modern furnishings.
“We also designed and produced custom cabinets, storage, and shelving to look like the original built-in elements of the home,” Nath elaborates.
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The neutral-coloured main bathroom with marble accents at the vanity
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While following the overarching minimal palette, each area of the home received distinct design identities. A perfect example is the hidden bar in the living room–a distinct area carved within the open-plan living space that opens with winged doors lined with exquisite de Gournay wallpaper.
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The open-plan living and dining space in the converted pool house
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Additionally, the team remodelled the two bedrooms and two baths in the cottage, as well as transformed the 1920s pool house into an open-plan living and dining space. This area now features vaulted wood-beamed ceilings, an adjacent kitchenette with copper sink and refrigerator drawers, and a full bath/changing room.
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The refurbished guesthouse cottage echoes the overall design theme of the project
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“We also took into account the client’s practical concerns to quarter off a space for his dogs,” Nath adds. “We designed the layout of the home with added flexibility so that he could section off spaces of the house.”
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Credits
Photography: Daniel Milstein
Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
