Friendly coastal community
One-of-a-kind home has floating staircase as interior design focal point
The home at 70 Shore Road in Old Greenwich blends the classicism of New England shingle-style architecture with chic, contemporary interior design. Diane Dutcher, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty in Old Greenwich is the seller’s agent.
After choosing this location for its prime proximity to the beach, homeowner Richard Hartz – principal at Icon Interiors, Inc. – custom-built this house for his own family. The exterior is quintessentially “New England coastal,” with shingle-shake siding, simple lines, covered porches, even a porte cochere. Inside, the interiors lean more toward sleek and contemporary.
Hartz’s vision for the house began with a desire to create a three-tiered home with a floating staircase dramatically ascending up through the levels. The result is distinctive and breathtaking – a main focal point in the home.
“I had the staircase designed based on renderings I’d seen in architectural magazines. [It was my] vision for this to be a main feature of the inside of the home,” Hartz recalled.
Hartz also painstakingly planned the layout to have an easy flow between the kitchen and family room – popular with home hunters today. He was also particular about the finishes throughout the interiors.
Listing agent Diane Dutcher noted that her client “went over the top in the quality” of the construction of the home, sparing no expense nor worry.
For example, Hartz created a kitchen fit for true gourmands – a space that’s equal parts form and function. Full-slab marble adorns the surfaces, including the backsplash and countertops. With lightly finished hardwood flooring, crisp white cabinetry, and high-end stainless appliances, the aesthetic is somehow both timely and timeless.
The kitchen sits at the back of the house, opening to both the formal dining room and 17-by-16foot family room. The first-level floor plan also comprises the front-to-back foyer, a formal living room and a home office. The porte cochere has an entry of its own at the side of the house; just inside, there’s a perfectly placed powder room to one side and mudroom to the other.
“I looked to design a home with extensive natural light; therefore, each elevation has a substantial number of French doors, leading to exterior granite patios or onto Ipe decking,” Hartz noted.
He also aimed to ensure that the property would be an exceptional venue for entertaining and hosting special occasions. Complementing the formal dining room, there are numerous outdoor areas for seating and dining furnishings. Downstairs, among the lower-level floor plan, he’s allocated space for the home theater and a large playroom or rec room. A gym, the fifth bedroom, and a full bath complete the floor plan.
Four of the five bedrooms are on the second floor, including the primary suite – a luxurious space, with a dual-sided fireplace in between the bedroom and sitting room. The suite also comprises a large walk-in closet, a full bath and a private balcony deck looking out over the backyard.
The floating staircase ascends the third level, to the landing, which opens out to another incredible balcony deck. If outdoor living spaces are at the top of the list for buyers searching for a home in Old Greenwich, in this price range, this is a must-see property.
Though the lot is a manageable 0.30 acre, Hartz was able to cleverly incorporate parking and garaging for several cars. At the front of the house, a paved drive affords outdoor parking. The porte cochere at the side of the house provides protection from the elements and adds a bit of romanticism to the architecture. There’s also a detached garage with a lift, enabling it to accommodate three automobiles. It’s heated, air conditioned, and outfitted with a sound system.
The grounds around the house have been sculpted by Matt Popp Environmental Land Solutions. Stone pathways lead to and from the covered porches to gardens and patios.
“Old Greenwich is an amazing town with lots of charm,” Hartz said. “Neighbors are very friendly; however, the privacy is truly remarkable, because homes [in our neighborhood] are situated on quarter-acre or larger lots.”