OMG, I Want This House: Ridgefield, CT
The Daily Beast presents a look at one of the most insane houses in the world.
Designer handbags, designer dogs, and designer cars are nice and all, but what we really want for Christmas is a designer mansion, one like this Connecticut chateau created by famed architect Rafael Vinoly. Not only is this house-cum-work of art available for a mere $9.75 million, but the owner is also throwing in the neighboring farmhouse and riding stables. On that note, Santa, we would also like a pony.
The home was designed with its original owner’s art collection in mind, but if you haven’t built up your stockpile of Pollacks and Basquiats, never fear. Move your crew of heathens into this palace and become your own work of art. If the Kardashians can do it, you can too.
Ten million big ones might sound like a lot of money, but it’s a steal when you consider the original cost of the house. According toArchitect Magazine, by the end of the three-year building process, “construction costs had reached an estimated $25 million plus an additional $3 million in landscaping for the five acre estate.” Congrats on saving a cool $18 mil.
All sleek concrete and glass, dashing blond wood and steel, this 1990 home was born a modern masterpiece. But even the best looking estates need a little help now and again, like the recent restoration by the latest owner.
Architect Rafael Vinoly is known for his large projects, including his groundbreaking (and stunningly vertiginous) residential building in Manhattan—432 Park Ave. But who needs to live in a glass tower when you can inhabit one of Vinoly’s very rare private homes instead.
Walls of glass are appreciated in any contemporary chateau, but here in the wilds of Connecticut they are extra covetable. Imagine sitting in this room and taking in all the flora and fauna of the New England forests. We’re talking lions and tigers—er—bobcats and coyotes.
The 10,561 square feet are divided between two wings, one of which houses the three bedrooms. That’s right, you’re new, very spacious digs only have two extra bedrooms for guests. That means your next family reunion will have to find some other unfortunate relation’s pad to crash.
We would like to believe that we would be 100 percent more productive at work if said office drudgery took place in this gorgeous study. But, let’s be honest, the forest views are the perfect distraction.
Living in the countryside, away from the honking cars, annoying neighbors, and hustle and bustle of the city, can be so stressful. When all that silence and nature begins to overwhelm you, repair to your personal yoga studio for some sweat-free child poses.
Some people might be satisfied with a gorgeous outdoor pool…but we are not those people. Thanks to Mr. Vinoly, this home offers not only an outdoor spot to swim, but also a heated lap pool indoors. Some call two pools a luxury, we call it a necessity.
The home is advertised as having “100 mile views,” but, to really take advantage of all the peeping opportunities that range offers, you might want to add a telescope to that Christmas list.
Welcome to the second wing of the house, a concrete tower that holds the library, penthouse office, and observation deck. Naturally, the two sides are connected by a glassed-in walkway that houses the indoor pool. (Where else would you put it?)
Outdoor pool or exterior water sculpture? It’s hard to tell when it looks this divine. Either way, house rules say you can float in it.
This Vinoly-designed home is a modern dream, but don’t forget, the listing also includes the neighboring farmhouse with a more rustic aesthetic. The Farmhouse has five-bedrooms, a barn, and a paddock, so no horse will be left behind when you move into this house.
You are only an hour-and-a-half away from New York City in this little neck of the Connecticut woods, but with this much greenery you may as well be on a different planet.
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