Nestled within the serene and secluded enclave of Hilltop Place in Rye, stands a magnificent property once the country retreat of Andrew Goodman, the former owner of Bergdorf Goodman. A true embodiment of 1920s elegance, this captivating colonial masterpiece is a harmonious blend of classic charm and modern luxury, in a fully fenced and gated, completely private setting.
The 9,000+ sq ft home, set on a 2.6-acre lot and bordering the prestigious Apawamis Country Club golf course, exudes a vibrancy that defies its 100-year history. The estate underwent a meticulous, to-the-studs renovation and expansion in the late 1990s and has since been thoughtfully reimagined and upgraded by its current owners. Every contemporary convenience has been seamlessly integrated into the space while preserving the original architectural splendor.
The combination of breathtaking formal gardens, a splendid in-ground pool accompanied by a 1000+ sq ft pool house, an illuminated tennis court, a bocce ball court, expansive lawns, and an 800+ sq ft guest house creates a stunning fusion of heritage and contemporary style. Located less than 30 miles from Manhattan, this extraordinary estate offers a tranquil retreat with unparalleled sophistication.
EXTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS & LIFESTYLE AMENITIES
• An exceptionally private setting fully fenced and electronically gated, this property is surrounded by a large number of mature trees, hedges, shrubs and flowers, creating a self-contained luxury lifestyle.
• Dramatic formal courtyard with Belgian block decorative perimeter, center and curb detail offers generous guest parking for 10+ cars, within a charming stone wall surround, complemented by deep pink hydrangeas in the four corners and antique four-season cherub statues. A stunning entrance to this elegant, gracious home.
• Breathtaking landscaping includes many colorful perennials in the front of the house that bloom at different times in the season which include hydrangea, rhododendron, azaleas, lilacs, and mountain, skip, and cherry laurel.
• The main entrance drive is framed by two lines of mature cherry trees, underneath which hundreds of daffodils appear in early March followed by ostrich ferns. The front courtyard features periwinkle vinca and clematis adorning the stone walls, alongside flower beds brimming with seasonal pink and white tulips, hostas, lily of the valley, and lady’s mantle. To the side of the house, a charming shade garden nestles beneath 100-year-old beech trees, featuring ferns, hostas, and astilbe, with snowdrops popping up throughout to welcome the arrival of spring. Flower beds at the rear of the house include mature daisies, lilies, cone flowers, roses, nepeta, and hydrangea.
• Extraordinary formal English four-quadrant perennial garden with a centerpiece fountain, defined by manicured yew and boxwood hedges and fully fenced, is a magnificent work of art with its well-curated continuous seasonal blooms, a magical site adjacent to the expansive pool entertaining area. The garden offers a magnificent profusion of perennial color and variety from May through September. Tulips and nepeta surround the
center fountain, while the four quadrants overflow with mature flowering shrubs and plants, including hydrangeas, peonies, daisies, cone flowers, irises, lupins and phlox. A stone pathway leads to a secret garden featuring exceptional magnolia trees and a stone bench for quiet contemplation. With plenty of room around the fountain for four tables for two or four large benches, you can bask in the glory of this amazing garden, have lunch with friends, enjoy a cup of afternoon tea or a glass of wine before dinner, all while enjoying the tinkle of the fountain.
• Expansive grounds offer complete privacy and feature mature trees and shrubs throughout that are regularly pruned and fertilized, including two towering beech trees and a century-old oak tree. The overall variety, maturity and health of the trees on this property showcase the desire and dedication of each owner to create and preserve a unique, private natural setting. Additional tree species include Kwanzan cherry trees lining the main drive, weeping cherry, dogwood, Japanese maples including a Tamukeyama cut leaf, pear, holly, blue spruce, fir, hemlock, magnolia, hickory, cedar, ash, maple, mulberry, Norway maple, and plum.
• Outstanding heated pool (2006) with spacious in-pool infinity edge spa surrounded by granite pool patio area with multiple seating and dining areas, outdoor Kitchen and custom-built Pool House (2006) all adjacent to the magnificent English garden. An unusually large pool deck can accommodate seated dining for 50-75 for gatherings under the stars by night or fantastic pool parties by day.
• Outdoor Kitchen adjacent to the pool house features Viking grill and cooktop, undercounter refrigerator and storage for grilling with ease. An oversized L-shaped granite countertop (12 ft x 13.5 ft) accommodates seating for six and a large buffet serving area, essential for large-scale entertaining.
• Illuminated Tennis Court complete with fabulous spectator viewing and dining areas on a nearby patio and charming screened porch.
• Bocce Court, tucked under a canopy of Japanese maple trees, offers additional relaxed entertainment, where guests can sip cocktails and dine from the elevated Pool House terrace overlooking the court while keeping an eye on the game.
• Extensive, fully fenced front and back lawns bordered by mature trees offer exceptional privacy, are ideal for sports and games, and provide terrific practice field space.
• 2200 sq ft grand slate terrace with balustrades and garden beds featuring mature boxwoods and hydrangeas wraps almost the entire back of the Main House, creating a fantastic indoor-outdoor flow for large-scale entertainment. Three sets of dramatic stone steps lead to a sweeping back lawn.
• An enchanting garden adjacent to The Guest House is an absolute gardener’s paradise. Fully fenced garden (49 ft x18ft) with raised beds for vegetables and flowers (24 ft x 14ft bed & 14 ft x 12 ft bed) are large enough to create a plentiful harvest from May through October.
• Stone paths and seating areas throughout the grounds and gardens lead to contemplative private settings, perfect for quiet relaxation.
• Extensive landscape lighting highlights the remarkable landscaping features of this property in the evening after sunset.
• Two electronic gated driveway entrances with Belgian blocked aprons and curb detail open to an abundance of parking opportunities with a detached four-car garage, two heated bays, plus an additional two-car Porte Cochere with a cupola attached to the Main House in addition to the large courtyard parking in front of the house.
• Amazing outdoor storage closets built within the Porte Cochere feature two additional large storage closets for garbage and recycling, tennis court equipment or a garden potting shed with additional attic storage access.
• Additional heated and cooled sports equipment storage closet in Porte Cochere is easily accessible from the covered porch area at the side entrance to the Mudroom of the Main House.
THE MAIN HOUSE
FIRST FLOOR INTERIOR
FOYER
• Dramatic front to back Foyer with 9 ft ceilings features original front doors and hardware complemented by original leaded glass side lights and built-in cabinetry
• Stunning staircase serves as an architectural centerpiece of the home, spanning three floors custom designed to replicate the original
• Floor-to-ceiling custom paneling
• Hardwood floors with decorative wood inlay
• Custom wool carpeting on the whole staircase to three floors
• Large double-door guest coat closet
FORMAL POWDER ROOM
• Floor-to-ceiling decorative tile with deep crown molding highlighted by ceiling accent of silver leaf wallpaper
• Waterworks marble washstand and towel rails, Czech & Speake sink taps
• Herringbone pattern stone floor
LIVING ROOM
• Entertainment-sized Formal Living Room with remarkable original hand-carved wood-burning fireplace with marble surround
• Light-filled with front to back windows, this stylish room enjoys views of the front courtyard and wrap around terrace and back lawns
• Four sets of Larsen sheer and metallic striped draperies on gilded gold finish rods
• Custom molding, deep crown molding, built-in cabinetry
• Original French doors open to the Conservatory
• Two extraordinary full-size original wood paneled doors and hardware open to the Foyer
• Herringbone pattern hardwood floors
• Easy flow to Library and Sunroom
LIBRARY
• Welcoming space with warm cherry paneling, built-in cabinetry and shelving, coffered ceiling, hardwood floors, wood burning fireplace with custom marble surround, elegance and comfort at its best
• Front-to-back windows with views of the property bring the outdoors inside
• Stunning site line from the Library through the Living Room and Foyer to the Formal Dining Room
• Potential second home office
• SUNROOM
• Bathed in sunlight, this peaceful sitting room will be a quiet retreat by day and a fabulous bar area with sunset views by night
• Three walls of 69” high windows, fully screened, with stunning elevated views of the expansive pool area
• French doors open to a dramatic stone staircase that offers gracious access to the pool and pool house area
• Natural stone flooring
DINING ROOM
• Magnificent banquet size Formal Dining Room comfortably seats at least twelve, the perfect setting for hosting large dinner parties as well as holiday celebrations
• Schumacher Twiggy Sisal grasscloth wallpaper and show-stopping Murano hand-blown glass chandelier with 24k gold plated finish reflects timeless elegance influenced by today’s modern aesthetic
• Two sets of silk draperies with embroidered floral tape on gilded gold finish rods
• Original exquisite carved marble wood-burning fireplace
• Original French doors open to the Conservatory and views of the terrace and back lawns
• Two full-size original wood paneled doors and hardware open to the Foyer
• Herringbone pattern hardwood floors
• Convenient access to large Butler’s Pantry and Kitchen Area
CONSERVATORY
• Unique, expansive sun-filled room is accessible through three sets of original French doors from the Formal Dining Room, Foyer and Living Room
• A dreamy location for afternoon luncheons and fabulous evening cocktail parties as French doors lead you out to the 2200 sq ft slate terrace overlooking sweeping lawns
• The sheer existence of this space creates exceptional flow for indoor-outdoor entertaining
• Four walls of divided light windows, three walls with 69” high windows overlooking the stunning grounds with seasonal golf course views
• Floor-to-ceiling custom paneling with beadboard ceilings
• Natural stone flooring with decorative accents
BUTLER’S PANTRY
• Entertainment-size Butler’s Pantry with Custom built-in cabinetry with Thassos marble backsplash, cabinetry by DEANE
• Extensive china, glass, table linen and food storage
• Large counter workspace
• Original silver washing sink
• Sub-Zero refrigerator with two freezer drawers
• Miele dishwasher
• Natural stone flooring
KITCHEN
• Fabulous fully equipped Chef’s Kitchen with three windows overlooking the front courtyard with adjacent Butler’s Pantry opens to large Breakfast Room with easy access to the back terrace and large Family Room
• DEANE custom cabinetry with multiple rollouts in cabinets
• Polished marble countertops and backsplash
• Thermador 6-burner range and oven, hood with heat lamps
• Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer
• Gaggenau side-opening double wall ovens
• Two Thermador dishwashers
• Fabulous storage
• Natural stone flooring
BREAKFAST ROOM
• A heavenly room to enjoy dining all day long with its generous size and sun-filled atmosphere opening to a large Family Room, offering easy access to the back terrace
• Featuring a wall of 69” high windows, fully screened and two divided-light doors, all overlooking the sweeping lawns with seasonal golf course views
• Cabinetry by DEANE, with polished marble countertops and glass-fronted cabinets offering great storage
• Enjoy the benefits of the hidden storage trend with multiple rollouts in cabinets
• Copper bar sink
• Two Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers
• Two sides of amazing counter workspace with a perfect location for a spacious coffee bar over refrigerator drawers, and beverage offerings
• Natural stone flooring
FAMILY ROOM
• The room that everyone needs and wants, this large Family Room opening to the Breakfast Room will not disappoint, currently accommodating a large 13-foot sectional couch with additional chairs nestled near the fireplace, and plenty of room to spare
• Inviting wood-burning fireplace with Damasco Blue quartzite surround and custom-built mantel
• Hardwood floors
• Double French doors open to a fabulous screened-in Porch that overlooks the tennis court, sweeping lawns and terrace
• Double French doors to Home Office and Breakfast Room when looking for peace and quiet
SCREENED-IN PORCH
• A rare opportunity to enjoy dining outside with ease day or night, while watching the outdoor activities on the tennis court, on the sprawling back lawn and terraces
• Two streamlined ceiling fans ensure a constant soft breeze and perfect lighting for evening dining
• Easy access to outdoor grilling on the adjacent Patio and seating areas on the expansive Terrace
OFFICE
• Fantastic “work from home” Office with amazing bookshelves and built-in storage to ensure great organization
• Conveniently located on the first floor, the views from your desk will make the day go by quickly with tennis court fun, mature trees, sweeping lawns and seasonal golf course views beyond
• Double French doors to close when privacy is needed
• Two Sub-Zero freezer drawers
• Hardwood floors
POWDER ROOM
• Conveniently located spacious Powder Room with easy access to the large Mudroom, Family Room and side door entry, features a pedestal sink original to the house
• Waterworks sink taps, towel rail and shelf
• Natural stone flooring
MUDROOM
• Beautifully designed and exceptionally spacious Mudroom area features a seating area, three custom enclosed cubbies and an oversized custom fitted, two-door coat closet with shelves and varied height hanging rails
• Perfectly located at the side entrance to the home from the Porte Cochere and covered side Porch
• Heated and Cooled sports equipment storage closet is conveniently located just outside the side entrance, so the Mudroom can be used even more effectively
• Decorative beadboard wainscoting
• Additional storage closets near Powder Room and Kitchen entrance
• Backstairs to the second floor, stairs to lower level
• Easy access to Laundry Room, Kitchen, Family Room and Powder Room
• Natural stone flooring
LAUNDRY ROOM
• Conveniently located sunlit corner Laundry Room with two large windows
• Electrolux front-loading Washer & Dryer on pedestals
• Large utility sink with white quartz countertop and tile backsplash
• Excellent additional built-in cabinetry with plenty of room for storage
• Natural stone flooring
SECOND FLOOR
PRIMARY BEDROOM SUITE (1300+
sq ft)
• Expansive, luxurious sun-filled Bedroom suite featuring spacious bedroom area with centerpiece wood-burning fireplace and large, inviting sitting area. Sunlight is in abundance with two large windows and a door to a private balcony on one side of the room and two large windows on the other
• Door to private balcony with elevated views of the stunning property and surrounding golf courses beyond
• Egg-and-dart crown molding
• Hardwood flooring
• Exceptional custom-fit dual walk-in Dressing Rooms, one with a built-in dressing table, the other with 2
Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers
• Distinguished dual Bathrooms with architectural features of dual oval windows, two private vanity spaces with Czech & Speake sink taps, both with WC and one with bidet, Waterworks towel rails and two linen closets open to large, shared bath and shower in separate room
• Super-sized cast-iron Kohler tub with Czech & Speake bath filler, oversized shower with two shower heads, and mosaic-tiled floor complete this luxury experience
BEDROOM TWO
• Dreamy Bedroom with ensuite bath and fully windowed separate study/ sitting area offers breathtaking views of the beautiful property and golf courses beyond
• Charm extraordinaire, with two built-in dressers and two closets
• Hardwood flooring
• Ensuite Bathroom with pedestal sink framed by two fabulous tall cabinets with Waterworks sink taps and towel rails, stand-alone seamless glass shower with rainfall shower head, claw-foot tub with Waterworks bath filler, three-quarter tile wainscoting, tile flooring
BEDROOM THREE
• Sun-drenched Bedroom with corner window and amazing views offers a large sleeping area plus fabulous private Study/sitting area with built-in bookshelves
• Oval window features in Bathroom and study/sitting area
• Hardwood flooring
• Ensuite Bathroom with pedestal sink, Waterworks sink taps and towel rail, three-quarter tile wainscoting, shower/ tub combination, tile flooring and built-in linen closet
• Large double-door closet featuring hanging rails and shelving
BEDROOM FOUR
• Bright corner room and beautiful views with multiple windows overlooking the property and golf courses beyond
• Large sleeping area with built-in bookshelves plus additional study/sitting area
• Large double-door closet featuring hanging rails and shelving
• Hardwood flooring
FULL BATHROOM
• Located directly across from Bedroom Four
• Pedestal sink, Waterworks sink taps, towel rail, and shelf, three-quarter tile wainscoting, shower/ tub combination, tile flooring
• Linen Closet
BEDROOM FIVE / HALF BATH
• Bedroom currently being used as an Exercise Room has two large windows overlooking the front courtyard
• Bedroom has connected half bath with pedestal sink, Czech & Speake sink taps, Waterworks towel rail, three quarter beadboard wainscoting bathroom, and tile flooring, opens to the sitting area
SITTING AREA
• Sitting area offers great flex space for all ages
• Perfect spot to gather with friends, enjoy some screen time or curl up with a good book
SECOND FLOOR HALLWAY
• Front Staircase to Foyer
• Back Staircase to Mudroom and Kitchen Areas
• Oversized Linen Closet for additional linens
• Spacious Utility Closet
• Large Storage Closet off backstairs landing
THIRD FLOOR
BEDROOM SIX
• Light-filled Bedroom with front-to-back elevated views of the front courtyard, back lawn, and golf courses beyond
• Charming bench seating on three walls, including a fantastic reading nook in the dormer overlooking the front courtyard
• Shared double-door closet in the hallway
• Hardwood flooring
FULL HALL BATH
• Shared large full Bath with elevated views of stunning property and golf courses beyond
• Pedestal sink, shower/claw foot tub combination
BEDROOM SEVEN
• Large Bedroom, or potential Playroom, with two windows overlooking the front courtyard and a full wall of windows offering superb views of the rear lawn and golf courses
• Extra wide bench seating spanning one full wall, with windows above, offers remarkable reading and relaxation opportunities at tree canopy height
• Two nooks, one with a bench, provide special opportunities for playing or studying
• Shared double-door closet in hallway
• Unfinished Space
• Utilities
• 3 Storage Closets
LOWER LEVEL
THE POOL HOUSE
Built in 2006, with dramatic 16 ft ceilings in the sun-filled Living Room and twelve clerestory windows, features six sets of French doors opening to the expansive pool area and back Terrace overlooking the Bocce Court, this is the ultimate indoor-outdoor lifestyle
• Lavishly appointed full-size Kitchen featuring: DEANE custom cabinetry, marble counters and backsplash, large center island that seats five, Thermador 6-burner range with oven, Sub-Zero refrigerator with two freezer drawers, two sinks: Farmhouse porcelain and stainless, and additional Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers, Sub-Zero wine fridge, Miele dishwasher, XO Icemaker
• One-zone heating and air-conditioning for year-round entertaining
• Two sunny and spacious full Bathrooms with frameless glass showers, pedestal sinks, and built-in cabinetry
• Two Changing Rooms, each with DEANE custom cabinetry shelves, storage, benches, and four locker-style storage cubbies, 68” in height, with shelves and hooks
• Full Laundry Room with DEANE custom cabinetry shelving and additional space for off-season storage of outdoor pool accessories and cushions on ground level, with access to the attic
• Basement Storage
• Natural stone flooring
THE GUEST HOUSE
• Renovated in 1998 and updated by the current owners, this charming Guest House, overlooking the raisedbed vegetable garden, is a pristine, private oasis for visiting friends and family
• Spacious two-story living with an updated Kitchen and Dining area, full Bath on the first floor, and two Bedrooms, Living room and full Bath on the second floor
• A private, inviting Gatio with French door entry greets you as you approach, offering the perfect spot for morning coffee, or to catch up on your reading on a beautiful day
• Two-zone heating