By Allison Brophy Champion
Dec 21, 2012
Constructed in the grand European tradition of The Great Estates of Greenwich, this sprawling six-bedroom Georgian Colonial at 76 Winding Lane incorporates fine elements from another time. Listed at $12.75 million, the mansion on four levels provides nearly 17,000 square-feet of classic extravagance.
According to listing agent Tamar Lurie with Coldwell Banker International Previews, the Winding Lane property possesses actual architectural components from the old William T. Graham estate in Belle Haven, among the storied Great Estates. Hedge fund billionaire Tudor Jones purchased, gutted and renovated the Graham estate on the water, according to Lurie, but not before a local builder had the good fortune of acquiring and then using its vintage pieces in the Winding Lane home.
“Marisa Ervin actually built it for herself,” said Lurie of the house constructed in 1996 and expanded in 2006, “so it was built with great love and care and everything that’s good was put into it.”
English romance in the heart of Greenwich is how the property on 4.5 lavishly landscaped acres is being marketed, and rightfully so. While living in the English countryside, the homeowners developed a passion for all things British, Lurie said, a perfect marriage to the architectural finds from the Great Estate.
In the front to back reception room at 76 Winding Lane, east and west porticos showcase reclaimed leaded glass fanlight windows, paneled door casings, pediments, pilasters and period mantles. The main level drawing room features an antique mantle, Greek key cornice molding, wide oak floorboards and recessed windows facing the gardens.
A sumptuous dining room provides carved cockleshell corner cupboards and an 18th century English marble mantle woven into fretwork and whimsical wall murals produced by the late artist Robert Jackson. An embracing library is richly paneled in antique sugar pine and features an 18th century Williamsburg carved mantelpiece. Across the hall, a comfortable family room adjoins the gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry and sun-bathed breakfast room.
French doors open from the family room to a Juliet balcony draped in roses. All four sets of French doors on the rear of the home lead to a brick terrace overlooking a brook. The outdoor spaces, like inside at 76 Winding Lane, provide myriad amenities including a brick fireplace with mantle, winding paths, artistic gardens, iron fences and a brick bridge traversing the stream along with a dramatically-lit pool area with stone walkways and pergola.
Two additional rooms complete the main level of the house providing a large marble tub in one and in the other, a butler’s office and mud room with floors of antique French tiles. The owner’s favorite room is the first floor glass conservatory made in England and joining its own butler’s kitchen, making it especially conducive for parties.
An impressive central stair hall ascends to a second floor balcony and five sumptuous suites, including the master bedroom with antique carved marble mantle, upholstered walls, private sun deck, his and hers dressing rooms and luxury bathing accommodations. The second level includes four more ensuite bedrooms, a movie theater, massage room, exercise room and home office.
On the third floor is another home office, a playroom, art room and lots of storage. A garden level offers a wine cellar and secluded guest suite complete with fireplace and terrace.
This Winding Lane property in Greenwich mid-country is a modern great estate in its own right for the detail and sophistication. As for “The Great Estates,” the Junior League of Greenwich published the book in 1986, highlighting 46 outstanding country homes built in Greenwich between 1880 and 1930, according to jlgreenwich.org, during which time the simple farming community became a worldly town with close ties to New York City.
Interestingly, various media accounts from then and now list the daughter and wife of William T. Graham, owner of the Belle Haven Great Estate, as among Titanic survivors.
“The Titanic sunk at 12:30 and sank two hours later,” daughter Margaret told The Greenwich News on April 19, 1912 upon arriving home. “I’m too tired to say anything else.”
Tamar Lurie, Coldwell Banker International Previews, (203) 622-0245
