 by Rafael Viñoly){kind=small}
Located in Ridgefield, CT, this minimalist modern mansion sprung from the design table of Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, part of the THINK team who competed to design the new World Trade Center. The home was also featured on the homepage of Yahoo's website and in an article about "extreme fireplaces" and on CNBC's website on January 10, 2012.
It has 50-mile views, with the highest views reserved for the kings of the castle: The master bedroom is located in a tower. The art gallery-esque residence has a bold inverted-pyramid fireplace design reminiscent of Aztec architecture. This estate has been on and off the market several times since 2008, when it had a starting price of $10 million. On December 28, 2010, through warranty deeds, the house was donated to Fairfield University located in Fairfield, Connecticut. The donation has spurred questions about why it was donated and for what purpose.
The family had no historical connection to Fairfield, but Robert Bercham, of Milford, CT, the family's lawyer did. He is a Fairfield graduate and from 1990-1996 sat on the university's Board of Trustees. He is now a trustee at the University of Bridgeport. The home was designed for Alice Lawrence, the widow of a Manhattan real estate developer known for her discerning eye and tenacious spirit, who died in 2008. Her art was sold at auction and the home, which has two bedrooms, and an angular concrete, steel and glass facade, was donated to the university in December of 2010.
Alice Lawrence was the widow of Sylvan Lawrence, a Manhattan real estate mogul who died in 1981. She was described as being both generous and strong willed. She once did battle with Lee Radziwill, Jacqueline Kennedy's sister, over the height of a fence between their East Hampton, N.Y. homes. After her husband's death, a battle ensued over his vast estate between Lawrence and Sylvan's brother, Seymour Cohn. Later, Lawrence sued attorneys who represented her in the estate battle for charging legal fees in excess of $40 million. That matter is still pending, but according to Bercham, it has nothing to do with Lawrence's assets or estate.
Extraordinary world class architecture in a spectacular setting! Designed to embrace sublime views and showcase the extensive art collection of the previous owner, “Ridgebury” exemplifies modern, international style. Exquisite use of industrial and modern finishes, walls of glass, and a open spaciousness combine to create museum-like tranquility, where the indoor/outdoor connection is paramount. With a great room featuring a stunning, sculptural fireplace, a welcoming guest wing, plus private master tower and indoor/outdoor pools, Ridgebury is a rare offering set in some of the country’s most spectacular natural scenery!
Price: $3.2 million
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 partial
Square footage: approx. 9,759 square feet
Year Built: 1993
Lot Size: 4.72 Acres
It has 50-mile views, with the highest views reserved for the kings of the castle: The master bedroom is located in a tower. The art gallery-esque residence has a bold inverted-pyramid fireplace design reminiscent of Aztec architecture. This estate has been on and off the market several times since 2008, when it had a starting price of $10 million. On December 28, 2010, through warranty deeds, the house was donated to Fairfield University located in Fairfield, Connecticut. The donation has spurred questions about why it was donated and for what purpose.
The family had no historical connection to Fairfield, but Robert Bercham, of Milford, CT, the family's lawyer did. He is a Fairfield graduate and from 1990-1996 sat on the university's Board of Trustees. He is now a trustee at the University of Bridgeport. The home was designed for Alice Lawrence, the widow of a Manhattan real estate developer known for her discerning eye and tenacious spirit, who died in 2008. Her art was sold at auction and the home, which has two bedrooms, and an angular concrete, steel and glass facade, was donated to the university in December of 2010.
Alice Lawrence was the widow of Sylvan Lawrence, a Manhattan real estate mogul who died in 1981. She was described as being both generous and strong willed. She once did battle with Lee Radziwill, Jacqueline Kennedy's sister, over the height of a fence between their East Hampton, N.Y. homes. After her husband's death, a battle ensued over his vast estate between Lawrence and Sylvan's brother, Seymour Cohn. Later, Lawrence sued attorneys who represented her in the estate battle for charging legal fees in excess of $40 million. That matter is still pending, but according to Bercham, it has nothing to do with Lawrence's assets or estate.
Extraordinary world class architecture in a spectacular setting! Designed to embrace sublime views and showcase the extensive art collection of the previous owner, “Ridgebury” exemplifies modern, international style. Exquisite use of industrial and modern finishes, walls of glass, and a open spaciousness combine to create museum-like tranquility, where the indoor/outdoor connection is paramount. With a great room featuring a stunning, sculptural fireplace, a welcoming guest wing, plus private master tower and indoor/outdoor pools, Ridgebury is a rare offering set in some of the country’s most spectacular natural scenery!
Price: $3.2 million
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 partial
Square footage: approx. 9,759 square feet
Year Built: 1993
Lot Size: 4.72 Acres
Homes - Famous, Famous Architects Links: www.cnbc.com, www.law.cornell.edu, www.raveis.com
By: Turneasterne
