Balcastle, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
May 28th 2010 at 1:02PM

Today's estate of the day is a real treat. Balcastle is like its name suggests, castle-like, a showcase of American Gothic Revival built by craftsman and designer J. Edward Elliston in 1911. It commands a .43 acre plot in New York's Southampton Village and is located near beaches, shops and restaurants. As you might expect, it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Much credit needs to be given to the current owner, architect and designer, William Sofield. Sofield, who as the NY Times reports, is behind the luxe-erotic look of Tom Ford's stores, has done a masterful restoration. The home is completely, fantastically livable while not losing a bit of its original charm. Sofield, who also reportedly renovated one of Douglas Fairbanks' old properties in Los Angeles, seems to understand that sense of dreamy, faux-historical nostalgia that gripped American design at that time period. It has unusually high ceilings and large windows with hand-carved mullions and traceries. A spiral staircase in the main tower leads to a master's chamber with cobbled floors, an antique soaking tub, wood burning fireplace and private roof terrace. Particularly notable is the gazebo which overlooks the pool and gardens. The faceted glass rotunda serves as pool house, informal garden room and the most fabulous guest quarters ever. This property is listed at $4.25 million.

Gallery: Balcastle