CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens) MARCH 2023

GARRETT WILSON

Your Inspiration. Our Expertise.

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Iam amazed at what sometimes happens to me when I spend time searching for products. Like the rest of the world, I fall into the rabbit hole, and who knows where it will lead! I read that mushrooms are the new darlings of the food, beauty and product worlds. I don’t really like eating mushrooms. And I remember a line of beauty products a few years ago that used mushrooms. I bought a few—and immediately had an allergic reaction! Meanwhile, my search continued, focusing on—ready?— mushrooms used in lighting. I was intrigued. I searched and found “mushrooms used in buildings,” and I was on the hunt! ■ The architect, Tsukasa Ono—a specialist in the use of bacteria and fungi in architecture—had just created Sumu Yakushima, a community built in a farming area with views of the sea on the Japanese island of Yakushima. I was immediately drawn to the simple lines of these wood structures nestled into the environment. Ono, a student of regenerative architecture—which seeks to minimize the impact of buildings on the land—wanted to explore the relationship between human habitation and the environment. Several decisions were made with this in mind: The site for the buildings was determined by the existing trees on the property. The buildings were elevated to take advantage of the natural flow of air from the hills to the nearby sea. Wooden pilings with charred surfaces were driven into the soil beneath the foundations of each building. The carbonized wood promotes the growth of mycelium, which helps strengthen the soil. This regenerative building method keeps the microorganisms in the soil alive, thereby activating the bacteria. The building, in effect, can connect with the natural network. Think about it enriching nature while making the buildings more robust and comfortable. For the interiors, a fermented plaster was used for the walls and floors that was made by mixing charcoal with a special type of bacteria. According to the architect, the plaster helps to prevent mold and other decaying bacteria. All energy is generated by solar and stored in batteries; local firewood is used for heating and cooking. ■ It excites me to see such innovation. Our world is changing, and it’s exciting to discover new ideas. Forward thinking. Experimental design. I want to be a part of it all!

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Still Booming!

The coronavirus migration into Connecticut was the third highest in the United States (behind Maine and Vermont), according to a CBRE survey. Many moves were also within the state, so that our neighborhoods— including mine—are full of new young families. ■ Our parent company, C&G Media Group, conducts an annual readership survey, but there was none during the “big move” of 2020 and 2021, so we could hardly wait to find out about our new homesteaders. Happily, the newcomers have adopted CTC&G with enthusiasm, and almost half of them have read three or four of the last four issues, and 60 percent plan to save their issues for future reference. They follow us online too—with almost half of them visiting cottagesgardens.com several times a month! ■ The question I hear often is “have they finished the record amount of designing, decorating, building and landscaping that has prevailed during the past two years?” The answer is no, they have not finished! The interest in home improvement continues unabated with almost seven in 10 planning to redecorate/ remodel/renovate their homes in the next 12 months, and 64 percent planning to use a builder/contractor and 61 percent planning to use the services of a landscape designer/architect. ■ There is a lot more information about our respondents plans, so for a complete copy of the survey results contact jbarbaro@candg.com.

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LIVE OUTSIDE EXPECTATIONS

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Without Uschi, it wouldn’t be Clarke.

Hangama Amiri: A Homage to Home

On view through June 11, 2023

New Haven-based artist Hangama

Amiri’s first solo museum exhibition presents work combining painting and printmaking techniques with textiles based on memories of her Afghan homeland and diasporic experience.

Plan your visit and purchase tickets at thealdrich.org

Hangama Amiri. Mah Chehra Beauty Parlor, 2022 Muslin, cotton, chiffon, polyester, suede, iridescent paper, iridescent fabric, silk, and found fabric, 74½ x 57 inches, Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Chris Gardner

In This Issue

WHAT WAS THE STYLE OF THE HOME YOU LIVED IN WHILE GROWING UP AND HOW HAS IT INFLUENCED YOUR WORK?

CHRISTOPHER PAGLIARO

“I grew up in a New York City apartment, not a single-family home. It was, however, influential in the development of my work. Modern, with abundant windows and natural light, it was always happy. I was exposed to an eclectic interior design style—inclusive of classic and modern furnishings and artwork of bold and bright color. In retrospect, the apartment itself was a white canvas that served as a pure backdrop to my parent’s personalities.”

“House of Three Gables,” page 84, principal, Christopher Pagliaro Architects, pagliaroarchitects.com.

CHELSEA REALE AND DIANA RICE

“Growing up we never had the biggest house on the block, but my mom always made it beautiful. Her eye for detail and love of all things beautiful ensured we always lived in a beautifully and thoughtfully curated space.” —Chelsea Reale “A Study in Contrasts,” page 66, interior designers, Sissy + Marley Interior Design, sissyandmarley.com.

THOMAS MCMANUS

“My childhood house in Massachusetts was a very simple, five-bay, clapboard, Colonial house with a hipped roof and an attached two-car garage—two humble, connected masses. Across the street was an identically planned house with a gable roof and a ‘hyphen’ between the house and the garage. The New England tradition of additive massing to create larger houses out of normally-scaled pieces brings a sense of relaxed elegance to residential architecture and is at the core of many of the projects I work on.”

“Greek Revitalized,” page 74, partner, Ferguson & Shamamian Architects, fergusonshamamian.com.

Canadian artist Hangama Amiri combines painting and printmaking techniques with textiles, weaving together stories based on her memories of her homeland and her diasporic experience. Serving as Amiri’s solo museum debut, this exhibition is centered on the lives of women and builds interiors that capture her protagonists within domestic and entrepreneurial spaces, amplifying a collective struggle for women’s rights in Afghanistan and around the world. Open now through June 11. The Aldrich, 258 Main St., Ridgefield. For more information, visit thealdrich.org.

The Orchid Show

Renowned landscape artist Lily Kwong is the guest designer for the New York Botanical Garden’s 20th annual Orchid Show. This exhibition will transport guests to ethereal, reverent landscapes inspired by ancient Chinese garden design and artistic principles with immersive installations in the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. On view now through April 23. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY. For more information, visit nybg.org/event/the-orchid-show-natural-heritage.

Join CTC&G Editorial Director DJ Carey and Pollack Design Director Rachel Doriss for a comprehensive course that follows the life of a fiber, from raw material to finished textile, and includes practical applications that enable designers to choose the right fabric for their projects.

Wednesday, March 29, 9 a.m. This course is IDCEC Approved, 1 CEU credit. Holly Hunt, 375 Fairfield Ave., Suite 102, Stamford. RSVP to ctcgevents@candg.com.

Out of the Box

DISTINCTIVE

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS COMBINE GOOD LOOKS AND FUNCTIONALITY

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

An inviting pergola from Walpole Outdoors adds character to this entryway. The structure is crafted from low-maintenance solid cellular vinyl and is delivered factory pre-finished in a choice of more than 100 colors. Price upon request, walpoleoutdoors.com.

WHAT’S NEW

Duchateau introduced its first designer hardwood flooring collection with worldrenowned interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Inspired by and named after modern and classical architects, the wide plank flooring is made from European white oak and includes six finishes. Neutra is shown here. Price upon request, duchateau.com.

PET FRIENDLY

ROCK CLIMBING

Add rustic character to interior or exterior walls with Dutch Quality Stone’s Rough Ashlar manufactured stone veneer. Lightweight, the material is composed of large and medium blocks in varying tones and textures and offered in three colorways—Winter Point is shown here. $7 per square foot, available through New Milford Block and Supply, montfortgroup.com, dutchqualitystone.com.

BESPOKE HARDWARE

Create your own design with Emtek Select Lever hardware. Specify the lever grip, stem design, rosette option and preferred finish for a unique handle set. Available in single and two-point locksets. Price upon request, available through Ring’s End, ringsend.com, emtek.com.

Pets will love the freedom to go in and out with Simpson Door Company’s dog door. Each door is made from heavy-duty aluminum and is equipped with shatterresistant K9 composite saloon-style panels. The industrial weather seal ensures air conditioning and heat stay inside your home. $2,500, available through Interstate + Lakeland Lumber, interstatelumber.com, simpsondoor.com.

NOLA CHARM

Handcrafted in New Orleans, the Bevolo Cotton Exchange lantern is fashioned in an antique copper finish and boasts a rounded roof. The fixture can be outfitted with gas or electric and is offered in three sizes. Price available upon request, bevolo.com.

WOW FACTOR

Axolotl’s surfacing solutions make quite an impact. New to the US, the Australian brand specializes in applying metal coatings, including zinc, copper or bronze, to substrates like wood, plaster, concrete, glass and steel. The material is 0.5mm thick—thin enough to be used on garage doors, walls or kitchen islands. Once adhered, it can be treated with finishing effects like etching, carving, burnishing or texturing. Price upon request, axolotlglobal.com.

FAUX BOIS

Unlike timber boards, Millboard has a solid core of limestone and requires minimal maintenance. It is stain-resistant, won’t rot, warp or harbor insects, and can be used for exterior projects like siding, cladding, decking, walkways and docks. Price upon request, available through Outlive, outlive.info, millboard.com.

FIXER UPPER

The Magnolia Home Collection for James Hardie simplifies the process of re-siding your home. The curated selection of natureinspired colors, styles and textures in Hardie’s most popular cement board styles—plank, shingle and boardand-batten—are all hand picked by Joanna Gaines and pre-finished with Hardie’s ColorPlus Technology for long-lasting beauty. Price upon request, jameshardie.com.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

Family-owned Southern Shutter Home offers a full range of shutters, from louver, paneled and Bahama to board-and-batten styles. The arched board-and-batten shutters, shown here, are set on hinges with bullet-catch holdbacks in a custom antique finish. Price upon request, southernshutterhome.com.

POP THE CORK

Cork is a sustainable and renewable source for wallcoverings or flooring, and its warm natural tones and textures also add thermal and sound insulation. We Cork’s material, available in plank, tile or brick patterns, is made from bark from cork oak trees grown in Portugal. Pricing as shown, $11–$13 per square foot, available through New England Custom Floors, newenglandcustomfloors.com, wecork.com.

SIGHT LINES

Andersen is expanding its A-series portfolio—including the brand’s most energy-efficient patio doors—incorporating narrower sight lines to let in more light and adding contemporary accessories for a sleek look. Choose from a variety of stain and painted interior options and 11 different exterior colors. Price upon request, available through Ring’s End, ringsend.com, andersenwindows.com.

Buzzworthy

Timeless Elegance

A master of the neutral color palette, award-winning interior designer Thomas Pheasant is also known for his striking, sculptural silhouettes and luxe finishes. His latest collection for Baker—his 20th partnership anniversary with the brand— builds on these strengths with a sophisticated assortment of bedroom, dining, occasional and upholstery furniture, mirrors and lighting. Drawing from decades of inspiration, this assemblage represents his definition of modern elegance— curvaceous forms that look beautiful from all angles, classic arches, jewelry-like accents and mixed materials and textures. NYDC, 212-779-8810, bakerfurniture.com.

NEO CLASSIC

Celebrity designer Mary McDonald’s second rug collection for Patterson Flynn is influenced by the Neoclassical Directoire and Empire periods.

Crafted in abaca, the three graphic designs of Masquerade, Polestar and Compass include stylized emblems, diamond patterns, stars and sunbursts, modernized in coloration and scale. Describing Polestar, shown here, McDonald says, “Polestar is a compilation of some of my favorite marble floors in important castles and homes in Europe, translated to a more casual rug. This rug in particular reminds me of all the parts and pieces I love from the Empire period during the reign of Napoleon.” D&D, 212-688-7700, pattersonflynn.com.

BLACK ROCK FINDS ON THE BOARDS

If you haven’t yet discovered the Black Rock Department Store by Patrick Mele— opened in the fall of 2022— now is the time to check out this bohemian home and lifestyle destination. Located in the heart of the artistic Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport, the 2,000-square-foot space is filled with curated vintage and antique furniture, art, textiles and accessories, assembled under the tasteful direction of interior designer Patrick Mele. In addition, not-to-be missed vintage clothing by Carol Santini and rugs by Wendy Cooper round out the eclectic offerings. Open Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., 2948 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, 203-550-2264. patrickmele.com.

Architectural firm Burr Salvatore has a lot going on these days, starting with a new name. Previously known as Ryan Salvatore Design, the company has been renamed Burr Salvatore Architects with the addition of a new partner, Mary Burr. Salvatore and Burr are former colleagues at Robert A.M. Stern Architects and share a joint philosophy of taking inspiration from historical precedents and adapting them for how people live today. “Our portfolio includes a wide range of styles, but all are united by our unwavering commitment to what we consider the essentials of good design: attentive listening, careful consideration and thorough execution,” states Burr. In other news, the NYC firm recently announced the opening of a second office in Connecticut, located in downtown Darien. 815 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-655-0303, burrsalvatore.com.

FIVE TOP WINNERS AT THE 2022 HOBI AWARDS

BUILDING IS BOOMING

IN CELEBRATION OF BUILDERS, a record 780 housing-industry professionals gathered for the 28th Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut’s Home Building Industry Awards (otherwise known as the HOBIs). The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the winning homes by HOBI Awards producer and dinner MC, Joanne Carroll. Awards were given in a wide variety of categories, including custom homes, spec homes, remodeled homes and much more. Here, we highlight a few of the best of the best. To see more of these projects, go to cottagesgardens.com/hobis2022. For a complete list of winners, go to hbact.org/hobiawards.

HOBBS, INC.

2022 PROJECT OF THE YEAR, BEST CUSTOM HOME OVER 15,000 SF

This French Provincial–style estate on 26 Greenwich acres was built by Hobbs, Inc. and designed by Ralph Mackin of Mackin Architects with interiors by Alexa Hampton. The main house has granite lintels, limestone trim, bronze metal windows, a thick, graduated slate roof and botanical-detailed copper scuppers and leaders, and includes a four-car garage and an indoor pool. A two-story oak-paneled foyer features antique limestone imported from France, inlaid between oak accents. Exceptional features include an elegant breakfast room with layered cornice and wainscoting, timber-roof pool house with full length skylight, terraced gardens, pavilion and outdoor tennis courts. The rear terrace has fountains and stone steps that cascade to the field below. The home's state-of-the-art technological features garnered Advanced Home Audio a 2022 CTC&G IDA in Custom Smart Home Integration. Landscape design is by Janice Parker Landscape Architects.

HSL BUILDING COMPANY

2022 CUSTOM HOME OF THE YEAR, BEST CUSTOM HOME 6,000–7,000 SF

This river retreat was built by Erno Bacso of HSL Building Company and designed by Peter Cadoux of Cadoux Architects with interiors by Diana Jonason Interior Design. A modern farmhouse in three building modules, it celebrates indoor-outdoor living with heated, lit walkways, an infinity-edge pool, a year-round outdoor spa and even green roofs. The entry is distinguished by an impressive walnut pivot door and floating staircase. A translucent indoor-outdoor fireplace highlights the family room, and the kitchen boasts a 12-foot-long waterfall island that’s combined with walnut cabinetry. Landscape design is by Eckerson Design Associates.

RIVERSIDE DESIGN + BUILD

2022 SPEC HOME OF THE YEAR, BEST ENTRY, BEST PRIMARY BATH

On a park-like site overlooking the New Canaan Reservoir, this project by Marc Vandenhoeck, president of Riverside Design + Build, and consulting architect Michele Rudolph, can best be defined as rustic barn meets midcentury modern. Although the stone-and-glass main entry appears to be a one-story house, in fact, it is two stories. An inverted plan’s lower level serves as a retaining wall to hold the regraded hillside in place. The entry’s 10-foot ceiling smoothly flows into the foyer before opening up to a classically proportioned double-height living room, where a linear see-through fireplace reveals a rear deck and water views. The beamed kitchen is built with a dramatic Compac “Unique Calacatta Black” backsplash and countertops. The primary bath, which won a 2022 CTC&G IDA for Bath Design, is equipped with a two-person steam shower and an oversized spa tub.

DEROSA BUILDERS

BEST CUSTOM HOME

5,000–6,000 SF

DeRosa Builders joined forces with architect Tanner White of Tanner White Architects and interior designer Shawna Feeley for this custom home. An oakbeamed family room with black-framed Marvin windows and an indoor/outdoor fireplace opens to a kitchen with an oak-paneled range hood and quartz backsplash. The dining room boasts an oak ceiling and is surrounded with full-height windows, while a floating oak staircase with black iron balusters leads to the second floor bedrooms. Additional features include a high-gloss blue butler’s pantry, a charcoal office and exceptional outdoor living provided by a covered wraparound patio, equipped with fireplace, TV, outdoor kitchen, ceiling heaters, fans and screens for year-round enjoyment.

GATEHOUSE PARTNERS

BEST CUSTOM HOME 4,000–5,000 SF, BEST EXTERIOR & INTERIOR FEATURES, OUTSTANDING HOME OFFICE

Gatehouse Partners achieved an amazing contrast of traditional and modern for the exterior of this winning Greenwich custom home. Sided in Thermory ash with a dramatic three-story stone fireplace, the home is designed with a dual-sided rear staircase, leading to a pool with Jacuzzi. Inside, a floating white oak staircase wraps around a four-story glass elevator, which won Best Interior Feature. Other outstanding highlights include a steel-clad fireplace in the family room, a Thermory ash office adjacent to owner’s bedroom, and an enormous roof deck. Architecture is by Wormser & Associates Architects

A Brutalist Icon

ARCHITECT MARCEL BREUER’S NEW HAVEN LANDMARK IS REIMAGINED AS A SUSTAINABLE HOTEL | BY MARY

If you’ve ever driven north on Interstate 95 through New Haven’s Long Wharf district, you’ve no doubt noticed the large concrete building looming high above the highway. Designed by Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer in 1968, the Brutalist-style monolith was the former headquarters of the Armstrong Rubber Company and Pirelli Tire. Lying vacant for two decades, the structure has been rejuvenated as the sustainably designed Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Architect, developer and owner Bruce Redman Becker of Westportbased Becker + Becker revitalized this historic landmark, creating a sustainable lodging and dining destination. We asked him about the process of taking on this monumental project.

How long did this project take?

We purchased the building in December of 2019, but we spent over a year studying the feasibility of the project before the acquisition. It had sat empty for over two decades. The lower two floors had been completely gutted when a two-story research wing was demolished in 2003. The upper floors had water damage and environmental issues which had to be addressed prior to commencing construction. The hotel opened in the spring of 2022.

What were some of the challenges you faced?

It was both a challenge and an exciting opportunity to modernize a historic building and to deliver a hotel that incorporates sustainability every step of the way, while still paying homage to its rich history and heritage. Because the building is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places, we had to go through rigorous review from the National Park Service and State Historic Preservation office.

What drew you to Breuer’s Brutalist architecture?

I studied architecture at Yale and learned to love how brutalism reveals the inherent beauty of materials like concrete and its expressive use of shadow and texture. Growing up in a modern house in New Canaan—the town in which Marcel Breuer and the other “Harvard Five” built homes—I

have always appreciated the clean lines and simple elegance of modern architecture.

How were you able to preserve the legacy of Marcel Breuer’s original design?

Becker + Becker, along with interiors firm Dutch East Design, retained all significant design elements of the original building’s pre-cast concrete architecture, including its distinctive sculptural facade, board-formed concrete stairwells, elevator surrounds and granite tile lobby. We repurposed building materials throughout, such as light fixtures and carefully restored wood-paneled walls that were once used in the Armstrong executive offices and conference rooms. To maintain the midcentury aesthetic, new interiors focus on functionality, clean lines and geometric forms.

What are some of the sustainability features of this hotel?

We made a choice early on not to use any fossil fuels. We are an allelectric hotel. We’re also expected to be the first net-zero and Passive House-certified hotel in the country and will be one of fewer than a dozen LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinumcertified hotels.

Hotel Marcel New Haven utilizes renewable solar power sources on site to generate the electricity needed for its common areas, restaurant, laundry, meeting rooms and the 165 guest rooms. A power-over-ethernet lighting system reduces lighting energy use by more than 30 percent.

As a recycled building, Hotel Marcel has a greatly reduced embodied carbon impact compared to a newly constructed hotel. With the climate crisis and continued use of fossil fuels posing an existential threat to humanity, I felt an obligation to develop a hotel that can serve as a model for environmental sustainability.

Becker + Becker has taken on many urban properties, but this was a first, how so?

All of our projects are unique and Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is our first hotel project. This allowed us to look at each hotel design and development decision with a fresh perspective. My commitment to sustainability and integrated practice as architect and developer enabled us to create a new model for sustainable hospitality. The hotel offers a destination for guests who have a passion for modern design and sustainability.

500 Sargent Drive, New Haven, 203780-7800, hotelmarcel.com.

DEEDS DON’TS

Style for Sale

March marks the start of the spring market, always the most active few months in residential real estate. And after a tumultuous year—characterized by wild swings in interest rates, housing inventory and home prices—the spring selling season is looking a lot less chaotic. Specifically, we’re seeing more high-quality listings across all architectural styles, a nice tie-in to the theme of this issue. For your shopping pleasure, we give you five for-sale homes, built (or renovated) by renowned architects and each one representing a popular British or American style. Happy spring!

STYLE FROM ACROSS THE POND—AND BEYOND

The catch-all style known as the english manor home— think Downton Abbey—is handsomely represented by a Southport estate built by architect Roger Ferris. The nearly 18,000 square feet of handsomeness

kicks off with a two-story limestone portico that leads to an entry hall with a “marmalade” marble floor and a floating, wrought-iron circular staircase. On the main floor, the wood-paneled library impresses, as does the formal dining room with its wall of French doors onto an elevated terrace with gorgeous views of Southport Harbor and Long Island Sound. Below the main level is a cabana room with all the amenities of a luxury spa, including a sauna, gym and bathroom suites, as well as a wine room and access to the outdoor pool and patio. And there’s also a squash/basketball court, dance studio and 75-foot, marble-lined indoor pool. It lists for $14,995,000 with Rick Higgins of the Higgins Group.

One of the most iconic English architectural styles is the stone-and-halftimber Tudor. And one of the most impressive examples of the vernacular is a landmarked estate called Stoneleigh Manor in New Canaan. Built in 1903 by Gilded-Age starchitect Stanford White—designer of homes for the Vanderbilts and Astors—Stoneleigh served as a summer residence for a

wealthy Manhattan couple. It sits on a high perch to take advantage of views across Long Island Sound, best enjoyed from the sprawling back veranda, which features a fireplace and runs the width of the house. Its 8,673-square-foot interiors are modern in sensibility, recently renovated by Lisa Hilderbrand of Hilderbrand Interiors. The capacious kitchen is at the heart of the home, clad in white marble and offering access to the breakfast and family rooms and walk-in pantry. Original to the home is the dramatic entry, extending from the porte-cochere through the front hall to the back veranda. And in all, there are seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, including a pretty primary suite with a sitting room. It lists for $4,750,000 with John and Melissa Engel of Douglas Elliman. Despite its Old-World moniker, the style known as Greek Revival looks at home nearly anywhere—and certainly in New Canaan’s town center. Proving that point is the many-columned Greek Revival on Park Street, just

BROKEN RECORDS

Connecticut’s real estate market has been posting some positive—even record-breaking—sales figures. Some of the sizzling stats include:

“We’re #1”

Across the nation, the numberone residential housing market for 2023 will be the suburbs west of Hartford. Those much-admired school districts will see an 8.5 percent increase in sales prices, according to realtor.com.

a short walk to the New Canaan train station. The circa-1836 property has a literary backstory: It was once home to Maxwell Perkins, the editor for Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Wolfe and, before that, housed the New Canaan Country School. Despite its storied history, the home fell into disrepair, but, happily, it was saved—and beautifully renovated—in the 1970s by architects (and then-owners) Richard and Sandra Bergmann. Today, the 5,700-square-foot interiors are a graceful blend of old and new, offering three bedrooms, four bathrooms and a generously sized office space, with a permit to operate a business within it. And on the .33-acre grounds are formal gardens that are included in the Smithsonian’s Archives for American Gardens. Inger Stringfellow of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty offers the home for $3,495,000.

$647,000

That was the median closing price for a Fairfield County home at the end of 2022, a record, despite housing market hiccups during the second half of the year. The figure represents a 6 percent increase over 2021 and a 44 percent increase over 2020 median sales price.

$7,000,000

< This sales price set a record for a waterfront condo—a Rowayton home owned by architect Louise Brooks and her husband. Even better news: The townhouse sold in three days, at 13 percent over ask.

$103,000,000

A land-sale record in Darien will be set when Great Island is sold to that town, scheduled to close in April.

ARCHITECTURE WITH AN AMERICAN ACCENT

Given that our state was at the heart of colonial america, we feel duty-bound to feature a classic Colonial—a style that’s also one of our state’s most popular. Originally built in 1874, and located along gracious Pequot Avenue in Southport, the Captain Thorp House is one of the town’s finest Colonials. It was renovated in the early 1900s by famed local architect Cameron Clark, who restored the interior’s extensive molding and millwork,

wide-board flooring and numerous fireplaces. In all, the 4,419-square-foot home offers six bedrooms, five bathrooms and, on the landscaped grounds, a pool and pool terrace. It lists for $3,625,000 with the On the Harbor team at AFA/William Raveis.

Finally, in Guilford, along the coastline north of New Haven, a Shingle-Style home sited directly on Long Island Sound is listed for $5,450,000. The natural setting is the star of this show, enhanced by a bluestone terrace with an Infinity pool and spa, all with water views—sunup and sundown. There’s also a private dock with a swim ladder leading to secluded cove. The 6,267-square-foot interiors are designed with massive expanses of glass and an open-plan flow. There’s a wine room, a screened dining porch and a home gym. And there are four bedrooms in all, including a luxe primary suite with a fireplace, lounge area and two full bathrooms. Doug Werner and Rick Weiner of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty share the listing. —Diane di

MARCH

CONNECTICUT COTTAGES & GARDENS

EXPLORE ELEVATED DESIGN

ONE OF A KIND

Art and grandeur happily coexist in a magnificent country estate

Everything in my life seems to happen by default,” says Dinyar Wadia, principal of Wadia Associates. “I found my wife by default, I became a college boy by default, and this project is no different. The clients happened to see work of ours in New Canaan, and, when they were looking for an architect, the wife reminded him to look up the name he had scribbled down and kept in his wallet.” The family was living in a comfortable house in Fairfield County but wanted an upgrade—and less noise from the Merritt Parkway. The site of the new property was on a lake, yet “the first time I saw it,” says Wadia, “I didn’t realize there was a lake in the back.” The existing house also had a conservatory in complete shambles, and when the client asked Wadia if he would keep it or knock it down, his answer—keep it—clinched the job.

When discussions started about the style and size of the house, Wadia took them to a French Country home he had recently completed. “She fell completely in love with it,” he notes. “She said: ‘I want to do that house, but completely different.’” They wanted classic and beautiful, but they didn’t want anything typical or cookie-cutter. Recalls Wadia, “One of the first things she asked me was: ‘What’s one thing in town that no house has?’” He responded, tongue firmly planted in cheek: “a moat.”

Bring

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On The Charm

clockwise from far left)

Landscape design is by Conte & Conte. A bridge was designed to connect to the two spaces of the house instead of creating another box. The greenhouse conservatory’s oculus windows overlook the

pool; arched doors off the kitchen have retractable screens. A covered patio with a fireplace is furnished with RH’s Malta Teak sofa, chairs and coffee table. Wadia’s housewarming gift to the clients was putting a garden in the greenhouse. See Resources.

With the existing house also came a walled garden, which became the central focus of the living room. The front entrance—accessible via bridge and over a moat—with a white quartzite floor and fireplace, is slightly off center with the main staircase sitting off to the right. “Most people have the staircase as the main part of the house,” says Wadia. “We didn’t want to do anything typical.” The focal point on the first floor is the living room with views of the garden to the front and of the lake in the back. Wadia Associate’s Director of Interior Design & Decoration, Saranda Berisa, placed Holly Hunt’s circular Omnibus sofa in a vivid

blue in the center of the room. “They don’t follow the mainstream edit,” notes Berisa. “Everything reflects the way they want to live. They wanted color and vibrancy with function. The sofa draws your eye into the center of the room, and also works for how they entertain. The clients didn’t want multiple seating arrangements—this is a family that wants everyone to congregate together.”

On the same side of the house are the kitchen, the dining room and a lacquered red bar that has a door to the pantry in the back. The dining room verges on grand, but the light fixture—illuminated glass drops dripping down from the ceiling— draws your eye. Subtle texture on the wallpaper and red upholstered chairs around an Italian table make it feel inviting and cozy. “People come to visit the house and consistently say that it feels intimate in some instances and has a sense of grandeur in others,” says Wadia. “Even though it’s a big house, it feels like home, and that is the decoration and the detail.”

Across the entryway, is a family room, study and library. The doubleheight study is paneled in mahogany but does not feel dark and foreboding. “It’s all in the detail and skill,” says Wadia. “Without detail it would be sterile and antiseptic. The paneling, custom moldings, colors and plaster scale the space.”

Like Wadia himself—he describes himself as “Half of me is all fun, and half of me is all business”—the 30,000-square-foot house is both formal and whimsical, plus it reflects the spirit of the family that lives there. Their collection of artwork lends personality, and at times humor, to the residence. “We like to add little bits of surprises in our work,” says Wadia, “but these clients love to surprise us right back.”

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(

Simplicity Rules

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opposite page, top) The kitchen was intentionally left classic and subdued so it would never feel dated. The pendants are through Visual Comfort & Co.; the counter stools are from Serena & Lily.

Perfect Fit

opposite page, bottom) Nella Vetrina table and chairs anchor the dining room. The sideboard is through B&B Italia.

Gather Round

(this page, clockwise from left) The breakfast nook sits underneath the house’s turret; the table and chairs are through B&B Italia. The bar is lacquered in Fine Paints of Europe Rembrandt Red and has a door in the back that leads to the pantry. The wine cellar vestibule has fixtures from Visual Comfort & Co. The benches were found at Church Antiques. See Resources.

Devil’s In The Details (this page) Wadia designed the house so that the stairs were off to the side.

Intricate millwork on the balustrade keeps it classic.

Sleep Tight (opposite page) A Holly Hunt bed in leather sits on a rug from Palace Oriental Rugs in the primary bedroom. See Resources.

A STUDY IN CONTRASTS

Sissy+Marley’s warm minimalism fills an Old Greenwich home

Not unlike the canvas of a painting, the Sissy+Marley mother-daughter design team of Chelsea Reale and Diana Rice always sign one of their finished projects. While the homeowners won’t find the designers’ actual penned names on a wall, what Reale and Rice always leave beyond is their “look”—signature elements that reflect their aesthetic. “Thankfully, most of our clients, like this young couple, come to us because they like our aesthetic,” says Reale, who has worked with her mother, Diana, since 2011 from their Brooklyn studio. “When the clients found us on Instagram, during the pandemic, shortly after they moved from a Manhattan apartment into their new home in Old Greenwich, they were already in love with the way Diana and I often use ebony and white in our projects, a dynamic that results in bold moments.”

Another signature of Sissy+Marley that reveals itself in a complete project is a subtle imbalance. Look at one of the designers’ finished rooms, and it’s likely you will see a painting hung off center above a fireplace, objects and books on shelves that are not precisely balanced, furniture that is positioned to the side. “When you place something a bit off center,” says Rice, “it makes both the object itself and what surrounds it feel not exactly typical. All the elements feel more interesting. It seems common to center something, but we make it common not to.”

Soon after moving into their home, the couple knew it was time to stop sleeping on the floor. While their children had beds, the husband and wife—he a physician, she an attorney—had left their city digs so quickly that they hadn’t brought much furniture. After a spell on a mattress on the floor, they commissioned Reale and Rice to furnish the five-bedroom home, a brand-new spec residence designed by Beinfield Architecture. One of the major changes the interior designers made—in concert with their longtime architectural collaborator, Jesus Aguilar of Studio Ater—was to add a mudroom. “We made

sure that design-wise, the new space would fit aesthetically with the existing house,” Reale says. “The couple needed that room for their kids, who are always running in and out with backpacks and boots that need to be taken off.”

As for choosing the furnishings, the experience of this project was typical for Reale and Rice. “Chelsea and Diana recommended pieces they personally saw and tried out,” says the homeowner. “They never shy away from giving you their unfiltered advice and opinion—and it’s refreshing to work with a team that is decisive and has a definite ‘view’.” Indeed, Reale and Rice are used to this dynamic, whereby they present their findings to the clients, who then let the designers go about their work unencumbered. “Our job, of course,” explains Rice, “is to take to the next level the decisions that have been made. We’re always so grateful to have clients exactly like these who have such trust in our vision.”

While the homeowner curated the artworks— notably antique portraits—in the home, Reale and Rice curated all of the furnishings and accessories, down to the books on the shelves. “There were a few pieces we weren’t sure of during the initial presentation,” says the client, “but after exploring a couple alternatives, we ultimately came back, every time, to their first choice. Those are now some of the pieces that we love the most.”

Perhaps the most exhilarating signature element of the designers, though, is their methodology about the presentation of the finished house. The so-called Big Reveal is a wellorchestrated event of theirs. “The clients were due to be away for week,” recalls Reale, “and so we used that time to put everything into place. The children weren’t there for the moment, but the homeowner later sent us lovely photos of the two children seeing their new rooms for the first time, with them bouncing happily on their new beds. As the homeowner adds, “The joy we feel now and the feeling we had at that first sighting hasn’t changed with the passage of time.” ✹

Creating Balance

(this page, clockwise from top left) A Space

Copenhagen shearling stool provides seating at a Blackcreek Mercantile & Trading table in the primary bedroom. A chair and ottoman from B&B Italia and a Cassina stool fill a corner of the primary bedroom. The home office is equipped with a desk and bench from Mandy Graham. In the foyer, a vintage portrait hangs over an Oja Design demilune table from March. In a guest bedroom, a Loop wardrobe from

Design Within Reach is complemented by black-oak-and-leather hooks from Unison Home and a low stool from Blackcreek Mercantile & Trading.

Stylish Dining

(opposite page) In the dining room, a white-oak table from Blackcreek Mercantile & Trading is surrounded by Carl Hansen chairs, while a chandelier from Apparatus Studio provides a sculptural presence. The mirror, made of ebonized oak and blacked steel, is from Yucca Stuff. See Resources.

They were already in love with the way Diana and I often use ebony and white in our projects, a dynamic that results in bold moments

In Repose (this page, clockwise from top left) A leather sling desk chair through Fair Design is paired with an ebonized oak vanity in the primary bedroom. Sawkille’s Meditation bed through Fair and Pinch Design’s side table from the Future Perfect are used in the primary bedroom, where the rug is from Armadillo. In a guest bedroom, a Workstead sconce is complemented by

a Pinch Design side table. Lostine’s Hugo Barbell floor lamp makes a statement in the guest bedroom. The primary bathroom boasts Sissy+Marley’s custom millwork.

Kid’s Play (opposite page) A Room&Board Fort steel bunk bed sports bedding from Crate&Barrel. The Peak wallpaper is from Marley + Malek Kids. See Resources.

Curve Appeal (clockwise across spread from above)

The original Greek Revival style structure followed the bend of the site resulting in a boomerang-shaped house; the new threecar garage intentionally resembles a carriage house. Artwork by Lisa Yuskavage leads the eye to the family room. Another painting by Yuskavage provides a focal point in one portion of the living room, where reupholstered sofas wear a lush cotton velvet. The sisal rug is from Beauvais Carpets. See Resources.

There was little doubt the upscale Greenwich builder home designed in 2001 had its shortcomings. Overzealous Greek Revival details like disproportionate corner pilasters on the outside entry and a dark north-facing kitchen with drab views of the driveway, among them. But after several meetings with the homeowners, a couple with two teenaged children, architect Tom McManus of Ferguson & Shamamian Architects realized that despite the structure’s idiosyncrasies, it was the couple’s emotional attachment to the house that played a major role in their decision to stay put and renovate. “They loved the house because it was where they raised their children, and family was very important to them,” he shares. “But they also wanted things like a bigger separate space in the kitchen to hang out and have breakfast, and amenities like a media room and a pool.”

Thanks to a quirky U-shaped lot backed by wetlands—the latter limiting the width of the house and room for expansion—the original design had no choice but to follow the bend of the site. To make room for a garage/family room addition, the homeowners purchased an adjoining lot and moved the property line. The new three-car garage—sheathed in vertical board and batten—was intentionally fashioned to resemble a carriage house

and support an additive architecture narrative that it was part of a historic property.

McManus also simplified the exterior by replacing large pilasters with more modest quoins (stepped blocks) and remaking oversized cornice moldings in a more appropriate scale. Enclosing an outdoor porch on the front side allowed for a home office for the wife, and a screen porch on the back now provides a protected outdoor living room by the pool.

In keeping with the established storyline, the separate barn-style guest house further supports the notion of a historic property with several older structures. “We treated it as a utilitarian building that was converted,” says McManus, noting they worked with renowned colorist Donald Kaufman on determining the deep green hue for the board and batten exterior. “Dark green is a color sometimes found on old New England barns, and rather than being a big box on the hill, the color helps it recede into the landscape.”

Inside the main house, flipping the kitchen to the south side of the house where southern exposure and pleasing garden views improved the room’s overall experience was a game changer. When it came to things like selecting finishes and fleshing out cabinetry details—here and throughout the house—the architect joined forces with the design team of Thad Hayes and Emily Meroney of Ries Hayes, who encouraged covering all the kitchen walls in a shimmering white tile. “Now it looks like an English kitchen,” says Hayes, who along with Meroney brought in the majority of the furnishings, rugs, window treatments and decorative lighting. “Our role

Dine In Style

In the kitchen (above), an Ann Morris pendant lights the black granite island. In the dining room, a set of carved Louis XVI chairs wearing a Scalamandre fabric surround a table from the homeowner’s collection. The antique chandelier is through Bernd Goeckler.

Passageway (left)

Existing moldings above the opening leading to the hallway enhance the traditional feel of the home. See Resources.

Bed, Bath And Beyond

(clockwise across spread from this page)

Wallcovering by Elizabeth Dow backs the four-poster bed from Leonards New England in the primary bedroom. In the primary bathroom, the pendant light is from Eileen Lane Antiques, and the antique vanity is from Lobel Modern. Media room furnishings include club chairs by Jonas in a Jim Thompson fabric. A silver-plated starburst chandelier distinguishes this guest room. Painted cabinets define the dressing room. See Resources.

What she really wanted was an updated home that had a curation of pieces steeped in history

“ ”

was to make sure the architecture was harmonious with the decoration.”

They also took on the task of integrating the homeowner’s contemporary art collection with the more traditional furnishings and trimmings. “What she [the wife] really wanted was an updated and more relevant home that had a curation of pieces steeped in history,” Hayes explains. In one of three sitting areas in the commodious living room, for example, the existing sofas reupholstered in deep gray cotton velvet balance the contemporary Lisa Yuskavage painting.

And in what can only be called a moment of yin-yang perfection, in the family room a modern artwork is matched with a classic wingback chair. “The clients enjoy upholstery shapes and styles that have a nod to the traditional, but they enjoy materials, art and objects that feel current,” he adds. “The mix of these elements is what creates that magic.” ✹

In

The Details

(clockwise across spread from left)

Walters Wicker seating fills the screened-in porch; the lamp is from Lumens. Architectural details help define the home’s style. A corner of the family room is furnished with a wingback chair by Kaare Klint from Gallery BAC, a brass table by Liz O’Brien, a chandelier from H.M. Luther and artwork by Guillermo Kuitca. The new guest house is reminiscent of a classic New England barn. See Resources.

Open House

Massive walls of windows draw sunlight into this relaxed yet sophisticated living room space, detailed with a marble fireplace, a Sacha Lakic

HOUSE OF THREE GABLES

A stunning contemporary design embraces the New England vernacular

The fun of this house is more in the links than the forms,” architect Chris Pagliaro says. He’s talking about a recently completed house for a couple in Westport, a project that had particular resonance for him. “This is my third time working on this property,” Pagliaro says. The first and second times were versions of historical renovations to an existing house on the site, in keeping with the town’s stringent property laws; this last time, thanks to some creative thinking (they kept the historic house, making this one a second structure), he was able to fly free.

Pagliaro was brought onto the project by Ryan Fletcher of Fletcher Development, a local design/ builder and a longtime friend, who also brought in Lisa Oakes of Oaklee Interiors for the interior design. Together, the three of them produced a geometric structure full of massive expanses of glass (that can be made opaque at the touch of a blinds-controlling button); axes along which Pagliaro’s links start to happen; and moments that support the clients’ gracious approach to entertaining.

Fletcher says that they designed the house “around the main idea of sunlight,” following where the sun rises and sets, and orienting the living quarters and more public areas around not only maximum

exposure, but best exposure. That move led to the decision to feature glass walls prominently throughout, oriented toward the rolling yard, which was as important to the husband as the interior was to the wife; the clients also wanted 12-foot ceilings, which might sound both standard and glamorous but which presented a major design challenge.

“Not every room is large in plan,” Pagliaro points out, which means that anything smaller than a living room can start to feel like a narrow shaft instead of

Links + Forms (clockwise from this photo) Three gabled volumes are connected by what architect Chris Pagliaro calls “links” while double-height windows add an ultra-modern feel. A view of the back of the house at dusk shows the jewel box-like

main living section (to the right), while a more opaque space to the left holds more private spaces. Seen from above, the house is staggered in plan, and oriented around a sizable outdoor pool area. Landscape design is by Artemis Landscape Architects. See Resources.

in conversation with the slightly darker eat-in kitchen island complete with simple wood stools; appliances are Sub-Zero Wolf. A large custom kitchen window from Renlita folds up to open, introducing a sense of high-tech sophistication to this neutral and monochromatic space; hidden hardware lends to the feeling of seamlessness. See Resources.

a high-ceilinged airy space. To help mitigate that potential issue, Pagliaro introduced moments of respite from the otherwise monolithic surfaces, creating windows that bumped out to create a moment of interest on the exterior and spatial relief on the interior, and having those links offer moments of compression. “I’m all about juxtaposing eye movement,” Pagliaro says. “I didn’t want to exaggerate the linear.” The solution was three iconic gableroof sections, connected with large glass expanses, themselves detailed with, in the main area, a striking staircase. Double-height windows draw that light in, while black frames around the extruded windows provide a sense of approachable scale in what would otherwise feel monolithic.

Breaking up those exaggerated volumes is where the interior design came in. This was Oakes’ first solo project after striking out on her own, and she approached the brief with a mix of intuition and careful attention to the clients’ art collection, which they hoped would take center stage. Working closely with the clients, Oakes went for a monochromatic look leavened by statement fixtures like a Swoop Moonlight Murmuration chandelier in the dining room, and emphasized neutral details, material delicacy (like a white silk rug in the living room), and constant attention to how the furnishings and interior design support the overall aesthetic of openness, grace and hospitality. The kitchen, whose size offered a Goldilocks challenge to the designers—not too small that they couldn’t entertain but not so large that they got lost—is detailed in long stretches of neutral material with entirely hidden hardware, and features a massive folding window that allows the fresh air to rush in and circulate.

All three loved working on this project, which earned a 2022 HOBI award for Outstanding Custom Home 6,000–7,000 square feet. For Pagliaro, it offered an intellectual challenge; for Fletcher, a chance to flex his design-build wings; and for Oakes, an absolutely ideal first client. “It was an unbelievable learning experience for me,” she says. “It was such a good project to have.” ✹

Personal Spaces (clockwise from top left) In one of the children’s rooms, a Design Within Reach bed is complemented by wallpaper from Bradley. In the primary suite, a red Eero Saarinen Womb chair produced by Knoll brings a pop of color to the otherwise restrained space, which is lit by a pendant designed by Constance Guisset; a De La Espada bed by Matthew Hilton was sourced from the Future Perfect. In the primary bath, an Acryline freestanding tub centers the room toward the landscape outside. In the home gym, a Peloton bike and Peloton rowing machine hold center court. In the stairwell, a Moooi Random II pendant by Bertjan Pot brings a filigreed lightness to this top-floor space. See Resources.

The White Lotus Wines

By the time we get to episode five of The White Lotus—the wine-tasting scene in which the two young couples visit Planeta wine estate on Mount Etna—one or both husbands might have had a vacation fling with young Sicilian prostitutes. In this second season of the show, now streaming on HBO Max, The White Lotus creator Mike White takes his band of entitled, dysfunctional vacationers to the stunning San Domenico Palace, perched on a promontory overlooking the Ionian Sea in Taormina, Sicily. Along with creating hysterical human dramas, the series

showcases the island’s spectacular sites, among them, its high-altitude vineyards. Each season revolves around a theme; season one in Maui was “money.” Season two is “sex.”

The two couples book a car to Mount Etna to check out a winery. Daphne, who’s married to Cameron, comments: “Apparently, the wine has a bunch of volcanic minerals in it.” The wine tasting gets out of hand when over-served Harper interrogates the men: “Have you two ever slept with the same girl?” “Ever invited a girl to your dorm room to play naked Twister?” Meanwhile, all I could think was, “What are they drinking?”

It turns out they were drinking some of Italy’s best from the familyowned Planeta estate, which traces its beginnings back to the 1600s and has six distinct wine properties across the five regions of Sicily. Planeta’s Etna cru grapes are grown in the Sciaranuova vineyard at 2,550 feet above sea level—its soils rich in stones, minerals and ash. The wines are made at the Mount Etna winery built in the center of a 15th-century lava flow.

For several years the Etna region has become trendy—the most desirable region for interesting wines known for their minerality, which comes from grapes being

ETNA WINES

Planeta Eruzione 1614, Nerello Mascalese Sicilia DOC ($45)

With expressive perfume of white flowers and citrus, the wine displays green apple notes and a strong Etnasoil minerality.

Possessing unique aromatics combining scents of herbs, hibiscus, fennel and incense, the medium-bodied wine shows red currant and wild fruits on the palette and a subtle saline finish.

grown along the volcanic slopes. The Etna wines are crafted from indigenous Sicilian varieties. The white, Carricante, has lively acidity and citrus aromas along with a slatey mineral character—perfect with grilled fish or ceviche. The red, Nerello Mascalese—a dark-skinned noble grape—makes a fresh fruity wine with herbal, minerally and earthy notes like a Barolo. Best pairs are wild mushroom dishes, game in red-wine sauce or linguine alle vongole For season three, there are hints that the show will take us to Asia and that the theme is “religion.” I wonder what wines will appear. I’d suggest St. Francis Winery, named for Franciscan missionaries who first planted grapes in Sonoma in the mid1800s. —Baroness Sheri de Borchgrave

ENTRIES OPENING MARCH 10!

DEADLINES:

HAMPTONS / MAY 19

CONNECTICUT / AUGUST 11

TROPHY SPONSOR

SPONSORS

5

2022 HOBI Awards

CTC&G was the proud media sponsor of the 28th annual HOBI Awards presented by the HBRA of CT.

6 Best Custom Home 6,000-7,000 SF winners

Norman Allen, Erno Bacso of HSL Building Company and homeowner Heike Sommer

7 Master of Ceremonies Joanne Carroll with granddaughter

Courtney Wiele

8. HBRA President Eric Santini, with Spec Home of the Year winner Marc Vandenhoeck and Michele Rudolph of Riverside Design + Build and HBRA CEO

Jim Perras

9 Project of the Year architect Ralph Mackin and builder Scott Hobbs

10 Best Out of State Vacation Home winners Richard Jankowski, Melanie Sarantos and Vinnie Sciaretta of VAS Construction

11. C&G Media Group Account Directors Lisa Heissan and Jamie Lewis, Digital & Marketing Assistant Jacquelyn

Shannon, Account Director Wendy Horwitz and NYC&G Associate Publisher Melissa Groher

WITH HONORARY DESIGN CO-CHAIRS ALEXA HAMPTON AND JAMIE DRAKE

GALA PREVIEW PARTY JULY 22 | OPEN TO THE PUBLIC JULY 23 - SEPTEMBER 4

SPONSORS DIGITAL SPONSOR

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@HOBBS_INC

HP BROOM HOUSEWRIGHT

HP Broom Housewright is a technical minded, boutique residential builder with artistic sensibility specializing in restoration, remodeling and new construction. HP Broom has been serving the Connecticut shoreline/river area and Fishers Island, NY for more than 40 years. With the advantage of working with award winning architects, a crew of master craftsman and our own mill shop, HP Broom expertly controls the quality and outcome of your projects with integrity and a personal touch.

860.526.9836

HPBROOM.COM

@HPBROOM

PRUTTING + COMPANY CUSTOM BUILDERS

Founded in 1975, Prutting + Company offers more than 40 years of successful building management experience with new construction, remodeling, and home maintenance. The company focuses on the cutting edge of environmentally-sensitive and progressiveminded construction, executed with precision craftsmanship. They draw from the best of current technologies, to ensure the finished product will have solid and enduring value. In addition to our office in Stamford, Connecticut, we now also serve the Hudson Valley, Berkshires, and other surrounding areas from our new satellite office in Millerton, New York. 203.972.1028

PRUTTING.COM

@PRUTTINGBUILDER

QUINNDICO CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Quinndico’s founders, Christopher Quinn and Ivan Dic, have been building high-end, luxury residential homes together for decades in the Hamptons, New York City, Westchester, and Fairfield County. What elevates Quinndico above the competition is Christopher and Ivan’s combined 30 years of hands-on experience. From pre-construction through completion, they take pride in being involved in the entire process of each client’s home, making sure the final product is the finest and most intricate luxury custom home imaginable.

203.990.3224

QUINNDICO.COM

@CMQ_QDCHB

TOTAL HOME MANAGEMENT

Let Total Home Management show you the difference in home management and maintenance. A division of Clarke Builders Inc, Total Home Management has been exceeding expectations in custom building, renovations and maintaining homes for more than 40 years. They are your one-stop source for all home service and building needs. From seasonal home maintenance, new construction and renovations, the award winning team is here to guide you through the entire process.

203.962.5494

TOTALHOMEMANAGEMENTLLC.NET CLARKEBUILDERS.COM

UCE FINE BUILDERS, INC.

Based in Litchfield, Connecticut, the award-winning firm’s prominent residential and commercial portfolio throughout Connecticut, the Hudson Valley, and the Berkshire mountains, showcases exceptional craftsmanship and the team’s extensive capabilities – including magnificent custom millwork, innovative architectural concrete, and a dedication to sustainable building practices. A reputation for expertise, professionalism, and transparency has been a hallmark of the organization for more than 60 years.

860.489.7273

UCEBUILDERS.COM

@UCEFINEBUILDERS

YANKEE CUSTOM BUILDERS, INC.

Yankee Custom Builders specializes in extraordinary custom homes and renovations in the tri-state area. Based in Greenwich, Connecticut, the company is on the rise and is known for its ability to make the complexities of homebuilding a positive experience for all involved. Founder Justin Meneguzzo established Yankee Custom Builders as a precision management firm that promotes forward thinking, excels in communication, and provides comprehensive professional services. Yankee Custom’s craftsmanship, quality materials, clear budgeting and scheduling, and knowledge of refined products culminate in homes that capture the imagination of clients and architects alike.

203.588.1556

YANKEECUSTOMBUILDERS.COM

@YANKEECUSTOMBUILDERS

WESTMINSTER TEAK

The Maya Collection is a modular deep seating sectional system for both outdoor and indoor environments. The pieces can be configured in multiple variations, allowing for endless possibilities of composition. 888.592.8325 / westminsterteak.com

@westminsterteak

The Nelson chair is sleek but comfy, and only one of hundreds of styles from our custom manufacturer CR Laine. Choose your fabric and finish! Always available at The Post! 203.292.5700 / thepostct.com

@thepostct

RESOURCES MORE

Build, riverside-design.com. Best Custom Home 5,000–6,000 SF: Builder, DeRosa Builders, derosabuilders.com. Architect, Tanner White, Tanner White Architects, tannerwhitearchitects.com. Interior design, Shawna Feeley Interiors, shawnafeeley. com. Best Custom Home 4,000–5,000 SF, Best Exterior & Interior Features, Outstanding Home Office: Builder, Gatehouse Partners, gatehousepartners. com. Architect, Wormser & Associates Architects, wormseraia.com.

ONE OF A KIND

Pages 56–65: Architecture, Dinyar Wadia and Robert Lominski, Wadia Associates, wadiaassociates.com. Interior design, Saranda Bersia, Wadia Associates, wadiaassociates.com. Landscape design, Conte & Conte, conteandconte.com. Smart home integration, Bill Charney, Advanced Home Audio, advancedhomeaudio.com. Family room: Sofa and console, Minotti. Coffee table, Poliform. Rug, Palace Oriental Rugs. Covered patio: Furniture, RH. Living room: Sofa, Holly Hunt. Rug, Palace Oriental Rugs. Light fixture, Dennis Miller. Coffee table, Minotti. Sideboard, Poliform. Sconces, Magni. Study: Coffee table, Kathy Kuo Home. Desk, 1stDibs. Light fixture, Dennis Miller. Kitchen: Pendants, Visual Comfort & Co. Stools, Serena & Lily. Dining room: Table and chairs, Nella Vetrina. Sideboard, B&B Italia. Light fixture, Dennis Miller. Rug, Palace Oriental Rugs. Breakfast nook: Table and chairs, B&B Italia. Chandelier, Dennis Miller. Bar: Paint, Fine Paints of Europe. Light fixture, Dennis Miller. Wine cellar: Lighting, Visual Comfort & Co. Bench, Church Antiques. Primary bedroom: Bed, nightstands and pendants, Holly Hunt. Rug, Palace Oriental Rugs. Bench, Taylor Burke Home through Perigold.

A STUDY IN CONTRASTS

Apparatus Studio. Lounge chair, Hans Wegner. Sofa, Living Divani. Stools, Thomas Hayes Studio. Primary bedroom: Chair, Frederica. Bed, Sawkille Co. Side table, Pinch Design. Rug, Armadillo. Lamp, Hamptons

Good Design. Hallway: Rug, Merida Studio. Bench, Sawkille Co. Foyer: Demilune table, Oja Design. Guest room: Sconce, Workstead. Side table, Pinch Design. Floor lamp, Lostine.

Kids bedroom: Wallpaper, Marley + Malek Kids. Bunk beds, Room & Board. Rug, Little P. Bedding, Crate & Barrel. Bathroom: Millwork, Studio Ater. Blinds, The Shade Store.

GREEK REVITALIZED

Pages 74–83: Architect, Thomas McManus, Ferguson & Shamamian

Architects, fergusonshamamian.com.

Interior design, Ries/Hayes Interiors, rieshayes.com. Landscape design, Susan Cohen Landscape Architect, susancohenlandscapearchitect.com.

SPOTLIGHT BUILDING IS BOOMING

Pages 40–45: Project of the Year, Best Custom Home over 15,000 SF: Builder: Hobbs, Inc., hobbsinc. com. Architect, Ralph Mackin, Mackin Architects, mackinarchitects.com. Interior design, Alexa Hampton, alexahampton.com. Smart Home Integration, Advanced Home Audio, advancedhomeaudio.com. Landscape design, Janice Parker Landscape Architects, janiceparker.com. 2022

Custom Home of the Year, Best Custom Home 6,000–7,000 SF: Builder, Erno Bacso, HSL Building Company, hslbuilding. com. Architect, Peter Cadoux, Cadoux Architects, cadouxaia.com. Interior design, Diana Jonason Interior Design, dianajonasoninteriors.com. Landscape design, Eckerson Design Associates, eckersondesignassociates.com. 2022 Spec Home of the Year, Best Entry, Best Primary Bath: Design/Builder, Marc Vandenhoeck and Architect, Michele Rudolph, Riverside Design +

Pages 66–75: Architect, Beinfield Architecture, beinfield.com. Interior design, Sissy + Marley Interior Design, sissyandmarley.com. Millwork and architectural design execution, Studio Ater, studioater.com. Living room: Sofa and daybed, Hamptons Good Design. Lounge chairs, Mandy Graham. Rug, Merida Studio. Pendant, Apparatus Studio. Candle holder, Menu Design. Sconce, Workstead. Coffee table, Sawkille Co. Home office: Office, desk, bench and chair fabric, Mandy Graham. Rug, Merida Studio. Dining room: Table, Black Creek Mercantile & Trading. Rug, Merida Studio. Pendant, Apparatus Studio. Mirror, Yucca Stuff. Chairs, Carl Hansen. Kitchen/family room: Table, Black Creek Mercantile & Trading. Chairs, Carl Hansen. Lighting,

Contractor, Tom Walas, Prowhitmore, 203-535-5783. Cabinetry and millwork, Fairfield County Millwork, fcmillwork.com. Woodworking, Crane Woodworking, cranewoodworking.com. Pool area: Furniture, McKinnon and Harris. Fabric, Perennials. Umbrella, Santa Barbara Designs. Living room: Rug, Beauvais. Armchairs, Jonas. Armchair fabric, The Robert Allen Group. Kitchen: Pendant, Ann Morris. Stools, TK Home. Dining room: Dining chairs, Gallery Bac. Dining chair fabric, Scalamandre. Chandelier, Bernd Goeckler. Draperies, Stark. Hall: Sconces, Ann Morris. Primary bedroom: Bed, Leonards New England. Lamps, Liz O’Brien. Wallcovering, Elizabeth Dow. Armchair fabric, Donghia. Pendant, Eileen Lane Antiques. Primary bathroom: Vanity, Lobel Modern. Guest bedroom: Wallcovering, Zuber. Media room: Ottoman leather, Dualoy. Club chairs, Jonas. Club chair fabric, Jim Thompson. Ceiling covering, Schumacher. Screen Porch: Sofa and chairs, Walters Wicker. Sofa and chair fabric, Perennials. Lamp, Lumens. Family room: Wing chair, Gallery Bac. Wing chair fabric, Loro Piana. Brass table, Liz O’Brien. Artwork, Guillermo Kuitca.

HOUSE OF THREE GABLES

Pages 84–91: Architect, Christopher Pagliaro Architects, christopherpagliaroarchitects.com. Builder, Fletcher Development, fletcherdevelopmentllc.com. Interior design, Oaklee Interiors, oakleeinteriors. com. Landscape design, Artemis

Landscape Architects, artemisla.com. Living room: Sculpture, Bungalow. Rug, Beauvais. Dining area: Light fixture and mirrors, Ochre. Sectional and chairs, Roche Bobois. Table, Matthew Hilton. Side chairs, Roberto Tapinassi & Maurizio Manzoni. Chair leather, Tendresse. Kitchen: Art, Laxman Shreshtha. Appliances, SubZero, Wolf. Kitchen window, Renlita. Primary bedroom: Bed, Matthew Hilton for De La Espada. Light fixture, Petite Friture by Constance Guisset. Red chair, Knoll. Gym: Exercise equipment, Peloton. Gym stairwell: Pendant, Moooi. Bathroom: Tub, Acryline. Child’s bedroom: Wallpaper, Savannah Hayes through Bradley USA. Bed, Design Within Reach. Outdoor

RESOURCES

area: Furniture, Knoll. Exterior: Siding, Maibec. Windows, Klar.

SOURCE LIST

1stDibs, 1stdibs.com

Acryline, acryline.ca

Ann Morris, annmorrislighting.com

Apparatus Studio, apparatusstudio.com

Artnet, artnet.com

B&B Italia, bebitalia.com

Beauvais, beauvaiscarpets.com

Bernd Goeckler, berndgoeckler.com

Black Creek Mercantile & Trading, blackcreekmt.com

Bradley USA, bradleyusa.com

Bungalow, bungalowdecor.com

Carl Hansen (see Suite NY)

Church Antiques, churchantiques.com

Constance Guisset Studio, constanceguisset.com

Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com

De La Espada (see The Future Perfect)

Dennis Miller, dennismiller.com

Design Within Reach, dwr.com

Donghia, kravet.com

Dualoy, dualoy.com

Eileen Lane Antiques, eileenlane.com

Elizabeth Dow, elizabethdow.com

Fair, fair-design.com

Fine Paints of Europe, finepaintsofeurope.com

Frederica (see Fair)

Gallery Bac, gallerybac.com

Guillermo Kuitca (see Artnet)

Hamptons Good Design, hamptonsgooddesign.com

Hans Wegner (see Fair)

Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com

Jim Thompson, jimthompsonfabrics.com

Jonas, jonasworkroom.com

Kathy Kuo Home, kathykuohome.com

Klar, klarstudio.com

Knoll, knoll.com

Laxman Shreshtha (see Sotheby’s) Leonards New England, leonardsnewengland.com

Little P, little-p.com

Living Divani, livingdivani.it

Liz O’Brien, lizobrien.com

Lobel Modern, lobelmodern.com

Loro Piana, loropiana.com

Lostine, lostine.com

Lumens, lumens.com

Magni, magni.com

Maibec, maibec.com.

Mandy Graham, mandygraham.com

March SF, marchsf.com

Marley + Malek Kids, marleymalekkids.com

from “A Study in Contrasts”

Matthew Hilton, matthewhilton.com

McKinnon and Harris, mckinnonharris.com

Menu Design, menudesignshop.com

Merida Studio, meridastudio.com

Minotti, minotti.com

Moooi, moooi.com

Nella Vetrina, nellavetrina.com

Ochre, ochre.net

Oja Design (see March SF)

Palace Oriental Rugs, palaceorientalrugs.com

Peloton, onepeloton.com

Perennials, perennialsfabrics.com

Perigold, perigold.com

Petite Friture, petitefriture.com

Pinch Design (see The Future Perfect) Poliform, poliform.it

Renlita, renlitausa.com

RH, rh.com

Robert Allen Design, robertallendesign.com

Robert Tapinassi & Maurizio

Manzoni (see Roche Bobois)

Roche Bobois, roche-bobois.com

Room & Board, roomandboard.com

Santa Barbara Designs, santabarbaradesigns.com

Savannah Hayes (see Bradley USA) Sawkille Co. (see Fair Design)

Scalamandre, scalamandre.com

Schumacher, fschumacher.com

Serena & Lily, serenaandlily.com

Sothebys, sothebys.com

Sub-Zero, Wolf, subzero-wolf.com

Suite NY, suiteny.com

Taylor Burke Home (see Perigold)

Tendresse (see Roche Bobois)

The Future Perfect, thefutureperfect.com

The Shade Store, theshadestore.com

Thomas Hayes Studio, thomashayesstudio.com

TK Home, tkhomefurniture.com

Visual Comfort & Co, visualcomfort.com

Walters Wicker, walterswicker.com

Workstead (see Fair)

Yucca Stuff, yuccastuff.com

Zuber, zuber.fr

Thomas Kligerman

Growing up with art-patron parents who moved frequently, Thomas Kligerman had lived in six different locales—from Connecticut and New Mexico to England—by the end of his first decade. “I was learning by osmosis—I saw a wide range of architecture before I ever knew what I wanted to be,” he says. After earning an architecture degree from Yale, a chance encounter with his former professor led him to a job with Robert A.M. Stern. In 1989, he partnered in the firm Ike Kligerman Barkley, creating celebrated residences until a “conscious uncoupling” this year resulted in the launch of solo practice Kligerman Architecture & Design. His handsome book Shingle and Stone was published last fall. Kligerman lives with his architect wife—mother of their three grown daughters—in New York City and recently built a home in historic Weekapaug, Rhode Island. A sailor and watercolor hobbyist, he is a member of the Whiskey Watercolor Club, which travels and paints in locations around the globe. kligermanad.com.

Your favorite Shingle Style house is Stanford White’s Isaac Bell House in Newport. What are some of its features you admire?

It’s almost but not quite symmetrical, two shades of brick on the front, the double-stack porch wraps the first floor and pops up on the second, the free-flowing interior, the metal colonial bed warmer covers incorporated into the dining room paneling, the abstract bamboo motifs for the columns, the cupboard-like Breton beds reassembled around the centerpiece fireplace, the dolphins that leap out as you go up the porch to the front door.

Why is a Shingle Style house the “equivalent of a soul mate”? There’s a certain amount of comfort in them. A Shingle Style house absorbs its environment and reflects it in a really nice way. Shingles change appearance, they begin to weather, they evolve and change over time. They have moods the way people do.

What did you gain from your 2017 fellowship at the American Academy in Rome?

I was teaching myself watercolor, and what struck me was looking at the incredible sculptural architecture in the Italian sunlight—the importance of sunlight and shadow in showing off the forms of the building. It reinforced for me that architecture is sculpture.

How does that manifest in the “calico” effect?

It’s the shingle palette of grays and browns. Exposed surfaces have a different shade from protected areas under the porch or window wells. They look one way, silvery, in the sun but then if it’s drizzling, they’re dark. It’s the same family, but a little different—there’s a softness to it. There’s something nice about the variations across the surface on every different side of the building.

You feel your “blade chimney” may be a lasting contribution to the design canon. What inspired it?

It’s a way to reduce the mass of a chimney and make it less bulky. Like the Flatiron Building, it is wide and narrows to a point. So, it changes as you walk around it, and the pointed side seems weightless.

Why should a house be a “declaration of independence”?

You shouldn’t follow the crowd too much. You can’t be totally outlandish,

Mixed Media

Architect Thomas Kligerman is known for his Shingle Style homes, such as this (above) and the house (top) that graces the cover of his book, Shingle and Stone. The watercolor (right) is by Kligerman.

but within some historical context it behooves us to make some sort of personal statement. Be willing to take some risks, do something that is rooted in the neighborhood but can’t be interpreted as a copy.

What is a building you’d like to design?

I’d love to do a church or library. Both have a ceremonial core, the sanctuary or reading room, a very focused purpose that can be broadened through use.

What do you love about sailing?

It’s beautiful in so many ways: The boat is inherently beautiful, the sail goes up like a beautiful white plane, the sounds of the water lapping and the wind in the rigging, what it’s like to handle the ropes, the wonderful aroma of the teak and the ocean. It is something to almost all of the senses; there are not many things like that. It’s like a good house, sitting on the porch in the sun with the aroma of the wood.

—Sharon King Hoge