Country estate was an escape for modern artists
Throughout the 1940s, this striking, three-story Italianate manor played host to renowned international artists, creating an offshoot of the New York City arts scene right in Greens Farms. This storied Westport residence earned its name, Franton Court, from Hilla von Rebay, the original curator and co-founder of the Guggenheim museum, who owned the property from 1938 until her death in 1967. Celebrated modern artists Wassily Kandinsky, Fernand Léger, Marc Chagall, and even Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed the Guggenheim, were frequent visitors to the estate, which was built in 1900.
The home is sited on four acres of verdant grounds with a pool, guest house, and tennis court and is surrounded by six acres of nature preserve. According to the book “Hilla Rebay: In Search of the Spirit in Art” by Joan M. Lukach, Chagall stayed with Rebay after his family escaped from occupied France in 1941. “The Chagalls stayed in the guest room and worked in her studio, which is now our poolside barn,” said the owner. Combined with the grandness of the property, it was artists such as Chagall, Leger, and Kandinsky, who all stayed and painted in the studio and whose spirits emanate throughout the home, that attracted the owners to the property. The owners completely renovated the house down to the studs when they purchased the property in 1994. It was a constant labor of love throughout the years, adding a Deco Turf tennis court, pool, and poolside dining area, which has come to be one of the owners’ favorite spaces in the home. The barn that was once Rebay’s studio has been transformed into a dramatic entertaining space that captivates with its grand open areas, soaring ceiling, open kitchen and dining area, a full bar that seats eight, and walls of glass overlooking the deck and pool. “We enjoyed many lunches and dinners al fresco in this beautiful setting,” the owner commented.
The beautifully renovated estate retains its standing as a refined space in which to entertain and host long-term guests or extended family members. With 19 rooms, eight bedrooms, and eight full and two half baths, ample space and privacy can be found throughout the home’s 7,135 square feet. Rich in the history of the arts, the home’s remarkable design and cunning craftsmanship give the impression that the home is a work of art itself. Light reflects and shimmers through uniquely designed rooms, each with its own dramatic assertions.
The formal living room is perfectly designed to showcase works of art and is highlighted by a Bauhaus style window wall added by Rebay. French doors open to the stone patio as well as to the foyer. Across the foyer, French doors open to the formal dining room, which also connects to the family room and kitchen. Light streams in through walls of windows, further accented with a stone fireplace and dramatic black and white tile that span into the kitchen and breakfast area, enhancing the crisp, sleek atmosphere. The library is richly appointed with built-ins and a fireplace, and is serviced by an adjacent wet bar. A firstfloor guest suite includes a kitchen, living area, bathroom, patio, and deck. On the upper level is the master bedroom suite with bath and private deck, five additional bedrooms, four of which are en-suite, and a laundry room. Three more bedrooms and a full bath are located on the third level.
The separate guest house boasts a living room, kitchen, sunroom, office, and two bedrooms.