John Russell Pope

The Classicist: A Piece of Architectural History in Watch Hill, Yours for $19.5 Million

Filed under: Estates, The Classicist, Wealth

Last week The Classicist told you about a historic Hudson River estate being restored to its former glory. That posh property is being thoroughly enjoyed by its new owners, but there's another architectural gem of equally impressive provenance now available with the added bonus of oceanfront acreage – The Timbers in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Set high above the ocean on a picturesque stretch of beach, the majestic eight-acre compound comprises one of the grandest historic oceanfront estates in New England that's still in private hands. The mansion was built in 1917 and designed by celebrated architect John Russell Pope, who created the Jefferson Memorial and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The estate recently underwent a meticulous and historically accurate $10 million restoration, reflecting Pope's original vision. It's now been listed for sale by Christie's Great Estates affiliate Seaboard Properties for $19.5 million.

The opulent 10,500-sq.-ft. main residence was styled after a grand English Tudor manor and features baronial touches such as 15 elegant fireplaces, a magnificent grand staircase and a bell tower. In addition to panoramic ocean views it boasts wide-plank oak floors, wrought-iron chandeliers, archways, and light-filled, generously scaled rooms. The spectacular living room features 35-foot-high cathedral ceilings, exposed English oak beams, and a beautifully crafted wraparound balcony with a carved wooden balustrade. Large French doors on the east side of the living room open to a large covered veranda which features glorious views of the beach and the sounds of the surf as it rolls ashore. At the far end of the veranda, an octagonal dining area features an outdoor woodburning fireplace, wrought-iron chandelier, vaulted ceilings, and archways overlooking the ocean.

Gallery: The Timbers, Watch Hill

Tags: architect, architecture, beach, Christies, Christies Great Estates, historic houses, Jefferson Memorial, John Russell Pope, mansion, ocean, oceanfront, real estate, Rhode Island, Tudor, Washington, Watch Hill

Continue reading “The Classicist: A Piece of Architectural History in Watch Hill, Yours for $19.5 Million”

Weatherstone Farm, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Today's home is a case of a new home that aspires to be old. Weatherstone Farm was inspired by Frothingham House, one of early 20th century architect John Russell Pope's classical designs. The five-bedroom Georgian manor with a slate roof sits on 96 acres. The home comes by some of its classic look through the use of architectural artifacts salvaged from various sites in Europe and the U.S. The 32-foot center hall is completed by an antique curved glass window wall and the imported English 18th century library has the original pine paneling and fireplace surround. The master bedroom has his and hers walk-in closets, a fireplace and bathroom. There are three additional en suite bedrooms, a laundry room and three cedar closets on this floor. On the lower level there is a wine cellar with a temperature controlled storage room and a housekeeper's apartment with private stone staircase entry. This home is listed at $12.5 million. An additional 32 acres with extensive equestrian facilities and improvements is also available for $5.5 million.

UPDATE: Thanks to Eric for pointing out that I neglected to mention this home's location, it is in Bedminster Township, New Jersey

Experience more lush living in luxury homes and mansions or see the stars living large with celebrity homes galleries at AOL Real Estate.

Gallery: Weatherstone Farm