When art imitates architecture

Greenwich estates can double as private art galleries

All residential real estate buyers come to the search with a wish list. In some cases, the number of bedrooms or the functionality of the kitchen is of great importance; for others, it may be the location or the amenities the property has that’s at the top of their lists. For buyers in search of a home that will showcase pieces or entire collections of art, the wish-list mandates may include considerations like how the rooms are illuminated; how much wall space or unencumbered floor space the interior rooms have; and whether the home provides a safe setting for otherwise “priceless” pieces.

Bill Andruss, a Realtor with the Greenwich brokerage office of Sotheby’s International Realty, understands what home-buying fine-art aficionados look for in a residence that will also serve as a private gallery, so to speak.

“They must have public rooms, in particular, that have the potential to display their finest pieces,” he suggested. “There must be a significant amount of wall space that accommodate their large pieces, and there must be high ceilings, which adds a particular dimension to all works of fine art.”

One of Andruss’ current listings is “Round Hill Manor,” at 521 Round Hill Road in Greenwich. Sotheby’s Leslie McElwreath and Joseph Barbieri are co-listing the property with Andruss.

Built in 1916, the 21-room brick manor presides over 40.26 acres.

“The exceptional quality, character and scale — combined with a meticulous complete renovation — incorporate a timelessness that is without equal,” Andruss described the property. “As one of the Great Estates of Greenwich, Round Hill Manor sits on the crest of a magnificent plateau, overlooking more than 40 high, open acres, with panoramic views of Long Island Sound.”

Round Hill Manor is also a grand residence worthy of fine art display.

“This property is a great example of a home that works well as a private gallery. … This residence has large public rooms, high ceilings and lots of wall space that allows for their most significant and largest pieces,” Andruss explained.

“For example, the main hall, north hall and south hall actually form a 60ft. gallery, with incredible wall space and 12ft. ceilings. That space alone would attract a fine art collector to this beautiful home,” the Realtor continued, adding that both the formal living and dining rooms are generously sized, allowing for plenty of space to display the owner’s most prized works of arts.

Designed with art in mind

1 Indian Chase Drive — listed for $9.495 million by Ellen Mosher of Houlihan Lawrence — is perfectly suited to be part luxury home, part fine art gallery. In fact, its current owners are renowned collectors.

Mosher pointed out that the more than 9,000-square-foot Mediterranean style waterfront estate has all of the must-have boxes checked: an abundance of wall space, professional lighting, sensible “traffic” patterns through the home and grounds, and adequate security.

The property is located in a private association, and is itself gated, with strategic night lighting and a sophisticated alarm system.

“The house was planned to accommodate a large collection of paintings of all sizes, sculptures, porcelain vases and figurines,” the seller explained in an email.

The collectors particularly appreciated the high ceilings throughout the interiors, including a soaring 20ft.-high ceiling in the entry foyer.

“While renovating the house, we designed a lighting system to most attractively light the art,” the seller recalled.

Another feature of the property that may pique the interest of art-enthusiast buyers is the carriage house on site; it can be leveraged for additional storage and as a place to prep and crate works of art for travel to exhibitions.

“Our house has turned into a ‘living museum,’ where we have had numerous functions, presentations, shows and concerts,” the seller said.

1 Indian Chase Drive’s legacy is noteworthy, too, the seller noted. It was built in 1912 by Helena Rubenstein, the cosmetics maven and art philanthropist, and later sold to the granddaughter of prolific Russian writer Lev Tolstoy, who reportedly hosted many parties and art events during her time here.

Sotheby's International Realty Round Hill Manor located at 521 Round Hill Road is currently listed for $28.995 million. The 21-room, 17,603-square-foot brick manor house has everything art collectors want, including privacy, wall space, ceiling height, great natural and strategic lighting and tight security.

Houlihan Lawrence The waterfront, Mediterranean-style estate at 1 Indian Chase Drive was originally built by cosmetics icon Helena Rubenstein, and was for a time the home of Russian author Lev Tolstoy’s granddaughter. Both women were avid collectors, and so too is the home’s current owners, who have enjoyed their “living museum.” The property is listed for $9.495 million by Houlihan Lawrence’s Greenwich brokerage office.