Historic real estate rarely comes to market, but architecture fans can own the house designed by Arthur Cort Holden for himself. The Holden home in Darien, CT mixes modern design with austere while exterior walls that are populated by numerous glass windows. Located on a lush emerald green lot landscaped with shrubs and statuesque mature trees, the 4,053 square feet home offers ample living and entertaining spaces.
Best known for his collaboration with Frank Lloyd Wright on the Guggenheim Museum design of 1949, Holden designed this three-bedroom home with five bathrooms for his own living quarters. The home’s design pre-dates the Museum design, and it includes many of the features the latter Wright design did.
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Holden favored privacy and nature. He worked both features into his austere modern design. Bedrooms, the office, and the den provide access to balconies or terraces that may be accessed only from that room.
Balconies and terraces on the property do not interconnect as a veranda would. Instead, each affords its user privacy. The primary bedroom on the second floor features a fireplace and private balcony plus a sitting area and dressing room. Its public areas and entertainment venues include a vast family room, den, living room, formal dining room, and a home office.
The modern interior features staircases of white concrete rails and banisters of stainless steel. Exterior balconies use a similar design of concrete. Its living room features a marble fireplace, while the family room opens directly onto the grounds. The property’s walkout kitchen features a center island of granite as well as granite countertops.
The den has its own deck, and an attached full bathroom. The home office features built-in bookcases and a private terrace. The home comes with some furnishings designed for the space including a sofa, chairs, and a glass-topped coffee table. Many areas include built-in features.
Although the wooded property does provide seclusion, you can commute to New York City in an hour. The home provides convenient access to town, multiple beaches, and the train station.
Holden received many awards in his lifetime, among them the highest award the American Institute of Architects conveys. He authored numerous tomes on urban planning and housing, including “Primer of Housing” in 1927, “Money in Motion” in 1940, and “Sonnets for My City” in 1965. Holden died in 1993 at the age of 103. He authored the latter two tomes while residing in Connecticut.
Realtor William Pitt listed the home. Sotheby’s International Realty represents the seller. The asking price is $2.75 million. Contact Pitt for a tour of the property and home.
Source: www.williampitt.com
