This big house, for a large and active family, is
located on a peninsula jutting into Long Island
Sound with dramatic views of Long Island Sound
to the east and the New York City skyline to the
west. The siting and plan are designed to take
maximum advantage of these views.
The house is anchored by two dense cores containing
the stairs, fireplaces, cabinets and storage. The
major living spaces are on the second floor. The
broad roof overhang forms a sheltered porch that
wraps around the living level. A grand living room
at the peninsula end of the house offers a 270-
degree panoramic view of Long Island Sound. This
room has a domed ceiling, eyebrow dormers and a
massive fireplace.
The ground floor contains the entry, a three-car
garage, maid’s room, a game room, and a lap pool
with exercise and bathroom area. The upstairs
bedroom level is crammed with complex spaces like
that of a yacht. Children’s and guest rooms are
located over the family room. The master bedroom
suite is open to views of the east and west and has
a balcony overlooking the living room.
The house has a bold and simple form that sits
proudly on the lawn. Its concrete base recalls the
massive stone rip-rip protecting the peninsula.
The base is punctuated by small windows on the
east, for morning light in the lap pool, and on the
west and north by a protected entry arcade. The
exterior is clad with silver grey cedar shingles on
the lower roof and walls. The upper lead-coated
copper roof unites the circular and rectilinear parts
of the house.