English villa manor is the ‘Stone Heart’ of Westport
In a town with many significant residences, this renowned English villa manor stands apart. Built in 1929, this architecturally important home was commissioned for the Lowe’s family, of movie theatre and MGM Studios fame. It was also a guest destination for Hollywood and theatrical royalty.
Today, this six-bedroom, 6,588square-foot stone manor rests nobly atop a knoll on over three acres, its first impression being a lasting one. Roman arches grace the loggia, Gothic arches frame the pool. Stucco and plaster are used as artistry rather than mere texture.
“When I met my husband Drew, he asked me to come to his castle. I thought he was kidding,” said owner Laura Friedman.
Having lived most of her adult life in Europe, Laura Friedman was comfortable with “old places”. As a tour guide in Italy, Greece, France and Spain, it was her job to know history. She was intrigued by the debate of conservation vs. restoration, and when it came to the “Castle” at 17 River Lane, it is the Friedmans desire that the new owners embrace the thought to conserve what the Lowes family constructed in the 1920’s – a Manor Villa with Italianate touches. It is an estate with a storied past and a new chapter ready and waiting to be written.
“Conservation seeks to preserve what is there,” Friedman explained. “The copper, the slate, the wrought iron gates, the mile of masonry which surrounds the grounds, the lighting fixtures, the fireplaces, the apotropaic door knockers; each of these uniquely designed structures deserve care and respect. Things might need a touch up, but they should be carefully treated for what they are – 100-year-old materials.”
The inspired entrance foyer reveals the English, Tudor style linen fold wood panels that set the stage in the impressive receiving area. Wander deeper inside, and the invention and intention are revealed among grand entertaining spaces accented with hand-forged iron work, leaded glass windows and exquisite Italianate details throughout. Iron gate doors open into the formal living room highlighted by a beamed ceiling, handsome fireplace and a long bank of diamond-paned windows, which also accent the formal dining room. A beamed ceiling, built-ins and a massive floor-to-ceiling fireplace are noticeable features of the library.
Friedman reminisces about sitting in the “Summer Room” surrounded by stone and Gothic arches overlooking the pool and gardens.
“In the evenings, the symphony of summer is playing all around you; crickets on violin, cicadas on piccolos, a frog or two adding a basso-profondo line… It’s simply magical.”
Friedman says the waterfall, man-made by her husband and Bill Aliou, adds to the wonder of sound and beauty surrounding the Castle. The captivating stonework found in the venerable antiquity of the loggia and Renaissance garden create outdoor entertaining spaces that transcend space and time, transporting guests to the English countryside.