The Luxury Space DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE
A few words from Tony Cutugno “Beauty Will Save the World.” — Dostoevsky Versailles aside, I’ve found that in the truly great houses of the world you almost never equate elegance with opulence. “Elegance is elimination,” declared legendary designer Cristobal Balenciaga whose sophisticated clothes were based on structure and simplicity. If you want to understand elegance, run out and buy Deeda Blair’s Food Flowers, & Fantasy. Inevitably, it inspired this month’s Luxury Space. Philanthropist, socialite and style icon Deeda (who was married in Balenciaga) was, in her dress style, always more inclined to monochromatic gray than glitter. In her homes, the emphasis was on structural integrity, a creamy palette and no more furniture than was functional. Rooms were about who was in them. “People provide so much color to a room,” explained this legendary Washington hostess. “Taste, I believe, comes from being open to the influence of other people, and of art, books, travel, gardens, and houses,” observed Deeda. I can relate: if I hadn’t spent years traveling throughout Europe and spending summers in France, Les Pommiers, my own beloved New York property wouldn’t be what it is: from the bright yellow Lacanche oven in the cottage to to Provencal baker Gerard Auzet’s Almond Cherry Cake (which I’ve finally mastered) and which I always serve on a favorite Tiffany cake plate. The more your interiors reflect you, and let family and friends to provide “the color”—perhaps with walls painted in a muted palette, a few pieces of comfortable country furniture or leaving empty spaces in the room—the more welcome friends and family will feel. Especially at big holiday parties! The grand entrance hall of a best-in-class Bowman Tudor, with exposed beam ceiling and period pegged wood floors, needs but one color—in a rich emerald green carpet—for maximum impact. Reflecting the rustic charms of Millbrook, the living room of an architect-designed farmhouse is kitted out with corduroy couch and Folk Art portraits. Who wouldn’t want to open gifts warmed by the fire of the starkly epic limestone fireplace?
On the cover: 173 Kennel Road, Amenia, NY listed by Oliver Brown
Killearn 539 Killearn Road | Millbrook, NY
7
6.1
10,108
68.26
BEDROOMS
B AT H R O O M S
SQ FT
ACRES
Illuminate a Federal-Style Great Room with Subtle Uplighting and French Doors You can invite the whole gang home for the holidays with a sprawling Millbrook classic by legendary 19th architect Tristram Coffin. The muted colors and easy access to the spacious covered terrace and sweeping Hudson Valley vistas signal the contemporary luxury lifestyle. O F F E R E D AT CO N TAC T
$5,900,000 MARC MACLEAN | M. 917.922.4131
Baldwin House 189 Baldwin Road | Bedford Corners, NY
5
4.3
7,500
4.07
BEDROOMS
B AT H R O O M S
SQ FT
ACRES
Enrich a Neutral-Themed Library with Fittings Salvaged from Legendary Homes A custom crafted stone & clapboard country home with over 2,000 SF of terraces and covered porches plus multiple office options is the epitome of today’s work-and-play-from-home. The icebreaker at every cocktail party: all the reclaimed materials from iconic Rockefeller and Vanderbilt estates. O F F E R E D AT CO N TAC T
$4,950,000 ANGELA KESSEL | M. 914.841.1919
Seymour House 1 Parley Lane | Ridgefield, CT
4
6.2
6,504
1.28
BEDROOMS
B AT H R O O M S
SQ FT
ACRES
Refresh a Colonial Revival with an Interior Palette Awash in Ocean Colors Invite a highly sought-after designer like Molly Hirsch into a 19th century masterpiece and expect a meeting of old and new design minds. Reimagined spaces, bold color schemes and an abundance of natural light means even the most iconic interiors become personalized. O F F E R E D AT CO N TAC T
$4,500,000
HEATHER NEUMANN SALAGA | M. 203.770.8591
Rowe House 0 Rowe Road | Red Hook, NY
5
5.1
8,925
147
BEDROOMS
B AT H R O O M S
SQ FT
ACRES
Amend an Elegant 1810 Federal House with a Groovy Seventies Wing While Early American portraits and heirloom furniture mingle in the antique wing of the house, there’s a whole other vibe happening in the whimsical 70s wing. A textured gold fireplace and Mediterranean tile floor are only steps from a cavernous indoor pool with lounge. Let’s get this party started! O F F E R E D AT CO N TAC T
$3,500,000 JOSEPH BRIGGS | M. 917.975.9926
The Belvedere House 235 McCagg Road | Kinderhook, NY
5
4.2
6,800
96
BEDROOMS
B AT H R O O M S
SQ FT
ACRES
Orchestrate a Symphony of Patterns and Textures in a Sprawling Contemporary A transformative contemporary called “Belvedere” not only means fabulous vistas of the surrounding area, but views from the great variety of many spectacular windows. What keeps the stunning great room—with 22 ft barrel vaulted ceiling—cozy is the inviting mix of patterns and lush textures. O F F E R E D AT CO N TAC T
$2,650,000 ANDREW GATES | M. 917.755.2640
Bowman Classic 9 Rittenhouse Road | Bronxville, NY
8
6.1
7,127
0.99
BEDROOMS
B AT H R O O M S
SQ FT
ACRE
Streamline a Tudor Dining Room by Baring the Original Wood Floors Who doesn’t love a bit of maximalism where fantastical prints on the walls, chairs and window valances are all mixed, not matched? Throw in a glistening crystal chandelier and excitement ensues. But keeping things chill is foregoing any rug or carpet and letting the beauty of the wood speak for itself. O F F E R E D AT CO N TAC T
$1,995,000 SUSAN KELTY LAW | M. 914.659.5856
P R I VAT E B R O K E R A G E B O O K S H E L F
"Deeda Blair: Food, Flowers, & Fantasy" An invitation to Blair’s New York home has been a rare privilege, but now, in her first book, Blair invites readers in and reveals how they too can develop their own uniquely personal style. Central to the narrative are six fantasy meals, each accompanied by a menu, recipes, table settings, and floral arrangements that are inspired by the people and places that have shaped Blair’s own inimitable and envied taste and style. Each meal is set in Blair’s exquisite home and is accompanied by photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo’s evocative images of the imaginative table settings Blair has created for her timeless dishes. Accompanying Blair’s coveted eighty recipes are personal anecdotes and helpful serving suggestions. Renowned design writer and tastemaker Deborah Needleman collaborated closely with Blair to capture her vision for entertaining with fantasy and enchantment, as well as her reflections on life and how her experiences have influenced the way she lives, works, and entertains.
A N T H O N Y P. C U T U G N O
Senior Vice President Director of Private Brokerage O. 914 234 0308 M. 914.582.7789 ACutugno@HoulihanLawrence.com @apcutugno359 | @hlprivatebrokerage