Address: 865 Hollow Tree Ridge Rd., Darien, CT
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 9
Square feet: 10,197
Price: $19,000,000
Nevermind the gorgeous pear tree-lined drive leading to the front entrance, the bright, transitional, fully equipped kitchen with large pantry that includes a second refrigerator, and the private pool and lounge space out back. The modern 8,711-square-foot field house is a thoughtful custom-designed addition with loads of entertainment. What began as an idea for an indoor batting cage, morphed into a recreation space for the whole family to enjoy. Louise Brooks of Brooks and Falotico, the architect for the home and field house, transformed the family’s vision into a realty with “a modern interpretation of a barn that complements—rather than overshadows—the main house,” says real estate agent Ashley Dineen at Compass Connecticut, LLC, in Darien.
The turf batting cage has a turf floor and retractable net, to make the space adaptable for soccer, lacrosse and track. On the lower level, a custom-designed bowling alley with two lanes, and a half-court for basketball add to the fun. In the fitness center, an endless pool, a massage room and a fully equipped workout room provide all the essentials for keeping in shape. The space has a changing area and full bath. An entertainment room on the main level has floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the main house, and direct access to a full kitchen. Collapsible sliding doors open to a patio with built-in outdoor grill. The second floor features a 10-bed bunkroom. “The design of the field house is both thoughtful and cohesive, and seamlessly integrates recreational spaces with areas for entertaining,” says Dineen. “While there are plenty of recreational spaces, there are equally as many places to gather and entertain.”
The home itself, also designed by Brooks, with interior design by Tori Legge of Stirling Mills Interior Design, blends timeless elegance of the original Georgian Colonial home built in 1937, with modern luxuries and conveniences added when the home was restored, renovated and expanded by its current owners in 2006. “What stands out about Louise’s work is her remarkable ability to preserve the home’s original character while effortlessly blending in modern living spaces that cater to the needs of today’s lifestyle,” says Dineen.
On the main level, the family can host guests in the formal living or dining room, a cozy library, the eat-in kitchen with sunny lounge space, or the open family room with fireplace. “My clients truly value spending time with family and friends,” adds Dineen. “For them, it was essential to create spaces where they could both unwind in front of the fire and host gatherings, whether formal or casual.”
Upstairs, the serene primary bedroom is filled with light. French doors lead out to a private balcony. A changing room has lots of custom storage for clothing and accessories. A guest cottage with two bedrooms, provides lots of privacy for guests, separate from the main house and field house.
While there isn’t much need to leave the grounds, the home is minutes from downtown Darien, downtown New Canaan, and the Merritt Parkway.
“Today’s buyer is looking for homes with purposeful design that provide pleasure, comfort and privacy,” says Dineen. “I have seen a growing demand for homes with spaces designed for both physical and mental health, such as home spas, yoga rooms and state-of-the-art gyms. This home at 865 Hollow Tree Ridge Road provides the discerning buyer with all of these things and more.”
Contact:
Ashley Mayhew Dineen
Real estate salesperson
Compass Connecticut, LLC
Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Rowayton, CT
203-253-9616; ashley.dineen@compass.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Kyle Norton
