BIRCHWOOD
LOCUST VALLEY, NEW YORK
PROPERTY
A long lushly landscaped gated drive with layered plantings and old growth trees unfolds to broad green lawns and arrives to a pebbled formal courtyard surrounded by neatly manicured boxwood plantings that welcome guests to Birchwood. Originally built in 1918 for Anson Wood Burchard, the Vice-Chairman and President of General Electric, this spectacular nine-bedroom Colonial Revival estate has been impeccably renovated to perfection. It reflects a fresh and updated style that seamlessly incorporates both today’s finest luxurious amenities and gracious period details. A three-bay detached garage is home to a stunning one-bedroom living space. There is also an attached one-bay garage with vast built-in storage. Refined architecture with repeating classic elements unifies the cohesive design of the structures and hardscape throughout the property. Birchwood is an unparalleled estate of distinction.
RESIDENCE
Birchwood’s crisp white three-story façade is a masterful arrangement of custom 12-over-12 double-hung windows dressed with black shutters and topped with a slate roof that is punctuated by shed dormers, an eyebrow window and handsome stone chimneys. While grand in scale, this timeless and gracious estate evokes a sense of warmth and invitation. Originally designed by the architect Howard Greenley with alternations made under the direction of the notable architect William Lawrence Bottomley in the 1930s, the gracious main house has a welcoming entry portico that opens to an impressive center hall with gleaming walnut wood floors set off by columns and a graceful curvilinear staircase that appears to float to the second level. The bright and open sunroom is the perfect backdrop to the magnificent staircase. Bathed with light through a wall of windows, it overlooks the rear patios and gardens. It has a slate floor with radiant heat for year-round comfort. Pocket doors open to beautifully scaled principal rooms with high ceilings, deep moldings and attractive architectural details. There is exquisitely crafted millwork throughout the home. The formal living room is anchored by a wood burning fireplace with a marble surround and large divided light windows that include a bow window overlooking the gardens. There is room for several furniture groupings. The handsome walnut paneled den has French doors and windows on three sides with brass fittings. There is a fireplace and lovely views of the pavilion garden. Perfect for elegant entertaining and celebrations, the richly paneled formal dining room is large in scale. It has a bow window and gas fireplace that add lovely ambiance to the room. Teal blue custom cabinetry with integrated appliances grace the sophisticated butler’s pantry that leads to the magnificent kitchen complex. With sleek custom cabinetry, granite countertops, a sliding granite backsplash that opens to hidden storage as well as a large island with seating, the kitchen is a masterpiece of artful and practical design. It is well equipped for entertaining with top-of-the-line appliances that include Wolf cooktops, a bank of ovens and warming drawers, Sub-Zero refrigerators, freezers, an icemaker and wine refrigeration. There is a convenient oversized food pantry with fabulous storage. Just off the kitchen, an office with built-in Vudyom cabinetry overlooks a peaceful garden filled with hydrangeas. A mudroom has built-in storage lockers and radiant heat. The kitchen opens to a light-filled double height breakfast room with clerestory windows under a rectangular cupola and a limestone floor with comfortable radiant heat. On another axis, a spacious family room with a wood burning fireplace has French doors that open to the expansive awning covered patio.
The second level opens to a library/office with a coffered ceiling and attractive millwork that overlooks the front courtyard. Pocket doors conveniently close to offer quiet and privacy. The sumptuous master suite has a sitting room with a gas fireplace. There is a breakfast area and two dressing rooms with custom fittings. The spacious master bedroom has a charming Juliette balcony overlooking the pavilion garden. The spa-inspired en suite bath features Calacatta marble with in-floor radiant heat, a steam shower and a deep jetted tub. Three additional restful and well-appointed bedrooms each with en suite baths with radiant heat and spacious custom closets, and a well-equipped laundry room complete this level.
The home is complemented by a resort-like pool house that features two lovely pergola covered informal dining patios, a living room and a changing area with full bath and steam shower. The tranquil heated swimming pool and spa are surrounded by a bluestone sunbathing patio, flowering perennial beds, green lawns and groomed hedges that add a sense of intimate seclusion to the space. Captivating gardens, attributed to the original design of the American landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman, include majestic specimen trees, broad lawns, rose borders and massive drifts of several hydrangea varieties. Hydrangea trees with lime colored blooms are prominently featured, as well as two tall flowering magnolia grandiflora trees that frame a bluestone patio that undulates along the back expanse of the home. A delightful elevated awning covered bluestone patio serves as an elegant outdoor living and dining area that is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. An impressive stone fireplace wards off the chill in cooler months and provides architectural texture and interest. A built-in summer kitchen sits adjacent to the patio. Wisteria climbs a lovely pavilion that is the focal point of a formal sunken cutting garden. It is an enchanting setting for alfresco dining. Raised beds provide a sunny location for a small but thriving organic vegetable garden.
The lower level boasts a game room and a temperature-controlled wine room with built-in display storage for 1000+ bottles of wine. A wellness studio is comprised of a full gym, a yoga room and a full bath with a steam shower. There is a large media room with coved ceiling lighting. Utility, storage and laundry rooms as well as two bedrooms and a bath complete the lower level.
Locust Valley, New York MLS# 3245781 $14,500,000.
Kathleen “Kathe” Dodd Real Estate Salesperson 516.759.4800 c.516.504.8771 kathleendodd@danielgale.com danielgale.com
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