Overview
Overlooking the Hudson River in the esteemed hamlet of Balmville, this Gothic Revival masterpiece, The Rest is a rare and remarkable offering—an enduring symbol of 19th-century architecture, masterfully adapted for modern living.Commissioned in the 1860s by Daniel Bennett St. John— Congressman, Senator, and a founding editor of The New York Times—this estate was brought to life by Frederick Clarke Withers, a leading figure in American Gothic Revival architecture and influenced by Calvert Vaux, co-designer of Central Park. The Rest was designed as both a living work of art and an inviting home.The home celebrates the ethos of High Victorian Gothic Revival showcasing soaring tracery ceilings, gasolier-style chandeliers, floor to ceiling doors adorned with wood-framed diamond-patterned glass, and a Tiffany-style stained-glass window at its heart.Rich inlaid and parquet floors, full-height wood wainscoting, and pocket doors feature prominently in the entry hall, drawing room, library, and dining room. Six original marble and wood fireplace mantels anchor the home. Glass-front-built-ins and intimate mullioned bay window seating invite the sharing of secrets.Befitting its name, The Rest is an approachable home, grounded in comfort with expansive views of the Hudson from a bluestone veranda spanning the western facade.A butler’s pantry connects the formal dining room with a chef’s kitchen featuring granite counters and river views, warm living room with wide wood plank floors, powder room, and access to the heated pool. The second floor offers a primary suite with views of the Hudson and a custom dressing corridor. The spa-like ensuite has a double vanity, quartz counters, bidet, and soaking tub with river views. The second floor is complete with four additional bedrooms and a bonus room, two with river views, and two more full baths. The upper floors are connected by a discreet secondary staircase and anchored by a traditional oculus or ‘roof lantern’ that beautifully filters daylight down to the floors below.