Bauhaus-style homes from the early 20th century are extremely rare in the U.S., so when a grand model in Massachusetts came on the market last month, design aficionados took notice. Then, a recent listing in New York’s Westchester County disappeared in the blink of an eye!
Listed for $995,000, the three-bedroom residence in Dobbs Ferry was designed by architect Martin Lowenfish as his personal residence. A deal was struck for the home after less than two weeks on the market.
Lowenfish lived in the home for nearly 50 years, raising two sons here before he died in 1985. Last sold in 1987, the home is one of several residences designed by the architect.
The avant-garde art and design movement known as Bauhaus originated in Germany in 1919, and this geometric home holds true to the aesthetic.
“There are many original features like steel casement windows … and the flooring,” says co-listing broker Maria Carlino, of Sotheby’s International Realty.
Built in 1937, the three-bedroom home in the Riverview Manor neighborhood features an open floor plan and 1,906 square feet of living space.
One of the interior highlights is the chef’s kitchen, which features a high-end La Cornue CornuFé oven.
“It’s just an amazing range,” Carlino says. “If you love to cook, there is nothing like this La Cornue range.”
A spacious primary bedroom comes with an array of windows designed to coax in an abundance of natural light. The second-floor bathroom was recently renovated and now features a skylight, soaking tub, and subway tiles salvaged during the restoration of the Paris Metro.
Following Bauhaus principles, Lowenfish designed the home to be in harmony with the inclined landscape. The current owners created terraced gardens in a minimalistic style to complement the all-white home.
The floating deck on the second floor overlooks the beautiful gardens, which feature raised perennial borders, mature specimen trees, and exquisite stone walls. The home and gardens were featured in the Westchester Garden Conservancy Open Garden Days program.
“The setting is really unique. There are lots of beautiful gardens with mixed plantings and specimen trees,” Carlino says. “The property also has gorgeous seasonal views of the Hudson River that just glistens through the trees. It’s wonderful to see potential buyers come here and be mesmerized by the views.”
Kellie Speed writes for a variety of publications, including Haute Living, BestReviews, DiverseAbility, U.S. Veterans magazine, and Girl Camper. She can be reached at kkspeed@aol.com.