LAURELWOOD LOCUST VALLEY, NEW YORK
A LONG DRIVE, GRACED BY flowering rhododendron and old growth trees, unfolds to stunning views of the magnificent Laurelwood estate. Masterfully interpreted by the architect, Harrie T. Lindeberg, the residence was completed in 1929 for the artist and co-heir to the Arm & Hammer fortune, Frederick Edwin Church. Perfectly set on 4.85 verdant acres, the stately residence is beautifully introduced by a landscaped circular forecourt with manicured boxwood,
flowering
hydrangea
and
magnolia
plantings. Tucked into a wonderful secluded garden, an azure-blue heated in-ground swimming pool features a diving board and a lap lane. The sparkling pool has a bluestone surround with flowering hydrangea plantings, and it is accompanied by a spa. Laurelwood is directly adjacent to the wooded wetland 60-acre Shu Swamp, Charles T. Church, Nature Preserve. Deeded in memory of Frederick Edwin Church’s brother for whom the neighboring estate was built, the preserve is managed by the North Shore Wildlife Sanctuary, and it offers 2.5-miles of nature trails.
C
rowned by a steeply pitched Ludowici terra-cotta tile roof, the residence’s captivating design is comprised of
a red-brick façade with decorative patterned coursework, handsome chimneys, a flattened turret, dormers and casement windows with leaded lights. Wrought iron embellishments add artistry to the design. A gabled entrance porch with a grand arched doorway featuring stepped back brickwork is softened by holly plantings. With a vaulted wood-clad ceiling, it is an inviting outdoor pavilion to welcome guests. Once inside, the front-to-back foyer features polished terra-cotta floor tiles in a classic quatrefoil pattern. At the far end of the foyer, a French door with a transom light frames views of the back gardens. Principal rooms are generously sized and beautifully scaled. They feature refined period details that are tastefully integrated with stylish updates for today’s luxurious living. Gleaming mahogany, oak and rosewood floors in varying patterns add warmth and beauty throughout. Just off the foyer, an intimate wet bar room with custom cabinetry and a black absolute granite countertop opens to the formal living room. This gracious room is dressed with intricate plaster crown moldings and a finely crafted marble fireplace mantle. A wall of French doors with leaded lights provides garden views and access to the bluestone patio that spans the back of the residence. Four tall, arch-topped alcove display shelves add architectural interest, and a French door with a pretty transom fanlight opens to a delightful screened-in sunroom. This three-season room has a brick floor set in a basket weave pattern and a rustic wood-clad ceiling. Wall paintings, attributed to F. Edwin Church, have a parrot motif that adds whimsical charm to the space. Through arch-topped screened doors, there is a seamless transition to a loggia which provides a covered patio area that further expands these living and entertaining spaces to the enjoyment of the outdoors. Adjoining the foyer, a gallery hall with a barrel-vaulted ceiling opens to the formal banquet-sized dining room that is tastefully appointed for wonderful gatherings and celebrations. A semi-circular bow window with casements and transom lights is a striking focal point, and a fireplace adds lovely ambiance for elegant dining. Palatial in scale, the great room has possibilities for many furniture groupings and uses. This spectacular space features an impressive pine barrel-vaulted ceiling that soars to 17-feet and a tall fireplace. Stacked casement windows at the north end of the room overlook lush woodlands and provide soft natural light. There is an office and a powder room adjacent to the great room. A curved staircase leads to the lower level which boasts a sitting room, an expansive storage room, a powder room and a spacious game room with a fireplace and access to the gardens.
The kitchen complex features custom wood cabinets and Carrara marble countertops. There is a large food prep island with seating and a copper sink. For the chef, there are top-of-the-line Wolf, Sub-Zero
and
Miele
appliances, and an informal dining area is set off by an arched opening.
From the foyer, the main staircase climbs within the turret with stacked casement windows that bathe the interiors in natural light. The stair arrives at wide landing with a tray ceiling that gives volume to the space. To the right, the tranquil primary suite has an elegantly curved barrel-vaulted ceiling, a fireplace, built-in display shelves and cabinetry, and a pretty bay window with diamondpatterned leaded glass. The luxurious en suite bath features attractive cabinetry, two sinks, a dressing table, a shower and a deep freestanding soaking tub. Radiant heat ensures warm comfort underfoot. There are five additional comfortable bedrooms and four baths that complete this level.
Amenities include a convenient elevator, a whole house generator, a three-bay attached garage and a two-bedroom attached cottage.
Laurelwood is an enduringly beautiful residence offering refined and comfortable living and gracious entertaining. It reflects a timeless grandeur where masterful architecture
and
artistry
have
been
preserved for today’s luxurious lifestyle.
MLS# 3335363.
Alexis McAndrew
A Masterpiece Collection Listing.
Real Estate Salesperson Sterling Circle of Accomplishment 516.759.4800, c.516.509.6229 alexismcandrew@danielgale.com
Suzi Chase Associate Real Estate Broker Silver Circle of Achievement 516.759.4800, c.516.606.5151 suzichase@danielgale.com
Bryan McMillen Associate Real Estate Broker 516.674.2000, c.917.544.6566 bryanmcmillen@danielgale.com
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