176 Parkside Drive

Description

Just a 50-mile drive or under an hour train ride from New York City, Gilded Ageabundance meets modern architectural ingenuity at this prized Princeton marvel readyfor memorable entertaining on any scale. As the grandest of four turn-of-the-centuryoutbuildings on the famous Drumthwacket estate, now the official residence of thegovernor, nothing better reflects the opulence of the period than the spectacular dairybarn, designed for Moses Taylor Pyne by prominent architect Raleigh Gildersleeve. Repletewith towers and an ornate iron gate, the castle-like Tudor structure was really more of afashionable homage to blissful rural life. The original fountain still splashes beneathmajestic sycamores in the courtyard and an intact stone trough is among the intriguingfarm-life relics that remain. After a period of neglect, the Director of the PrincetonUniversity Art Museum (and former Monuments Man) and then subsequently the Deanat Princeton+GGs School of Architecture boldly reinvented the structure as a home, officeand venue for hosting personal, professional and gala-style events. Today sleek glassand steel join rustic wood and weathered brick in the core of the house, where ceilingsrise an astonishing 26 feet. The chef-designed Boffi kitchen, with refrigeration, twodishwashers and pantry hidden behind slabs of walnut and custom cabinets, provides awelcome departure from the soaring openness. A recently finished wing was designedwith privacy and flexibility in mind, including three bedrooms, a loft and plenty of openspace, all with ceilings of at least 11 feet, which are served by two modern bathroomswith double sinks and showers, a newly-equipped laundry room and a custommudroom, also sheathed in walnut. Three bedrooms above the mezzanine level in themain house are completely refreshed with refinished floors, brand new closets andbuilt-ins, a second laundry and two newly renovated baths, both stylishly tiled andperfectly roomy. Through the main suite, a lofty retreat with an amazing courtyard view,a sitting room opens to an outdoor area ripe with possibilities. The western wing of thehome includes a wine cellar, a huge family room, an additional office or bedroom, apowder room, and additional storage space to serve as you please. Imagine openingyour home to visiting friends for long weekends away from the city. Host starlit soirees inthe courtyard or serve drinks beside the 6-ft fireplace. By day, stroll to town, explore the nearby Institute Woods or pack a picnic to enjoy in neighboring Battlefield Park. Just as indulgent and blissful as originally intended!