Rare Viñoly-Designed Estate Debuts on Market For $9.75M
Located in Ridgefield, Connecticut, is one of a very few private residences designed by famed Uruguayan architect, Rafael Viñoly. The architect is best known for his large-scale commissions such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Tokyo International Forum, and the divisive 432 Park Avenue, currently holding the record as the tallest residential tower in the Western Hemisphere.
Privately set on five acres of land, the sale of the 16,000-square-foot concrete home is unique in that it is being sold together with a 3,500-square-foot farmhouse across the street. An additional 11-acres of land is also thrown into the deal.
The five-acre hilltop locale is surrounded by trees and shrubberies with the original landscaping costs estimated to be approximately $3m, according to the listing agent.
The International-style home features custom metal and woodwork, unique skylights, and glass canopies. The rectangular tower houses the master bedroom, a private penthouse study, and a rooftop observatory.
There is a separate heating system for the expansive driveway to keep it free of snow and ice.
Originally completed in 1990, Viñoly's sculptural design for the estate was conceived of with indoor/outdoor living in mind, intended to maximize "the extraordinary light pattern and views" from the hilltop property—spectacular views that extend straight out across the bucolic landscape and towards the Hudson River. The construction of the home was quite a feat and required bringing in 350 pre-cast concrete panels (averaging 10’ x 20’ in size) from Toronto, Canada, and carefully attaching them to a 35-ton steel frame—balancing glass windows and skylight roof canopies on top.
There are two heated swimming pools: inside and out. The present owner completely refurbished both pools and updated the glass which covers the perimeter, helping to bring the home to "even better than original" condition.
Highlights include: a dramatic open-plan living space, awash in natural light; an indoor and outdoor pool; extensive glazing; custom metalwork and woodwork throughout; and two master bedroom suites—including one privately set at the back of the property in a rectangular tower with its own private penthouse study and a rooftop lookout deck. Plus, there's that farmhouse across the street.
The view from the indoor pool.
The glass foyer features views through to the interior pool courtyard all the way out to the outdoor pool. There is a Travertine floor and custom-made blackened steel panels that were designed by an aeronautical engineer to encase the wiring and controls for the lighting, security, and phone systems. The space also opens to the great room.
The great room comprises an open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area. The Travertine tile flooring features radiant heat. Oversized sliding glass doors lead out to an outdoor terrace, while the ceiling is paneled in teak.
The chic contemporary kitchen features custom Wenge African hardwood with handcrafted stainless steel cabinetry. The free-standing, stainless steel buffet has a bar overhang and features a Travertine countertop. High-end appliances include a Gaggenau built-in convection rotisserie/pizza oven and gas cooktop, a Viking Professional dual burner, and a SubZero refrigerator.
The room is wrapped in walls of glass, showcasing the lush surroundings.
The living space is anchored by an oversized, sculptural fireplace made from blackened steel by David Edelman. The design incorporates graduated rectangular tiers and is flanked by matching sound speakers.
There is even an exercise studio that would make any minimalist happy.
The master bedroom is privately located off the main house in a rectangular tower towards the back of the home. The master is complete with custom touches like distressed blackened steel steps that lead down to a private basement garage, as well as cantilevered steps up to a penthouse office.
The penthouse office has an open workspace with a diagonally-laid teak floor, built-in metal mesh shelving, and a built-in blackened-steel credenza that wraps the edge of the room. There are also cantilevered floating steps which lead to the rooftop observation deck.
The roof boasts an observation deck with 360-degree views towards the Hudson River.
The additional 11-acre property, known as "High Meadow Farm", is included in the sale and consists of a 3,500-square-foot farmhouse with five bedrooms and two entrances to accommodate separate families. There is also a barn with hayloft, stalls, a riding area, and pastures that could house a large equestrian facility.
An aerial view of both houses and all the land.
An aerial view of the Rafael Viñoly-designed home.
191 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, Connecticut, is currently listed for $9,750,000 by Lara Freed Ancona of William Pitt Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty.
Related Reading: A Historic, International-Style Abode With a Converted Greenhouse Wants $2M
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