tudor

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

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Tudor GranTour Date Ref. 20050N Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Tudor watches are relatively unknown in the United States, probably because you can't find them in the United States. That might be changing soon as the brand is revitalizing their marketing efforts. Who is Tudor? Well, think of it as a baby Rolex. That is right, Rolex-owned Tudor has been selling similarly themed watches for years, marketed toward people not quite able to afford Rolex, or who want something a bit different. The new line of Tudor watches is more sporty looking that most Rolex watches but has a similar demeanor. They feel like Rolex's baby brother brand, and it is an important niche.

Pictured is their new Grantour watch inspired by auto racing, GT racing to be exact - where stamina and distance are more important than brute power. In addition to the three-hand model, a chronograph version fills out the collection. Inside are automatic mechanical movements as you would expect. Based on the current markets that Tudor primarily serves, the sizes of the steel watches are modest at 41mm wide. Vintage themed dials do clarity and the racing theme justice, while the perforated leather strap is a nice touch. I consider this watch to be an alternative to the famous Chopard Mille Miglia. The case is also water resistant to 150 meters, while the black in the bezel is lacquer. A lot of the same polish that you get with a Rolex, but just a bit more entry-level.

Ariel Adams publishes the popular watch review site aBlogtoRead.com

Tags: grand tour, GrandTour, grantour, GT, rolex, tudor, watch