Karp Associates - Custom Homes, Renovations, Construction Management


		Living at its Best in Towns Beyond Greenwich, CT By Rosemary A. Stroer - Excerpt from New York Living, October 2001 Karp Associates and Affiliates (KAA), is a building design and general contracting firm operating in New Canaan for over 15 years. In 1988, KAA established a renovation division now nationally ranked among the top 500 remodelers in the country. Although Fairfield County's land scarcity and exorbitant land costs has fueled a tear-down trend, builders like Arnold Karp, president of KAA are recognizing the potential existing old homes offer. Instead of trying to reproduce, in a new home, the 19th century details and craftsmanship today's buyer wants, why not retain the best of what makes these homes so appealing and remodel them for 21st century living? Karp purchased a nine-and-a-half acre estate in 1998 in dire need of updating. Nestledown is a unique 18-room mansion located on Smith Ridge Lane in New Canaan. It was built in 1910 for Ernest Conant, a New York lawyer who had been an advisor to President William McKinley. Karp felt that this was a rare opportunity to preserve the town's largest remaining parcel of land, and a unique example of its architectural past. Originally used for summers and weekends, the house had many features worthy of restoration. In the 50s, its owner installed a small movie theater in the 25 foot by 30 foot, two-and-one-half story dining room. The living room with two fireplaces is grand in scale, and the master suite with fireplace has a romantic sleeping porch, a balcony and his and her dressing rooms. Masterbaths were outfitted with whirlpool tubs and steam showers. An updated kitchen was equipped with stainless steel appliances, soapstone sink and butlers pantry. Old beams, wood plank wood flooring and a curved window wall make it impossible to differentiate the family room addition from the existing historic house. The new floor plan includes his and her offices, a music room and an au pair suite. The completely renovated $4.9 million mansion with seven bedrooms and five full baths combines the best of both worlds-21st century luxury and convenience with 19th century craftsmanship and charm. "We used a lot of tender loving care in restoring this grand mansion, while sensitively integrating every amenity and convenience." Says Karp.