HOUSE ON SASCO HILL
The House commands a stunning 2.5 acres at the crest of Sasco Hill Road in Fairfield Connecticut. All major rooms overlook Long Island Sound, the Village and Harbor of Southport and the Golf Course of the Country Club of Fairfield. On a clear day the skyscrapers of Manhattan are visible on the horizon and shimmer at night.
Renowned architect Roger Ferris took his inspiration from the country estates created by the English architect Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens (1869-1944). Construction began in 1987. The House was completed in 1993 and was substantially renovated in 2007.
This 25,000 sq. ft. steel and concrete framed House features six levels of day-lighted living space cascading down a sloping site complemented by a 2,000 sq. ft. two story Guest House. The House and Guest House are clad in a brick veneer accented by Italian Limestone details, floor-to-ceiling double-hung windows and apple green shutters.
A wrought iron gate opens and directs travel down a gracefully curving Belgian block-lined driveway to a rose color granite motor court. There you are greeted by a modern sculpture surrounded by flowers and a low boxwood hedge.
A large mahogany front door flanked by divided glass sidelights provides entry to a two story limestone vestibule, inviting you into the Gallery, and an uninterrupted view to Long Island Sound and all major rooms of the House.
MAIN LEVEL (6200 sq. feet)
The Main Level encompasses both public entertainment areas – the Gallery, Living Room, Library, Bar, and Dining Room; and living areas – the Family Room and Family Dining Room. The Kitchen, Powder Rooms, and Patios are strategically placed to service all rooms.
Ceilings are 9.5 ft. high and complement floor-to-ceiling double-hung windows and divided light French doors. Four wood burning fireplaces bring dancing flames and warmth. The Gallery has a gorgeous marble slab floor while the other rooms have exposed herringbone patterned hard wood floors stained a color that is a rich blend of walnut and ebony. All rooms have been carefully designed and furnished to maximize sunlight, highlight the stunning views, and feature pieces from the owners' art collection.
Gallery: Four large art walls flank the front door. These are currently filled with two paintings from the owner's art collection and a pair of mirrors. Colors and patterns of the floor reflect off these mirrors – marmalade with black and white highlights all organized into enticing geometric shapes. A two story wrought iron cylindrical floating staircase with a mahogany handrail rises up majestically from the center of the Gallery through the two upper levels of the House, directing your eyes to a gold-leafed dome. Hanging from this dome on a fabric-enshrouded chain that carries it down to the ceiling height of the main level is an eight-armed Venini Glass chandelier from Italy, circa 1940. The chandelier's lights emanate from pristine glass bowls and cast a warm glow in the Gallery and up the staircase. Across from the chandelier is a seating area with space for a painting to float above it on the curved wall.
Just beyond the circular staircase is an Otis elevator of commercial size and speed. While a fully modern vehicle, riding in its carved mahogany and silk clad cab feels stately and reminds one of elevators in luxurious old world hotels. Across from the elevator is the formal powder room which adopted the marmalade marble floor from the Gallery and the mahogany carved woodwork from the elevator.
Living Room: It has windows on its north and east walls and divided light French doors on the south. The designer believed in draperies for windows – but none for the glass doors. Therefore all windows are demurely draped while the French doors remain fully open to the light. Finally, a large limestone wood burning fireplace and mantle, and an art wall are to the west.
The entire living room is encircled by beefy baseboard and crown moldings painted a custom shade of off white. The room has two sitting areas. The first is an "intimate" area to the east side that is nestled against a row of custom radial windows, under a dropped ceiling. It is the perfect space for a single to lounge in a Recamier or a couple to sit at a round table and chairs.
The second area is a much larger square-shaped "entertaining" area that faces the fireplace and is delineated by a carpet resting on the hardwood floor. It is uniquely designed so that no piece of furniture (couches, chairs and tables) need touch a wall – Instead there is a circulation area that encompasses all 360 degrees of the entertainment space to encourage movement and communication among guests allowing all to view the many pieces of fine art that grace the walls.
Library and Bar: Tiger maple covers all walls of these adjoining rooms. Elaborately carved cabinetry and paneling highlight east- and south-facing windows. The shape of the Library is unusual -- it has the feel of a circle but yet two of its sides are straight! The library has a "work space" suitable for a grand desk and chair that look out to the harbor, and a comfortable sitting area that faces the second wood burning fireplace.
The marble wet bar is intimate and jewel box-like. Your eyes are drawn to a back-lit mirror that highlights a gracious display of bottles and glasses. Exploring further you will find within the cabinetry a sink, refrigerator and ice maker, as well as a surprisingly large storage area.
Main Patio: The Living and Dining Rooms share a large granite patio with a limestone railing. It affords 270 degrees of views. This patio was strategically situated just off the kitchen to facilitate outdoor entertaining. It is the perfect place to watch the sun set as golfers finish their rounds on the course and sailors make their way back to the harbor; and to then dine under the stars while availing yourself of subtle sound and lighting systems that adjust to all moods.
Dining Room: This room comfortably seats a couple or a crowd in a comfortable rectangular format. Hanging directly over the table is a shining glass chandelier. On the east side of the room is the third wood burning fireplace which incorporates an antique marble Adams Mantle. Spaces on either side accommodate a pair of china cabinets, while the area above the fireplace is perfect for a major work of art. The South wall is another major art wall that can accommodate a long credenza below. The east wall is comprised of three pairs of divided light French doors which open out to a patio overlooking the landscaped motor court. Finally, the northern wall is punctuated with floor to ceiling windows providing a view out to the front yard.
Kitchen: The kitchen is made of materials that combine to feel warm and cool at the same time. Four large windows bring in sunlight. Further warmth comes from the dark wooden floor and the black (with a hint of white and green) granite counter tops. Stainless steel on the central island, refrigerator and freezer, as well as the ovens, hood and sinks cool the room. Added cooling is provided by the white bead board cabinets and white "subway" tile that work around all 360 degrees of the kitchen.
In addition to being beautiful, this kitchen is highly functional and has produced meals for 2 and 200. It has a full complement of top-end appliances including two Meile dishwashers, a Subzero refrigerator and separate Subzero Freezer, a six burner Viking gas stove and associated hood, two double Jennair gas ovens (regular and convection, and microwave) and two sinks with garbage disposals. The associate butler's pantry has an additional dishwasher and 1/2 size refrigerator as well as warming drawers.
Family Area: The southern exit to the kitchen opens into the family dining room. This room has windows on the east and west walls and the fourth wood burning fireplace to the north. Directly below the dining room is the family room. It has a 270 degree view that takes in the English Garden, the outdoor pool, and a patio it shares with the kitchen.
The final room on this level is a second powder room just off the kitchen. It services the family areas and is situated to service all rooms on the Main Level.
MASTER SUITE (3600 sq. feet)
The Master Suite occupies the top floor of the House and is reached by the elevator and the central circular staircase. Regardless of how you arrive, the first thing you are struck by is the charm of looking down the spiral staircase, all the way to the marble floor that defines the Gallery.
Bedroom: Proceeding south brings you to a vestibule that acts as the entrance to the Master Bedroom and Sitting Room. Directly on your left behind a pair of mahogany doors is a kitchenette that services the Master Suite. Directly on your right is the Master Bedroom. It is intimately sized and accented by a vaulted ceiling. The dark wood floor counterbalances the white built-in cabinetry that adorns the room. Three sets of divided light French doors open to the master patio and beckon you outside.
Patio: It is hard to fully describe the view without mentioning that you are approximately 75 feet above the Long Island Sound and have an unimpeded view to the south and east for 50 miles. What you see is the coast line of the Long Island, the Long Island Sound, the golf course of the Country Club of Fairfield, the Southport Harbor, and the Village of Southport. Sunrises and sunsets present a feast of colors drawn from fire and ice.
Sitting Room: The master bedroom opens to an adjoining Sitting Room. It is perfectly scaled as a nook for two. It has its own window overlooking the Harbor and the House’s fifth (and final!) wood burning fire place that is surrounded by bookshelves that integrate with the cabinetry of the Bedroom.
Her Bathroom: Massive but femininely honed pieces of granite and marble define this bathroom. A long serpentine black marble counter is the first thing you see. It curves along the south, west, and north sides of the room and was installed in just three pieces. It is punctuated in by a delightful diminutive central white oval-shaped sink. Above this counter are groupings of windows, mirrors and white cabinets all with sensually curved features and silvered hardware.
On the east side is a free standing bathtub, white porcelain on the inside and brushed chrome on the outside. Just beyond the tub is the steam shower. It has a traditional glass door on the south. In addition there is an internal glass window to the west allowing the lady of the house to look out over her view while showering.
Unique to this room are the gigantic slabs of gray and white granite that create the heated floor of the room as well as the floor, walls and ceiling of the shower. Each is 1" thick and so big that the floor and ceiling of the shower are single stones.
The ceiling is lit by cove lighting and a central art deco fixture from the 1940’s. A related set of four art deco glass lamps glow on the walls.
Her Dressing Room: Leaving the bathroom and turning north takes you through two areas that make up Her Dressing Room. The first contains built-in cabinets together with drawers of varied sizes and shapes appropriate for the storage of all conceivable feminine paraphernalia. The second features six full sized closets (three on each side) with reflecting mirrored floor-to-ceiling doors. White cabinetry is complemented by a thick off white wall-to-wall wool carpet.
Her Study: Just north of the dressing room one takes a slight jog along a row of bookshelves and arrives at Her Study. The black marble from the bathroom is repeated here as the top of an "L" shaped desk with a retractable TV. The desk recycles the white paneled cabinets used in Her Bathroom, while two of the light fixtures in Her Study match the set of four found on the walls in Her Bathroom. Just beyond the desk is a built in couch, an additional cabinet with a matching black marble curved counter top, and a gracious walk-in closet.
His Bathroom: Leaving the Master Bedroom and turning right takes you to His Bathroom. The heated floors and walls of this room are of granite, gray mixed with a hint of rose. Instead of a tub, His Bathroom has a large steam shower with six gold plated shower heads. Windows encased in granite are found on the north and south sides. They allow a view of the Long Island Sound and the front of the house. Additional windows surround a mirror that is centered on the eastern wall of built-in mahogany cabinetry.
His Bathroom has a cathedral ceiling covered with platinum-leafed wall paper.
His Dressing Room: His Dressing Room is divided into three areas. Each is fully clad in custom-made mahogany cabinets and closets. The first is a rectangular closet area with two regular and an additional walk-in closet that can accommodate the needs of any well-dressed man. The second is a square space that is the dressing area. It overlooks the Long Island Sound and has storage areas and drawers for all manner of clothing. Finally, a third smaller space resides between the closet area and the dressing area. It houses a back-lite mirror, a safe and additional storage space.
His Study: Mahogany paneling on all walls and part of the ceiling gives this room the feel of a captain's quarters. A dark brown, leather-topped desk together with its chocolate brown leather desk chair form a triangle between windows that look north and east over the front motor court and entry gate. This room has book shelves, cabinets, drawers, and wiring sufficient to run any modern business.
GUEST AND CHILDREN'S ROOMS (5800 sq. feet)
One floor up from the Main Level (and one floor down from the Master Level) are the Guest and Children's Rooms, all serviced by the circular staircase, the back staircase and the elevator. This level has six bedrooms. Each has waist high chair railing, raised-panel wainscoting and crown moldings. Although three have been hidden by wall-to-wall carpet, all six bedrooms have beautiful herringbone patterned hard wood floors. Each bedroom has its own full bathroom graciously decorated with either tile or stone.
Guest Rooms: The larger two bedrooms are referred to as guest rooms. One looks out over the front of the house and the motor court, while the other has a 270 degree view out to the Long Island Sound.
Children's Rooms: Next are three slightly smaller bedrooms that have been used as children's rooms. The first two are virtually mirror images of each other. Both are on the east side of the house – one has a view out of the front of the house while the other has a view out of the back. These two rooms share a semi-circular patio with direct views toward the Long Island Sound and beyond. Completing the trio is a bedroom that faces south. It has its own semi-circular patio with an unimpeded view of the Southport Harbor.
Nanny's Room: The final bedroom is strategically placed at the top of the stairs (with the entrance to the kitchen immediately below) and was used as a nanny's room. While the smallest of the six, this bedroom has its own beautifully stone-clad full bathroom and a view out over the motor court.
Play and Media Room: Also on this level is a large playroom that doubles as the media room. There are three "work/play" areas all with floor-to-ceiling windows. Linking these areas is a seating area for viewing the TV and movies. This room has a maple floor that highlights the cherry wood wainscoting and floor-to-ceiling cherry wood cabinetry. Cherry wood blinds grace all windows allowing this room to go from full natural light to total darkness. Strategically placed alabaster fixtures illuminate from the ceiling.
Laundry Room: Finally on this level there is a laundry room fit for the needs of a large family.
CABANA LEVEL (4200 sq. feet)
This level is one below the Main Level and is serviced by the back staircase and the elevator.
Cabana: Three steps down and outside of the house is the outdoor pool. Servicing the pool is the Cabana’s job. This limestone floored complex consists of a sitting room, a kitchenette and a spa. In addition to two sinks and a toilet, the spa has two changing rooms, a large shower with its own dressing room, a full sauna, and a stacking washer dryer.
Wine Cellar: Also on this level is the Wine Cellar. It is strategically placed below the kitchen at the bottom of the back staircase that runs between the Main and Cabana levels. The walls and floor are clad in limestone. There is room to store enough cases of wine to meet the needs of most wine lovers while a dedicated air conditioning unit allows them to properly age. Finally, a limestone island table in the center provides a festive and convenient location for tasting wines before bringing them up stairs to be served to guests.
Exercise Room: The Exercise Room is very comfortably and inviting. It has space for traditional workout equipment (currently a tread mill, Exercycle, weights, etc.), and non-traditional equipment – currently, a full Gyrotonic machine.
The room has three additional features that make it unique. First, it is built on a white oak "sprung" raised floor which, together with the ballet bars and mirrors, turns the exercise room into a dance studio. Second, the lights of the room are hidden in coves that prevent glare from hitting your eyes even while lying on the floor looking up at the ceiling. Finally, the room has a bank of windows that overlook and a door that leads out to the outdoor pool – a refreshing sight whatever your physical state.
Office: The final bedroom (and full bathroom) in the Main House is also on this level. It has a private entrance off the outdoor pool and is currently used as an office. Toward this end it has been fitted with built-in cabinetry.
Cedar and Fur Closets , etc.: To complete this level there is a large cedar closet, a separate temperature-controlled fur closet, and an entry-way mudroom complete with storage closets and a staff bathroom. Finally there is access to the Garages.
GARAGES
There are five garages – all easily accessible to both the Main and Guest Houses from the Cabana Level. Each garage is amply sized to accommodate any domestic or foreign car, and heated and air-conditioned to protect vehicles (and people!) from the elements.
INDOOR ATHLETIC FACILITY (1200 sq. feet)
One level down from the Cabana and reachable by the back staircase and elevator is the Indoor Athletic Facility. Yes, this is a full sized American squash court; but it is much more. The traditionally narrow “squash” door has been replaced with a double-wide door that allows a full size table tennis table and other equipment to be brought in. Above the entrance is a regulation basketball hoop which converts the room into a mini basketball court. Additionally, nets have been hung from the ceiling, mats have been placed on the floor, and two cameras and two mirrors have been installed on the walls making this room into an indoor golf driving range with all the tools needed to document and fix a golf swing. Finally, the sound proofing of this room makes it perfect for a dance party involving a DJ and 30 or 40 boisterous children of all ages.
INDOOR POOL (3600 sq. feet)
Now please walk down eight steps and along a limestone and marble lined hallway that is lit by a procession of art deco alabaster torch fixtures. At the end you will arrive at an Indoor Pool that is 75 feet long, two racing lanes wide and has a water depth that varies continuously between 4 and 5 feet. Adjoining the pool is a half oval "hot pool” that is 21 feet long and comes complete with Jacuzzi jets. There is also a kitchenette, changing room and a bathroom.
While fully functional as a "lap pool" (complete with removable electronics timers and racing diving boards), it is also a beautiful and peaceful place to simply lounge and reflect. The floor and walls are lined with 1/2 inch square glass mosaic tiles from Italy which give the water a deep blue sheen. The edges of the pool are clad in a marble that is predominantly black but softened with the addition of cream colored freckles. The walls of the room continue this marble as wainscoting and then convert to a cream color that reaches to the ceiling. A full sound system, for the room and for underwater, services the space. Finally, large murals adorn either end of the room.
The Indoor Pool is situated at the lowest level of the house and yet this 100 ft. long space (a barrel vault) is flooded with natural sunlight. This light comes from a 45 ft. long skylight that rises gracefully over the center of the pool supported by a series of arches and columns. Further enhancing the indoor/outdoor feel are planters running along the walls that are filled ficus, schefflera, and anthurium.
There is nothing quite like being in this pool with family and friends, especially at night or in the middle of winter when snow is falling on the skylight.
GUEST HOUSE (2000 sq. feet)
The living quarters of the Guest House are on two levels above its garages. The first level has a living room, a full kitchen (and laundry area) as well as a bedroom. There is one full bathroom that services the living areas and the bedroom. The second level is a private apartment. To get there you proceed to the back of the first level. There you will find a locking door leading to a vestibule and a staircase to the apartment. At the top of the steps you will find a bedroom and sitting room, a full bathroom and a large walk-in closet.
MECHANICALS AND WORKROOM
A major house requires major mechanical systems that are up-to-date, and easy to understand and operate. This House does not disappoint or compromise – most of the individual features and systems are under the control of the central computer system. A partial list of mechanicals includes:
1. The House is hooked up to the city sewer system.
2. A diesel oil-driven generator provides sufficient electricity to run the entire house for six days.
3. 26 separate zones heat, cool and humidify all of the Main House, Guest House and the garages.
4. Three boilers provide abundant heat.
5. A large chiller provides as much cooling as you could possible desire.
6. Separate units control the environmental of the outdoor and indoor pools, and the fish pond.
7. The stone floors of the master bathrooms and the indoor pool are heated.
8. Redundant water heaters and recirculation pumps guarantee that abundant hot water is always available at all levels of the House.
9. A multi-line telephone system services all rooms.
10. A sound (radio, cd, iPod, etc.) system is available in all major rooms.
11. A Security system protects the house from potential intruders.
12. The gate entry system allows monitoring of all comings and goings.
13. A Lutron system provides light for the major rooms of the Main House and Indoor Pool.
14. The driveway, front motor court and back motor court are completely heated, eliminating the need for snow removal. Additionally, these areas are lit to provide safety and comfort at night.
15. Professional irrigation was installed to ensure that all of plantings receive adequate moisture throughout the growing season. Hose spigots have been discreetly placed so that water can be accessed from anywhere on the property.
16. A dedicate workroom facilitates running the House.
LANDSCAPING AND GARDENS
The overall feeling you will get as you explore the landscape and gardens of the House is that they are natural and appropriate to the setting. The plantings are mature and have been meticulously maintained. Trees, shrubs and perennials were chosen to provide visual interest during all seasons.
One of the most magical times of the year is springtime when the entire landscape has been richly planted with flowering bulbs including crocus, hyacinth and daffodils. The daffodils are a unique collection that bloom in shades of white, yellow and salmon. There are traditional “pheasant eye” daffodils and as well as the more rare double daffodils.
Front of the House: The approach to the House along Sasco Hill Road is landscaped with large rhododendrons that bloom in shades of pink and white and front a long native stone wall that stands at head height. These plantings are separated from the road by lawn and a Belgian block curb.
Once through the front gate and down the drive, you will notice mature pin oaks standing guard on either side of the main entrance. Plantings under them include azaleas, camellias and tree peonies. A softly sculpted boxwood hedge rings the front of the House.
At the bottom of the drive is a granite motor court. There is a modern sculpture in the center that is ringed with flowering annuals that are refreshed in spring, summer and fall.
Directly across from the motor court is a curved Italian limestone wall. In front of the wall are five Bradford Pear trees that are covered with a profusion of white blossoms in the spring. There are also pear trees that have been espaliered along the center portion of the wall. They provide a soft structure and formality year round. At the two ends of the wall, Manhattan Euonymus grows on trellises beneath weeping hemlocks. Planted above the wall are spirea, viburnum, rhododendrons, azaleas, mountain laurel and pieris, growing beneath dogwoods, pines and hemlocks.
As you continue down the driveway past the front of the House, you will see two large holly trees, a large golden cedar, an ornamental and fragrant viburnum and three delicately weeping Japanese maple trees. Along the right are hosta, sedum, astilbe, roses and peony. This part of the property is also planted with long rows of stately white pines which provide privacy. Beneath the pines are more rhododendrons that bloom in shades of pink.
On the side of the house is an additional parking area with a central island that is planted with graceful, deep burgundy weeping Japanese maples, large viburnum and pink flowering weigela. It is surrounded with planting areas containing hydrangea, azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias. There is also a colorfully planted boxwood knot bed.
Back of the House: The back of the House levels out to an expansive lawn big enough for most sports activities. It is bordered on three sides by a large planting area filled with hydrangea, rhododendron, azaleas, roses, hollies, clethra, boxwood and ornamental crabapples. There is also an assortment of large apple trees which produce delicious apples in late summer and fall. The rear planting bed is 40 feet deep and slopes down slightly toward the golf course of The Country Club of Fairfield. The forsythia and weigela planted in this area were chosen carefully to provide a natural transition to the view of the golf course, making it appear as if the golf course is an extension of the landscape.
From the bottom of the property looking back up at the House one sees a pair of commanding bluestone steps. They direct traffic up to a formal rose garden on the left and ornamental crabapples on the right. To the far left is a children’s playground complete with a swing, slide and play set. Adjacent to the playground is a whimsical sculpture that captures a scene from Alice in Wonderland – Alice playing croquet using a flamingo as the mallet, and a hedgehog as the ball.
Outdoor Pool: The large oval-shaped outdoor pool is surrounded by a gracious bluestone terrace made up of one inch thick slabs of bluestone which is kept cool on hot summer days by a dedicated sprinkler system. The pool has a large shallow end and a full deep end (9'). At night the pool casts a delicate light green transparent hue that reveals the complete inner contours of the pool and lights a statue that rests peacefully on the pool deck overlooking the back yard.
Framing this terrace are four spectacular magnolias that are covered with large, pink flowers in the spring. There is also a perennial bed on this terrace containing salvia, lilies, yarrow, lupines, liatris, agastache, Echinacea, dahlias and many more perennials to provide three seasons of beautiful flowers. Large Haddon stone basket weave planters are strategically placed on this, and other terraces and patios. All are planted with annuals in spring, summer and fall. The terraces are generously furnished with comfortable seating, side tables, umbrellas, and large, round glass tables for outdoor dining. The view from the terraces at the back of the house is spectacular. You will see the golf course, the village of Southport with its stately homes and yachts, and the Long Island Sound where you can make out the Manhattan skyline.
English Garden: From the pool terrace, you should open a wrought iron gate and step down into the English garden. Here you will find a world of raised beds richly planted with perennials that include English lavender, oriental lilies, baptisia, Echinacea, brunnera, anemone, iris, sedum, and many, many more. One of the favorites is the “dinner plate” hibiscus, named to describe the large size of flowers that it produces in summer.
In the center of this formal garden is a fish pond complete with a fountain and a sculpted fish motif protective fence.
