A sampling of some of this year’s tour stops…
[thethe-image-slider name=”htour2013″]- A luminous top floor coop in a 1939 luxury apartment building, outfitted with a grand sunken living room, medallion-incised flooring and accented by a curved inset and arch, has been rejuvenated to evoke a modern loft-like space. Light abounds from three front windows with unobstructed views. African, Papuan New Guinea, and Chinese collectibles adorn mid-century furnishings. Most of the fabulous artwork was created by its owner.
- A circa 1909 two-story neo-Renaissance townhouse, twice rendered uninhabitable by fire’s smoke and heat, has been completely reborn through a top-to-bottom renovation. The well-lit parlor floor has assumed a modern open space featuring an eclectic mix of old and new, including a custom-built marble-topped island beneath a pair of vintage Belgian factory lights plus a farm table and shelving crafted from reclaimed barn wood. The extra deep private rear garden sports a handsome brick patio and a wood fence creatively decorated with antique shutters.
- An in-progress 1910 two-family limestone, with an elaborately decorated full-height bay, reveals a wealth of vintage and meticulously replicated stained-glass within. Rooms open off a hallway and include a classy marble bath and a full-width contemporary kitchen/family room adjoining the dining room. Its 100-foot lot allows for a porch and central patio surrounded by planters, trees and shrubs—perfect for entertaining.
- A sun-filled studio rental apartment in the Patio Gardens complex is enlivened by personal memorabilia; original artwork by artist friends; an impressive collection of bass players—as statuary, music boxes, and paintings—gleaned from around the world; a wall mural of a frangipani tree; and a thriving indoor garden.
- A one-family 1910 town house features a wealth of original Arts & Crafts detail and remarkable collections of vintage pottery, seltzer bottles and artwork. Recently refreshed, new amenities include a luxurious lounge area and bathroom in the English basement, a stunning second-floor bathroom and split-system heat and air conditioning throughout. The back deck is shaded by a motorized awning. It overlooks a lush garden alive with climbing roses, shrubs and low grasses and boasts a pond and meandering path.
- An 1898 transitional Romanesque Revival/neo-Renaissance Roman brick and limestone town house with eight majestic fireplaces, ornate tin ceilings and vintage woodwork restored to their original grandeur. Its very private back yard features both flowering perennial and shade gardens, a bluestone patio and paths that can be accessed from the garden and parlor floors.
- A two-story 1910 brownstone unveils period William Morris fabrics and wallpaper; creatively integrated Bradbury & Bradbury art ceiling papers and friezes; a mid-1800s Black Forest cuckoo clock; and superb vintage heirloom furnishings and handcrafted items.
- A 15-year predominately perennial garden, propagated from cuttings and seeds, boasts a sculptured Japanese euonymus and tiger lilies, roses, black-eyed Susans, sunflowers and hydrangeas in bloom.
Click for Ticket information (and more) on the 43rd Annual Prospect Lefferts Gardens House & Garden Tour.
