By Nancy Kane
New Canaan boasts a famous lineage as home to a group of architects known as the Harvard Five. These mid-life modernists (Philip Johnson and Marcel Breuer among them) were part of an experiment in residential design theory for single family homes in southern Connecticut. Now, they’re the inspiration for a new Prutting & Company-built, LEED-certified, solar-powered, 4-story townhouse (with elevator), blocks away from downtown’s lively Main Street and train station. For sale by owner, 173 Park Street features a secluded rooftop with its own kitchen, fireplace and garden space. Landscaped outdoor water features make this a truly special property, offered for $3.65 million. Go to prutting.com/work-/new-canaan-townhouse for more info.
Same town, same sustainable ideals: Over on 727 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan, a 100 percent solar-powered house has come to market, offered by Christine Saxe at Halstead for $4,985,000. This unique carbon-free footprint, 6-bedroom home was built by Gardner & Larson with attention to every detail, on an estate that abuts a land trust. The high-efficiency solar power provides clean and renewable energy, a standout among other features like a theater, a full gym with sauna, pool and spa.
Back home in Water Mill, a shingled gambrel on Cobb Isle Road sits on an acre of waterfront surrounded by gardens, with every room offering spectacular views. Down a private road and landscaped with perennial gardens leading to a private dock, the home is located on an inlet of Mecox Bay and the Atlantic. Sunny spaces abound, making this residence perfect for entertaining; the floating dock, eco-friendly gardens and heated pool and pool house will make the homeowner popular with guests (as will the chef’s kitchen). A two-sided fireplace separating the living room and dining room completes the 7 bedroom stunner. Sotheby’s International Realty’s Pat Petrillo has the listing offered for $14,995,000.
A traditional 4-bedroom with everything a family could want awaits on Water Mill Towd Road in Southampton. The listing, from Lylla Carter and Krae Van Sickle of Saunders, is priced at $2,690,000. The grounds, private and gated, are set amid 2 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens filled with hydrangea and featuring a wisteria-covered pergola. French doors lead to a trellised bluestone patio with views of the freeform pool, terraced garden and stone pathways. Inside, a sun-drenched dining room with antique beams leads to a chef’s kitchen looking out over a mahogany deck and a spectacular flower garden. Wood-burning fireplaces bring cozy charm to the spacious den and master suite. Upstairs wings are accessed separately, allowing guests maximum privacy.
In Amagansett, a 10-bedroom, 11-bath luxury retreat with hilltop ocean views has come to market, asking $9.995 million and listed with Adam Hofer, Alexander Boriskin and Michael Lorber of Douglas Elliman. Perched on 5.6 acres, surrounded by woods, 74 Cranberry Hole Road is designed to feel like a resort. Complete with nature catwalk, a rooftop bocce court, an indoor-outdoor screening room and a glass box studio, this modern house’s outdoor grilling area and adjoining pool and spa make this Hamptons home perfectly beach-chic.