$23.5 million estate for sale

Real Estate Weekly, Nov 6, 2002

Houlihan/Lawrence, in affiliation with Sotheby's International Realty, has just listed a record-setting $23.5 million Chappaqua estate for sale -- the highest price ever sought on the open market for a home in Westchester. "The Pinnacle" at Chappaqua, set on 63 acres in one of Westchester's most prestigious communities, is a 20-room contemporary-style home offering breathtaking 25-mile panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Designed by Bedford architect Carol Kurth, the 16,000-SF, 10-year old white hilltop villa includes six bedrooms, nine baths, two powder rooms, a six-car garage, Olympic-sized outdoor pool and an expansive pool house complete with indoor and outdoor bars, a full kitchen, living room, men's and ladies locker rooms and-an outdoor deck. In addition, the property includes a completely refurbished three-bedroom colonial home, two-bedroom caretaker's apartment above a separate four-car garage, baseball field, ski slope, tennis court and a tranquil pond. More than $1 million in plantings have been added to the lush landscape.

Situated behind a gated entrance and high atop a winding road, "The Pinnacle" is a stunning example of modern architecture that utilizes floor to ceiling windows throughout to bring the lush landscape indoors. Two sparkling pools, a planted island and waterfall enhance the main entrance to this modernist estate. A series of decks, complete with built-in barbecue grills, line the back of the home, providing incredible views from every vantage point.

Some of the properties more unusual amenities are its automatic window blinds, retractable television screens, intercom system throughout the home, full gymnasium, two game rooms, custom-designed closets, a second kitchen, and a dumb waiter system. The main house is also equipped with a generator and state-of-the-art security system.

On the main level, the marble entrance and rotunda open to a light and airy living room, with 25-foot ceilings, and a custom-designed fireplace. The surrounding walls of glass provide front to back views. Burled wood cabinetry and a herringbone floor distinguish the formal dining room with fireplace.

The library offers burled wood builtins as well. A butler's panty adjoins the sprawling modern kitchen, with contrasting black and white decor. This chef's fantasy kitchen includes double Thermador ovens, twin Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezers and a center island with seating and sunny breakfast area.

The sun room is adjacent to the tour de force family room, decorated in safari motif and complete with fireplace, retractable media screen and wet bar. The first level also features a guest suite, two powder rooms, laundry room, staff bedroom and bath.

The master wing, located off the first level, is graced with double-height ceiling, oversized windows, a private terrace, two sitting rooms, a luxurious marble bath with "his" and "hers" sinks and cabinets, as well as double walk-in closets.