Description

Rare find! Mediterranean gem overlooking the Sound with piazza, fountains and a storied past. The Opera starlet for whom the 1912 villa was built was Madame Frances Alda, the namesake of Alda Road. Remarkably, many of the original details are still intact. A comprehensive 2008 restoration honored the original design, yet incorporated state of the art systems and employed artisans to restore original details. Private waterfront recreation is just steps away and the deeded rights to Shore Acres’s lifeguard monitored pools/sandy beach/swim dock, sailboat moorings, boat docks, kayak and paddleboard docks, and clubhouse transfer with the sale. The train to New York is just 1.1 miles away offering 37 minute express service to Grand Central Station. The villa was designed and located for timeless fun and full lives.The restoration included: 1) all-new custom palladian doors and windows, baths (6), plumbing, electrical, insulation, HVAC, and whole house natural gas generator; 2) artisan restoration of stucco walls, tile roof, fountains, and gold-leafed ceiling; 3) thoughtful touches such as honing of the marble floors and refitting the walk-out basement with acoustic panels, and 4) renewing the overgrown landscaping. Architectural TourThe open floor plan centers on a grand salon crowned by a breathtaking gold leaf ceiling and anchored by honed slab white marble floors and a commanding woodburning fireplace. A sweeping staircase with velvet rail and bronze drama detail greets you in the foyer, setting the tone for the craftsmanship found throughout. The salon is flanked by a richly wood-paneled formal dining room with a fireplace and marble floors on one side, and a spectacular sunroom with fountain on the other, wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass on three sides. Just beyond, step through columns into an expansive library/family room with a fireplace and access to the backyard. The elegant powder room and kitchen with breakfast room complete the main level. Upstairs, the primary suite features a private balcony overlooking the Sound and generous walk-in closet, along with an en-suite spa bath with soaking tub, oversized shower, marble floors, laundry chute, mirrored dressing room. Staircase to attic is accessed from the dressing room. A second bedroom with carved wood door includes an en-suite marble bath and access to the back staircase; the third with stained glass door (the Helen Hayes room) offers a half bath and sleeping alcove. The fourth bedroom opens to a 200 sf balcony with water views and shares a full hall bath. A serene home office with a balcony and sweeping views of piazza and the Sound completes the 2nd floor. The finished lower level is outfitted with acoustic panels (perfect for your rock star) and the white marble floors, a large laundry room with washer and dryer, a cedar closet, utility room, powder room, and a convenient walk-out to the backyard.