Manse

I’m not exaggerating (well, maybe a little) when I say that calling Frances Palmer a potter is like calling Leonardo da Vinci a painter. Palmer is also strikingly gifted in an impressive number of areas—in her case, ceramics, gardening, photography, cooking, beekeeping. I was hooked by her first book Life in the Studio—a perfect display of her versatility and joie de vivre—and knew it would inspire this issue of Luxury Space .

What resonates so strongly with me is how Palmer’s primary profession—pottery— naturally flows into and feeds her other passions. After devoting herself to cultivating divine dahlias, she’ll arrange them in a terra cotta vase she’s molded herself, and then photograph the arrangement. Her signature Almond cake is more delectable served on one of her porcelain “flower relief” plates adorned with casts of her own garden blooms! And if a bowl she’s making ever collapses, Palmer reveals, she’ll step outside to watch a hummingbird fluttering among her blossoms. “That moment of intense beauty, gave me the sense of tranquility to head back into the studio ready to begin again.”

Like Palmer, I’ve been very fortunate to enjoy a deep profession/passion connection, ever inspired in my own kitchen and garden by the luxury estates I get to see every day. Whenever a negotiation hits a snag, I go check on my potted orange trees on the veranda or recharge by trying a recipe from a favorite chef!

Photographing each inspirational Private Brokerage house we visit has become one of my greatest personal pleasures, as well. On the following pages, to accompany some of our favorite listings, I have included photos both of flowers from my garden in Frances’s vases as well as some of her recipes that I had to try myself. “My craft has continued to evolve as I continue to push myself, learning much along the way,” declared Frances. Words of wisdom for us all as we pursue an authentic luxury lifestyle.

Tony Cutugno Senior Vice-President Private Brokerage

Creativity didn’t stop when renowned Italian architect Pietro Cicognani completed this modern farmhouse; displaying a handful of exquisite Narcissus Rapture in a creamware bud vase transforms your kitchen tableau.

A Garden of One’s own

Just like the proverbial room of one’s own, a garden blooming with your personality and exquisite taste will color your world. Could these stark white Narcissus Thalia in a creamware vase be any more arresting?

Gathering the Clan

Whether just a good friend or a throng of family are coming, bake one of Frances Palmer’s glorious goat cheese and leek tarts, serve in the kitchen that spills into the family room, and it will be a moveable feast for the ages.

Always Something to Learn

The signature of this exhilarating contemporary: repurposed ancient Chinese doors, antique iron staircase, and a bird’s eye view of the Hudson River. Equally intoxicating, your butler’s bar embellished with Narcissus Winter Waltz in a creamware vase.

A Home Filled with Laughter

Everything about this Arts & Crafts is both divine and a little decadent: the sprawling screened veranda, double-height great room, the custom pool & mahogany front porch. The no-fail dessert for parties: France Palmer’s Grand Marnier-infused almond cake.

The Pleasures of Spring’s Magic

When your home is enveloped in spectacular natural beauty, you respond with remarkable modern architecture! Peaked cedar roofs and over 50 windows to start. Keep the rustic vibe going with a delectably rich date-nut bread for afternoon tea!

Houlihan Lawrence Private Brokerage, directed by Senior Vice President Tony Cutugno, is a boutique-style service supported by a team of luxury specialists. With personalized service and guidance to both agents and sellers, Private Brokerage has been entrusted to represent high-net-worth clients and leverage our international relationships to successfully market the top properties in New York City’s northern suburbs.

Global Business Development, headed by Pamela Sartorius, cultivates strong relationships with corporations, relocation management companies and real estate brokers around the world, ensuring a strong channel of clients moving to and from our area.

Together, Private Brokerage and Global Business Development capitalize on our exclusive partnerships and affiliations with the world’s top luxury real estate networks —a combination no other area brokerage can offer – and are adept at serving the needs of our discerning clients.