Play spaces for kids and ‘kids at heart’
As 2019’s summer wanes, fewer flock to the beach or to poolside settings for fun and recreation, slowly retreating to the interior spaces where the kids, adults and families can play. Architects and designers are keenly aware of how people live today, and their preferences for having amenities and entertainment onproperty and within reach. Taking a look at some of Greenwich’s most remarkable luxury estates up for sale, many have carved out spaces in the home for children to “just be kids” and rooms where the adults can relax and entertain.
Known as “Fairfield Place,” the 2.8acre estate at 359 North Street is currently listed for $6.825 million by broker BK Bates of Houlihan Lawrence. This 17room home has a long list of compelling attributes, including “sophisticated, modern aesthetics and amenities,” according to the listing agent.
“The floor plan of 359 North Street is special, because it has a billiards room with French doors out to the terraces on both sides, incredible light, and is situated right off the library, which allows for all ages to be in close proximity, yet enjoying their own spaces,” Bates said.
“Buyers today like to have various playspace options, which provides flexibility for their family as they move throughout the house. The interior of 359 North satisfies this much soughtafter buyer need,” she added.
In addition to the play spaces, gaming and billiards rooms, the home has two wine cellars and a poolside cabana with a full bath, sauna and changing rooms.
“42 Winding Lane is a unique home, perfectly set with close proximity to town, as well as very private, making it a true suburban oasis that many buyers are looking for,” Joanne Mancuso described the $2.695 million listing. The Houlihan Lawrence Realtor is representing the interior-designer seller of the fourbedroom, nearly 4,000squarefoot home on 2.07 acres.
As buyers may expect from a designer’s home, the interiors are replete with special details and features—a marble bath in the master suite, a fireplace in the living room, Josef Frank wallpaper in the breakfast room, and a “sleek, Scandinavianinspired kitchen,” Mancuso pointed out. There’s also a pool and Jacuzzi spa among the grounds. But kids and adults will also appreciate the lowerlevel gaming/rec room.
“Today, we’re finding that buyers are very realistic regarding their needs and wants, all while focusing on the home’s value,” Mancuso said. “Many [buyers] won’t even tour a home without reviewing the floor plans prior, to make sure the space works for them and their family.
“What’s special about the layout here at 42 Winding Lane is that the rec room is in the lower level, but still filled with natural light. It opens out to a beautiful screenedin porch,” the listing agent noted.
Play time is quality time
With deeded access to Long Island Sound and a pool and spa, it may be difficult for the residents of 112 Indian Head Road in Riverside to see the summer give way to cooler temperatures, but the interior amenities at the nearly 16,000squarefoot estate perhaps make it a little easier.
Listed by Stephen Archi-no of Sotheby’s International Realty, this special luxurylevel estate comes with an asking price of $16.35 million. That buys a lot of play spaces for the right buyer. In one of the two garages, an indoor basketball court awaits.
The entire lower level of the stoneandclapboard home has appeal for “children and the young of heart,” Archino suggests in listing materials. The ceilings are 10feet high and the rooms benefit from natural light not often afforded in lower level interiors, he also points out. The layout includes an expansive bonus space that works well as a playroom. Plus, there’s room for crafting, wrapping or creative pastimes, as well as a large media and gaming room, with plenty of square footage and clearance to accommodate a billiards table. The lower level also has two bedrooms—perhaps for guests or livein staff—with two full bathrooms and a laundry.
Greenwich’s luxury-market homes of this pedigree are all about “lifestyle,” Archino suggested. “I think having the interior play spaces are as important as having them on the exterior,” Archino concluded.