Daily Dream Home: 200 East 59th Street

This article highlights the creation of a 7,812-square-foot dream home on Maxwell Bay of Lake Minnetonka in Orono, Minnesota. The homeowners, having previously resided in several lakefront properties, sought a contemporary design that harmonized with rustic materials, reflecting the natural surroundings. Architect Peter Eskuche of Eskuche Associates was commissioned for the design, with construction handled by Stonewood, LLC. The resulting aesthetic is termed 'mountain-modern,' characterized by clean lines, a low-pitch roof, and the incorporation of reclaimed barn-wood siding, cor-ten steel, and other dark metal accents. The entrance of the home features a grand 10-foot-tall door, opening into interior spaces that blend metal, glass, and wood, further enhanced by reclaimed timbers and stone. A notable architectural element is a stone-clad wall that bisects the house, creating steel-framed openings from the foyer to the main living areas. Within the gathering room, a steel and glass wine cellar serves both a functional and artistic purpose. A steel staircase with substantial wood treads connects the three levels of the residence, complemented by a glass and steel elevator for accessibility. Interior designer Annie Graunke of Studio M focused on incorporating beautiful woods with distinct grains to introduce warmth into the expansive, open-plan home. The design maintains straight lines while integrating plush textures and materials, creating subtle parallels between the furniture and the architectural elements. The kitchen, which flows into the dining and gathering spaces, boasts custom brown-stained, vertical grain, clear oak cabinets and marble countertops, including a waterfall edge on the island. Sliding glass doors in the kitchen lead to a versatile porch equipped with a wood-burning fireplace, infrared ceiling heaters, an outdoor kitchen with a grill, and automated screens and vinyl shades, facilitating year-round outdoor living. Upstairs, the home accommodates private bedrooms and bathrooms for the daughters. The master suite features a fireplace and a glass door that opens onto a deck with an outdoor gas fireplace. The master bathroom is appointed with stone vanities and a glass shower. The lower level includes a fitness room, a bathroom with a sauna, a guest suite, and a linear fireplace with a blackened steel surround and a floor-to-ceiling Cambria wall. A multi-panel glass Marvin door provides access to the pool deck, which offers views of the lake. Sven Gustafson, president and CEO of Stonewood, LLC, noted that the home embodies the couple's long-held dreams and travel-inspired ideas, meticulously integrated into a residence tailored to their lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. This property was also featured on Midwest Home's 2018 Luxury Home Tour, with sponsors including Andersen Windows & Doors and Phantom Screens. #LakesideHome #LuxuryHomeTour #MountainModernDesign #StonewoodLLC #EskucheDesign #LakeMinnetonka #ContemporaryArchitecture #RusticMaterials #OronoRealEstate

This blog post details a modernist house designed by architect Rachel Allen, located in the Elysian Heights area of Echo Park, Los Angeles, and recently listed for sale at $1.9 million. Completed in 2008, the three-bedroom, two-bath residence spans 1,769 square feet and is situated on a lush half-acre lot. Allen's design approach focused on integrating the split-level structure into the hillside, thereby maximizing its connection to the surrounding natural environment. The main entry, accessible via a bridge and outdoor deck on the upper level, opens into a living room that offers a treehouse-like experience. The interior layout guides visitors downwards through the house in a clockwise direction, following the contours of the hill. The home incorporates a variety of high-quality and sustainable materials, including sustainably harvested walnut and concrete for the floors, Heath Ceramic tiles, and custom built-ins throughout. A notable design element is the series of plywood sun shades positioned above a central strip of windows. These shades are laser-cut to mimic the appearance of oak trees, creating an illusion of natural canopy overhead and allowing dappled light to filter into the space. The extensive use of windows also ensures abundant natural light and views of the verdant surroundings. The property's half-acre grounds are a significant feature, characterized by a rich diversity of plant life. It hosts numerous mature trees, including citrus, pomegranate, yucca, pine, and eucalyptus, along with native plants and wildflowers. The outdoor space is further enhanced by organic vegetable beds and a chicken coop, suggesting potential for an urban farm. This blend of architectural innovation, sustainable materials, and integrated landscape design creates a unique living environment. Originally featured in a 2009 LA Times article, the house reflects Rachel Allen's broader portfolio, which also includes projects like the ATX Kitchen and the planned Pershing Square redevelopment. The property's striking aesthetic, characterized by its modernist lines and vibrant exterior panels, has made it a landmark in the neighborhood. The asking price for this distinctive property is $1.895 million, and an open house was scheduled to allow potential buyers to experience its unique features and expansive grounds. #ModernistArchitecture #EchoPark #RachelAllen #LosAngelesHomes #SustainableDesign #UrbanFarmPotential #ArchitecturalDesign #RealEstate #HomeForSale

A renovated two-family row house located at 490 MacDonough Street in Bed Stuy is currently on the market for $2.199 million. This property, dating back to the 1890s, maintains a blend of period details and modern updates. The facade, a painted brownstone, features a bright blue door, a departure from the original double doors seen in historic tax photos, and sits just outside the Bedford Stuyvesant/Expanded Stuyvesant Heights Historic District. Historically, MacDonough Street was noted for its tree-lined thoroughfare and diverse architecture, with newly constructed dwellings showcasing intricate stonework. This particular block, situated between Patchen and Malcolm X Boulevard, was recognized for its appealing new structures with charmingly carved stonework. The interior of the row house is configured as a two-family dwelling, with a rental unit occupying the top floor and a duplex below. The top-floor rental unit comprises two bedrooms and an open-plan living room and kitchen, offering a contemporary living space. The lower duplex showcases many of the preserved period details, including mantels, wall moldings, stained glass, picture rails, and wood floors. On the parlor floor of the duplex, the kitchen has been centrally located, while the front parlor serves as a dining room and the rear is designated as a living room. The dining room features a white-painted mantel with an insert and a tile surround that includes figural tiles at the corners, maintaining a classic aesthetic. The living room, positioned at the rear of the parlor floor, is adorned with an unpainted mantel that retains its original tile surround. The renovated kitchen in the duplex is characterized by its white finishes, including white subway tile, white upper cabinets, and a sizable island. Pale blue lower cabinets add a touch of color to the otherwise monochromatic scheme. This design choice provides a contemporary feel while integrating with the home's historic elements. The garden level of the duplex contains two bedrooms. The rear-facing bedroom includes an en suite bathroom, and an extension houses a small office with access to the rear yard. The street-facing bedroom, originally the house's dining room, still features wainscoting and a mantel, preserving its historical character. A passthrough between the two garden-level bedrooms offers additional storage space. In terms of additional facilities, the cellar provides a full bathroom and laundry facilities. Another full bathroom is located on the parlor level. The exterior of the property includes a paved patio, a lawn, and planting beds in the rear yard, equipped with electrical outlets and a water spigot for gardening purposes. The property was last sold in 2015 for $1.56 million. The current listing is handled by Justine Lee-Mills, Daniel Cohen, and Pia Pankiewicz of Corcoran. This row house offers a combination of historic charm and modern conveniences, making it a notable offering in the Bed Stuy real estate market. #BedStuy #RowHouse #HistoricHome #RenovatedKitchen #StainedGlass #PeriodDetails #BrooklynRealEstate #HouseOfTheDay #PropertyListing

This article highlights the fashionable Soho loft of renowned jewelry designer, Aurora Lopez Mejia, which is currently on the market for $4.95 million. The property is described as an “oasis in Soho,” a fitting epithet for its unique and luxurious features. The loft boasts impressive 11-foot ceilings and custom wood beams, distinguishing it from conventional living spaces. It is configured as a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom residence, offering both comfort and style. A standout feature of the loft is its expansive open kitchen, designed to cater to modern living and entertaining. The integration of sliding glass doors provides a versatile solution for spatial organization, allowing the living room to be completely separated from the office or library area. This adaptability makes the loft suitable for a work/live arrangement, appealing to individuals who require a dedicated workspace within their home. The design elements emphasize both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, creating a harmonious environment. Further enhancing the luxurious appeal of the loft is the en-suite master bedroom. This private sanctuary is outfitted with custom cabinetry and additional wooden beams, contributing to the overall sophisticated ambiance. The master bathroom is particularly noteworthy, featuring an expansive layout with a freestanding soaking tub and elegant Carrera marble finishes. These details underscore the high-end nature of the property and its meticulous design. Storage is another practical aspect addressed in the loft's design. The sunny residence offers ample closet space, with at least seven closets indicated on the floorplan. This generous provision ensures that residents have sufficient storage solutions, maintaining the uncluttered and spacious feel of the loft. The combination of elegant design, practical features, and a prime Soho location positions this loft as a desirable property for discerning buyers. #SohoLoft #LuxuryRealEstate #HomeDesign #NewYorkCity #InteriorDesign #WorkLiveSpace #AuroraLopezMejia #ManhattanApartment

This article highlights the Armour-Stiner Octagon House in Irvington, NY, presenting it as a notable example of eccentric architecture and design. The author, Steven Heller, recommends visiting this historical site despite not having experienced it personally, based on the enthusiastic report of a trusted friend. The house, originally a simpler structure, was acquired in 1872 by Joseph Stiner, a prominent New York City tea merchant. Stiner transformed it into the present elaborate structure, intended as a whimsical summer retreat. His alterations included adding a dome and a veranda, creating a design that evokes a classical, intricately detailed ancient temple with vibrant colors and decorations. The unique octagonal shape of the house was inspired by the theories of Orson Squire Fowler, a phrenologist and amateur architect who authored "The Octagon House: A Home for All." Fowler's belief was that octagonal houses offered several advantages, including maximizing interior space, allowing constant sunlight exposure, and providing broader views of the surrounding landscape. This architectural style gained popularity in 19th-century America following the publication of Fowler's book, positioning the Armour-Stiner House within a specific genre of building design. The article further details the house's journey through preservation. In 1976, the house was acquired by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, marking it as the first house purchased by the Trust for conservation efforts. In 1978, it was sold to Joseph Pell Lombardi, a preservation architect renowned for his expertise in conservation, restoration, and historic preservation. Under the guidance of Lombardi's son, Michael Hall Lombardi, extensive restoration work has been carried out throughout the house. This includes the meticulous restoration of significant areas such as the Egyptian Revival Room, the basement, kitchen, greenhouse, and studio, alongside a substantial portion of its decorative surfaces. The Armour-Stiner Octagon House currently offers various tours, including limited-time seasonal options and its classic tour. Guided tours, lasting one hour, are available for booking online from April through December. For those seeking a more personalized experience, exclusive private tours can be arranged upon request, designed to provide a memorable and engaging experience for groups. Contact information for private tours via email and phone is provided for interested visitors. The house stands as a living testament to the ornamental period of the Gilded Age in American design history, showcasing a blend of classical influences, unique architectural theories, and dedicated preservation efforts. #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #OctagonHouse #GildedAgeDesign #NewYorkAttractions #JosephStiner #OrsonSquireFowler #VictorianDesign