28 June

A classic home with a modern twist

Nick Churton, of the Houlihan Lawrence London office in the UK, visits a classic home with a modern twist.

The Property: 577 Millwood Road, Chappaqua, NY 10514

The Agent: Pamela Franklin

The Broker: Houlihan Lawrence

After a root and branch home refurbishment it’s sometimes difficult to tell if a house is new or old. In the case of 577 Millwood Road, Chappaqua in New York, this question hardly matters because the answer unequivocally is that it is a now house.

This imposing home is built grandly with Greek and Roman classical influences. But if the outside is a showstopper, the inside is a revelation. Using one of the architect owner’s allies, natural light, the orientation of the building has been maximised to let the sunshine flood into this generous, crisp white space. However perhaps the most effective tool the architect used was attention to detail. Just when you think it would be good to have a cupboard here or a particular floor covering there, you find that these things are already in place. Slide open exquisitely crafted, easy-close fitted drawers, and the contents become softly illuminated. Here you don’t really have to think about how to live in the house because a master architect has already done so for you. This is concierge design.

For instance, should you realise that it would be nice to live slightly apart from house guests or, for that matter, a family member, the architect has anticipated your need. The spacious guest house is separated from the main house by a handsome glazed link that at a stroke turns the property into one superbly adaptable home.

There is only one drawback; guests or family will never want to leave. In fact, once you live in the main part of the house, you will never want to leave either. This house is that good.

A classic home with a modern twist

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