Karp Associates - Custom Homes, Renovations, Construction Management


		Nestledown “Nestledown,” an historic mansion, was built in 1910 for a New York lawyer who had been an advisor to President William McKinley. It was later owned by Ambassador Stanton Griffes. Regrettably, by the time this home was purchased, it required extensive interior and exterior renovations. The goal in restoring this 23 room home was modernize the home to the standards of the 21st century while preserving its architectural elements and grandeur and retaining the quiet elegance. The sweeping splendor of the 9800+ square foot home includes a spacious, two-story marble entry hall; a grandly proportioned living room overlooking the formal pool and fountains; a two story formal dining room with custom stone fireplace and distinctive handcrafted iron balcony; and a dramatic great room with 100 year old existing stone walls and rough hewn white oak timber beams. The second and third floor contain 7 bedrooms, 3 sitting rooms, 4 bathrooms and a host of architectural details. The ultimate in customization was the addition of a natural wood gymnasium with a 1/2 basketball court and workout area. On the exterior, the extensive rear stone colonnade was completely renovated. The balance of the property was extensively landscaped with formal and informal gardens and a pond restoration. A sunken formal pool and spa were designed with an invisible edge and arcing water feature.