These days I am being very particular about the time capsule houses that I show on the blog. Pretty much, I want to see near-perfection. Really stunning. Really special. Oh my — do we have it ever, in this 1960 time capsule midcentury modern house for sale in Scarsdale (link now gone), New York. Listing agent is Iris Kalt of Prudential Centennial Realty, and she has graciously given me permission to feature the photos of the house. Mega thanks, also, to reader Jennifer, who found this house and sent me the tip. xoxo Jennifer, keep ’em coming!
What a win-win, if we can find a grateful buyer of this house while archiving the photos of these exceptional, preserved interiors. Oh, please, new buyer: Don’t change a thing! Click on through for 14 more photos — this is one of the most beautiful time capsule homes I have ever seen –>
Scarsdale is one of the loveliest and most desirable neighborhoods in Westchester County, New York — super close to Gotham, you’re in the city via train in like 20 minutes. The house has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and 12′ ceilings. It sits on just under one-half acre, on a cul-de-sac — sounds like a beautiful setting. It is listed for $849,000.
I’m calling this house “Midcentury Modern meets French Provincial” for obvious reasons. Remember, design history buffs, French Provincial interiors were very popular in midcentury America. I would even venture: They were more popular than midcentury modern interiors.
Floor to ceiling pinch pleats — I am dead and gone to heaven. This was how pinch pleat sheers were DONE, people! Not only gorgeous to look at, but the light filtering through the sheers is all sparkly and sublime. Note, over time, sheers like this will fade and wither due to sun rot. You will have to replace. Even so, resolved: Pinch pleat sheers for my living room /dining room in 2012.
The dark wood against the white… the ornate French pieces within the mid mod architecture… notice the oriental rug on terrazzo floors… it all WORKS. This house is very “graphic.”
The foyer. Look at how the architect has created a sort of skylight effect (without an actual skylight) by bringing the ceiling down, but creating a beam-lined opening to the windows above. Genius.
Repeating this photo so I can say: The shades and valence — matched to the chairs, ottoman and even organ bench. The devil — the angels — are singing in the detail.
I need to ask Iris what is on these walls. Cork? Notice the lamps. Notice the window shades, the edging in particular. And more terrazzo. This house belongs in The Museum of Perfection.
This bedroom is equally stunning. All matchy matchy with the bedspreads, drapery and upholstery. I would love to see that desk closer up. And the enormous, room-sized rugs — oh my.
I really hope that whoever buys this house asks for everything, and keeps it just the way it is.
Lesson in 1960 bathroom: Those look like 1″ square tiles, floor-to-ceiling in… bone on the walls and tub, white on the floor. Audrey always told me that, “Bone and white makes for a lovely bathroom.” Yes, it does! Carrera marble countertop. The tub is tiled, sunken. The mirror extends the length of the vanity, with a medicine cabinet at the left only. It also looks like there are some glass shelves on the wall at the left. I wonder if the lamp was really used, or if that is staging. Noneless, luv.
This looks to be a GE Wonder Kitchen: Wonder Kitchens had the sink and stovetop set into one long piece of stainless steel countertop — as at left. 52PostnBeam, can you confirm? That’s for sure a Delta 200 wall-mount faucet; now discontinued, but read the comments. Notice how the decorator (I’m presuming a decorator was involved) was able to layer pretty complex patterns together — in the wallpaper and the curtains — very successfully. Again… the more I study these images, the more I see these interiors, combined with the architecture of the home, are graphic genius.
The patio is equally beautiful.
And if you are building a house, consider adding this detail: An outdoor fireplace built at the back of your indoor fireplace.
What an amazing treasure of a house. This is one of my favorite time capsules of all time.
If you want to buy it, you better jump on it. If you do, invite me down — I’l close! The listing is here (link now gone). Or give Iris a call today.
Syd Reinarz says
It looks like the headboards of the twin beds are still wrapped in plastic. Amazing.
teresa says
Wow!! Terrazo floors in a home!! LOVE!!!!
Jenny says
Wow! Such a pretty house and, you’re right, somehow it just works. I love the contrast and that kitchen is fantastic.
daniel says
WOW! i love this house!
Rebecca says
Gorg.Us.
ChrisH says
How do people keep homes all original like that?
pam kueber says
(1) They love what they have and don’t keep buying more.
(2) They never move.
Rita@thissortaoldlife says
I love the implication that if we buy what we love (houses, furniture), we reach a point where we no longer need to buy. Going to remember that the next time I’m temped to get something “just for now” until I find the thing I really love. If I didn’t make those purchases, I could afford the things I really love.
(And while I don’t love the FP furniture, I can certainly appreciate it–and really love this house!)
gavin hastings says
Don’t forget-
They might live in their OTHER houses 6 months of the year!!!!!
I’m thinking a summer home, a place to stay in the City, and a condo in Boca.
CindyD says
So Cool! Love the terrazzo floor and the windows above the cabinettes in the kitchen. The ‘sky light’ is an amazing detail.
Peggy Miniard says
you know if I look at this long enough I can become a FP fan! this house is stunning.
Rachael~The Thrifty Picker says
Oh…My…Gah! Loving the yellow cabinets in the kitchen, the floor to ceiling windows, the entry way (outside and in), sunken tub, and window treatments. Some of the ‘heavier’ furniture is not my personal style, but I can certainly appreciate the look. A fantastic home selection for this feature!!
Peggy Miniard says
I am not a FP fan, however, I absolutely love the architecture of this house. the cabs in the kitchen, the sink in the bathroom, those large expanses of glass in the windows…the plain very clean lines and complimentary landscaping in the front…absolutely gorgeous home, if it didnt have a stick of furniture in it, it would be decorated already. wonderful house.