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For nearly 200 years, this architectural masterpiece has been a commanding presence overlooking the Greenfield Hill green. Built high on “The Hill” by a prosperous sea captain as a wedding present for his son, this iconic landmark gazes southward upon the shimmering waters of Long Island Sound year round. Just across the street to the west, the view of the dogwoods on the village green resonates with all the history it has seen. Beyond the home’s stone walls and century-old rhododendrons, the soaring steeple of the historic Greenfield Hill church parries with passing clouds as its carillon bells chime. The restored church was the finest work of architect Cameron Clark who earlier had designed the home’s façade facing the green, its carriage house and its stable while the formal gardens and pool were the work of his wife, the noted landscape architect Agnes Clark.
Intricate wrought iron gates open to nearly six private acres of glorious gardens that define the landscape with deft symmetry and lavish color and texture. Winter gardens assert captivating silhouettes of specimen trees, while spring heralds a parade of wildflower meadows, gorgeous rose gardens and luscious beds of lavender and hydrangea. A secret garden screened by a slender row of hornbeam leaves a watchful world behind. Ancient purple beeches loom over dozens of native dogwoods while apple blossoms beckon along the winding drive. In autumn, sugar maples as old as the house and gardens of Japanese maples and Persian parrotia bring blazes of reds and yellows.
This beloved historical estate has emerged miraculously transformed under the meticulous stewardship of its present owner. It is the rare visionary who can achieve ultimate potential while maintaining architectural integrity to such exacting standards. "Hillside" is a triumph of stunning detail, timeless style, infinite livability and quiet privacy. It truly exemplifies a seamless blending of "stately" with "state of the art".
The main residence is a treasure. Each room opens like a jewel box revealing exquisite millwork, brilliant trompe l'oeil artistry, and prized Zuber et Cie block print papers designed in the same era as the house was built, depicting scenes from the grand tour and panoramic "Vues de l'Amérique", notably Boston Harbor, (as installed in the White House diplomatic reception room by Jackie Kennedy). Through each window is a view crafted as carefully as an 18th century landscape painting.
Every considered choice is correct: the select woods and marbles; the museum quality fixtures; the top notch amenities. There are careful choices of detailed custom millwork in every room, and the precise alignment of architectural elements allow abundant light and spaciousness. Sublime symmetry lends order. Elegant decor exhibits the whimsical and wonderful.
On view from the orangerie is a fabulous guest house/carriage house. Beyond, former stables have been renovated into a fantastic fully equipped party barn. Vast in size and scope, vanilla Venetian plaster walls, rustic toffee tone beams, and stretches of handsome hickory wood floors go to great lengths to create splendid acoustics that might accompany the occasional chamber concert or dinner dance.
HILLSIDE. IT IS PAST PERFECT AND BEYOND BEAUTIFUL.
For more information contact Rick Higgins at 203.520.6778 or go to http://hillsideongreenfieldhill.com/ and feature article in AT HOME MAGAZINE March/April 2013.
