HOOK

HOOK 49 Just thirty-two miles north of the George Washington Bridge, tucked within the landscape lies the legendary Tuxedo Park. Founded by Pierre Lorillard in 1886 as America's first gated community, the pri- vacy of the enclave has long attracted New York's elite and still stands as a bas2on where 2tans of industry and social circles mingle amongst nature's mountains, lakes, and woodlands that provide a sanctuary from the city. Home to the famed research Loomis Lab, it's where gentlemen and genius came together, where think tanks convened and also where Emily Post most famously wrote E2que3e: The Blue Book of Social Usage in 1922, (Her father Bruce Price was one of the original architects hired to design and de- velop Tuxedo Park). Here in the "country" so- cial circles reigned, entertaining was done in homes, and the natural landscape provided a backdrop like none other. Fast forward to today and you'll see that the homes here s2ll reflect this rich heritage and lifestyle. Per- haps the most stunning example is 74 Tower Hill Loop E. Designed in the late 1890s by architect William A. Bates for Herbert C. Pell, who was later to be elected to Congress as a New York House of Representa2ves member. 74 Tower Hill Loop E has a commanding presence. Driv- ing up the entrance to the park, the Pell residence rises from the landscape and its 1.5-acre parcel sits on top of one of the most prominent points. Its natural rock and flying bu3ress founda2on is a work of art within the architecture. Balance and propor2on rule and the eclec2c variety and scale of the win- dows as seen from inside perfectly frame the evolving landscape. "Sited to be southerly facing, the house captures the path of the sun and the sweeping views of Tuxedo Lake as well as Harriman State Park and Sterling Forest in the distance," explains Jacob Ma3hews, associate broker, Ellis Sotheby's Interna2onal Realty. Light bathes the rooms and fills the house with a natural essence. "Inspired by Queen Anne styling, Bates' strong architectural vernacular can be seen throughout Tuxedo Park," con2nues Ma3hews. His work is known to be classic, yet fun and whimsical, and bridges between both exterior and interior. The houses here ebb and flow with nature, as they were originally designed to do. Win- dows and doors align to maximize the sum- mer cross winds. The covered porch offers views for miles and a place of solace for soak- ing in sunsets, watching the tapestry of fall foliage unfold and for marveling at the frozen lake and snow-capped hills of Harriman State Park. While the landscape takes center stage outside, the grand living and entertaining spaces inside have a presence all their own. From the double-height center hall, the Facing page: The Library is largely original with wood paneled walls, fireplace, wet-bar, large fenestra4on and glass enclosed book shelving; Pocket doors between the dining room looking toward the living room; The expansive covered veranda overlooks glistening Tuxedo Lake and the surrounding mountains. Above: Second floor center-hall landing with serliana window and custom millwork of the era. Below: The home has 6 fireplaces, this one in the primary bedroom suite.

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