Lefferts Manor Association

A sampling of some of this year’s tour stops…

• A unique turn-of-the-twentieth century semi-detached three-story wood frame house, with slate mansard roof and charming front porch, boasts a serpentine center staircase, a fabulous stained-glass window and ornate tin ceilings. Unusual artwork, pottery, kitsch and exotic tchotchkes populate its interior, while a cleverly installed tree house resides in the deep rear garden.
• A neo-Tudor row house, with craftsman-influenced interior, features a fun mix of collectibles, including a slot machine from the Steinway mansion and a prohibition-era Radio Bar. Its gut-renovated kitchen employs Mission-style cabinetry, a vintage Chambers range and matching Northstar reproduction appliances for a modern take on a period kitchen. French doors, metal deck and stairs lead to the new bluestone and brick backyard with custom-built wood fencing.
• Original classical ornamentation including exquisitely restored cherry and tiger oak woodwork, intricate plaster ceiling moldings, ornate fireplace mantels and detailed fretwork abound in this 1909 three-story neo-Renaissance limestone townhouse with finished English basement. Sculpture, art work and collectibles from world travels can be seen throughout.
• The upper duplex of a neo-classical two-family 1911 townhouse where every square inch of space is effectively utilized and natural light from a roof shaft is creatively maximized. It sports a highly efficient state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen, marble bathroom, and custom oak bookshelves in keeping with the wealth of vintage Arts and Crafts woodwork and stained glass.
• A remarkable top-to-bottom renovation—designed and largely accomplished by its two “hands-on” architect owners—has created a totally new interior in a formerly neglected neo-Tudor townhouse devoid of original detail due to a fire in the 1970s. The exciting results are contemporary modern, yet respectful of its original 1914 design. Lots of surprises await view.
• An 1899 Romanesque Revival brick and limestone home reveals a new breathtaking full-width open kitchen overlooking the tranquil rear garden. Custom-crafted warm cherry wood cabinets with egg and dart moldings give tribute to the home’s past while 21st century amenities and organized storage abound. The loving care of many generations is evident in this home’s beautifully preserved details.
• A dramatic bronze-hued plaster relief frieze, depicting cherubs at work, graces shoulder-high wainscoting in a circa 1910 limestone townhouse replete with photographs and impressive artwork. Elegant original light fixtures, fretwork, an antique game table and an Art Deco oak desk bring back the nostalgia of bygone days.
• The wildly engaging, stunning, and fun 1915 neo-Tudor town home of much-published interior designers John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon reveals adventurously painted and upholstered antiques, eclectic light fixtures, gobs of wallpaper, and globally acquired objects that come together to tell a most uplifting life and design storyline. “Your home is your temple,” the designers like to say. “Collect what you love and it will work together.”
• A stunning and well-celebrated 1920s neo-Georgian townhouse showcases Floral Designer Bette Cunningham’s private rear garden. Set in custom-laid blue stones, the beautifully designed space features Japanese Wisteria, a raised flowerbed, and slate waterfall. The garden is further enhanced by a medley of cloud white Annabelles as well as a unique variety of vines, perennials and shrubs. Don’t miss this oasis of calm and samplings of Bette’s (Yellow Jessamine) stylish floral arrangements.
• A stately 1898 limestone unveils the floor-through office and home kitchen of a professional chef.  Vintage furnishings and original artwork are found throughout the home, some passed down from family and combed from flea markets, auctions and antique stores.  A magnificent needlepoint, full of family symbolism and commemorating the owners’ wedding, made by the bride’s mother, hangs above the piano.   The rear garden, once only an abandoned mass of weeds, is now abloom with flowers, shrubs and trees.

Ticket information (and more) on the 42nd Annual Prospect Lefferts Gardens House & Garden Tour.