The Luxury Space – August 2023 Issue

The Luxury Space

A few words from Tony Cutugno

“Between every two pines there is a doorway to a new world.”

— John Mui

While others start their day checking their phone for world news (rarely good these days and nothing I can change), I’m up with the chickens, out in the garden, happily tracking what’s blooming in my wildflower meadow and catching up with my new heron friend whom I call Bob. Blissful are these hours outdoors before calls start coming in. John Muir—the renowned preservationist whose advocacy created the Grand Canyon National Park, among others—was spot on: Nature is as essential to our well-being as food, clothing and shelter. Stress levels fall as our experience of green spaces and fresh air rises. In this summer of unpredictable forecasts—to put it mildly—the goal was embracing nature in all its capriciousness. “There is no bad weather,” the old Norwegian saying goes, “only bad clothing.” Similarly, the most remarkable properties in Private Brokerage right now are those that rise to the occasion of every climate quirk: they are all about ingeniously conceived outdoor spaces! When I came upon California photographer Julie Pointer Adams’s recent book Al Fresco: Inspired Ideas for Outdoor Living, I knew it would serve as a muse for our August newsletter. An iconic 19th century Ridgefield masterpiece with ornamental garden and saltwater pool adds a stunning colonial-style pagoda for sipping frozen cocktails in the shade (or escaping the rain!) The panoramic multi-level terrace view from a stately 1920s home in Rye takes in endless sky, water and three contiguous golf courses. Ideal spot to bring your work laptop! When meandering along the stately old stone walls of a Federal Manor in Red Hook or those that snake around a 108-acre parcel bordering Greenwich, who doesn’t feel connected to the long-ago generations who built them? Why not settle in for a picnic right here? Here’s to finding your luxury dream property that will afford you the option of being truly “out there” as often as possible.

On the cover: 1 Parley Lane, Ridgefield, CT listed by Heather Neumann Salaga

Gathering at Home

The new normal for friends and families who live together is to occasionally also work from home together. What a bonus when everyone can carve out their own space outside with panoramic golf course views and the sheer delight of daylight—which boosts mood and the ability to focus?

Gathering in Nature

While the best landscaped terraces and formal gardens number among the greatest of human achievements, a picnic “in the wild” with thick blankets on the ground and birdsong the only music can be heaven. Nothing stimulates the appetite like food and drink amid the trees and ancient stone walls.

Harvest Homestead Farm

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Gathering for Extra-Special Occasions

Glamorous urban hotels can suit many celebrations, but as we grow to appreciate fresh air fun, we gravitate toward destination events. Where better to toast a major personal or professional milestone than on a sprawling heritage farm in Chatham with a distillery once owned by a notorious bootlegger?

Gathering in Intimate Spaces

A spacious colonnaded wrap-around porch rigged with huge ceiling fans means that even in summer’s dog days you’re brunching, lunching, or enjoying frozen cocktail pops in the utmost shaded comfort. Install cushy seating and you’ll be voted best place in Bronxville to host a book group!

Gathering in Open Spaces

Rev up the Polaris and pack some power bars, nuts and drinks and set out for a moveable feast on your own 147 acres of rolling lawns, pastures and stunning Catskill views. When the sun goes down, the party continues back at the 8,000 SF estate that merges 1810 Federal manor house with groovy 70s style wing.

Gathering Anywhere, Anytime

As if an 8,000 SF former Romanesque Church in Hudson, aka hipster heaven, wasn’t enough of an entertainment mecca—as art center complex, Zen meditation hall or extended family compound—the property includes an outdoor custom redbrick lower terrace perfect for a firepit. Your own sacred circle.

PRIVATE BROKERAGE BOOKSHELF

"Al Fresco: Inspired Ideas for Outdoor Living"

by Julie Pointer Adams

A picnic on the beach. Cocktails and a snack at sunset. Sharing a potluck meal around the fire, and letting the night drift lazily along in the pleasures of roasting marshmallows and swapping stories. Getting together in nature, with food and drink, is among the most restorative rituals we can experience, fostering a kind of intimacy and ease that’s rare in any other setting.

Al Fresco, with its fresh, delicious recipes and unexpected ideas, its tips for exploring new ways to get outdoors, its interviews with dozens of kindred spirits, is an inspiring and beautiful playbook for anyone who wants to spend more time outside with friends and family. The credo is simple: Nature opens us up to ourselves, and the food we share opens us up to each other.

ANTHONY P. CUTUGNO

Senior Vice President

Director of Private Brokerage

O. 914 234 0308

M. 914.582.7789

ACutugno@HoulihanLawrence.com

@apcutugno359 | @hlprivatebrokerage