Some people rush into building a custom home after acquiring a lot, ready to set their vision into motion and eager to break ground. However, for a couple with a penchant for art collecting and a meticulous eye for quality, patience and discernment was second nature to them when creating their coastal Greenwich residence.
The pair acquired this pristine, waterfront property along the Long Island Sound and pondered it for 10 years before embarking on their passion project. The goal? To craft a timeless yet forward-thinking legacy home base for themselves, their adult children, and their grandchildren where they could entertain and relax for years to come.
Determined to have the best in terms of exquisite architecture, detailed execution, and project management, they turned to Cardello Architects to lead the design and build process in collaboration with designer Taylor Lagerloef of Studio Lagerloef, Hobbs Inc., and Wesley Stout Associates.
After in-depth discussions with the clients, the architecture team quickly uncovered that they were seeking something classic New England but with modern edge and state-of-the-art technology. This resulted in a reinvented take on a Colonial that feels refined yet unexpected—anchored in tradition, but alive with exciting, contemporary elements.
Crafted over a three-year period, the 12,700-square-foot home is set on one of the highest points in their neighborhood and overlooks three of the four largest islands off the coast of Greenwich. Cardello Architects positioned it far back on the sloping site to take full advantage of its setting and provide tantalizing water views from all three levels.
At the front, the grand exterior with gables, hand-cut stone, natural wood, bronze windows, and a surprising turret immediately showcases traditional character and sophistication. However, looking closer inside and out, its modernity easily unveils itself. Vast swaths of glass in the form of windows and railings impose clean lines everywhere you go, whether you’re lounging on a sprawling terrace above the pool or stepping into the dramatic, double-height foyer.
Angular light fixtures, an indoor/outdoor bar fabricated with poured concrete and marble, and open living spaces that flow as freely as the water beyond all satisfy the homeowners’ desire for elegant, modern living. The home also features full smart home integration, geothermal heating and cooling, and the latest audio/video systems to support their love of music and entertaining.
The pièce de résistance and most unique spot at the coastal manor, however, is the glassy rooftop bar Cardello Architects devised, accented playfully with exuberant pops of orange. Perched 100 feet above sea level, it’s accessible via a custom-made mechanical roof hatch and offers the best vantage point for relishing in the natural scenery. The couple can enjoy cocktail hours with loved ones up here, making drinks at the bar tucked cleverly in a faux chimney.
Reflecting on this highly-custom and rewarding project, which ended up winning the firm a design award, Cardello Architects shares, “Each space was curated for the experience of the home and we sought to develop all of the opportunities the site provided. There is not a moment missed of the beautiful view and feeling of the property. Despite its scale, it feels intimate and authentic.”
The Westport-based architecture studio, known for capturing the spirit of each site they work with as well as for their dedication to client vision, seems to raise the bar with every project. For the past 25 years, they’ve created extraordinary custom homes across Fairfield and Westchester counties, winning abundant design awards and resounding praise from clients as they go.
To work with the seasoned experts at Cardello Architects or to see more of their projects, visit their website.
Architecture: Cardello Architects | Interior Design: Studio Lagerloef | Construction: Hobbs Inc. | Landscape Architecture: Wesley Stout Associates | Landscape Installation: Imperial Gardening | Structural Engineering: DeStefano & Chamberlain | AV Consulting: Osbee Industries Inc. | Painting and Specialty Finishes: Shoreline Painting | Masonry: Cobuzzi Masonry LLC | Civil Engineering/Surveying: Rocco V. D’Andrea Inc.
