Stretched across a naturalistic landscape of rolling hills in mid-country Greenwich, this unique home is defined by its graceful nonchalance rather than any overt attempts at monumental gestures. The story-and-a-half main residence is articulated in a quiet eclecticism which echoes colonial American architecture as well as medieval forms that recall the cottages and manor houses of rural England. Warm brick walls, cloaked very sparsely in whitewash, disguise the subtle intricacy of corbelled cornice detailing, jack arches, flat arches, and rowlock sills. Engaged dormers (both gabled and hipped) are arranged in a handsome rhythm along the facades punctuated only by faceted glass bays overlooking the back lawn and terrace and a Tudor gable at the front entrance – where a Doric limestone frontispiece marks the entry. Casement windows and French doors invite opulent views of the meticulously manicured grounds and gardens. Cedar shingles cascade down the roofline from broad chimneys, to second story eaves and dormers, and in some cases to single story volumes. White trim and paneling, the occasional copper roof, and green raised-panel shutters serve as decoration.

At the south wing, an extensively integrated addition includes program for an elevator, a two-car garage, a capacious new library, and the new master bath, closet, and dressing rooms. French doors at the library offer access to both a covered porch at the front of the house as well as the rear terrace and gardens. The first floor rooms are single-loaded, allowing plenty of natural light to pour over richly stained millwork and flooring. An existing study connects the library to the rest of the principal rooms and intermittent interior renovations. Adjacent to the study, a closet and ill-placed full bath have each been remedied and converted into a petite but extraordinary wine room and a deluxe formal powder room, respectively.

Towards the north wing, a fireplace added to the family room brings warmth to a cavernous space open as well to the updated kitchen. Down a short hall, the completely renovated mudroom features fabulous laundry room cabinetry, fine millwork closets, auxiliary storage closets, and a powder room for everyday use. The hall connects entrances at both the front and rear – where an outdoor barbeque is fashioned against the terrace wall. Upstairs from the mudroom lies another library in a luminous and cozy nook carved out from a large bedroom hallway and dedicated solely to displaying the owner’s impressive cookbook collection.

Beyond the lawn and gardens, the estate includes a sculptural greenhouse (with brick base to match the house and a custom-designed steel-and-glass conservatory structure imported from England), a guest cottage, and a pool. The pool house program – bar, bath, and changing rooms – is accommodated in a pair of angular pavilions joined by a covered and shaded seating area evoking the image of an open pergola. These accessory buildings dot the lush landscape in a composition that pleasantly complements the casual sophistication of the main house.