Property Description

ELEGANT “NOR TOR” MANOR One of the finest examples of Tudor Revival design in Greenwich Measured by its architectural significance, exquisite interior design and the breathtaking beauty of a nearly three-and-one-half acre landscape with a carriage house and captivating walled pool garden, ‘Nor Tor’ is an estate of extraordinary dimension. It is designated as a landmark by the Greenwich Historical Society, and acknowledged by architectural historian, Nils Kerschus, as ”…..one of the finest examples of an estate designed in the Tudor Revival style in the Town of Greenwich.” An extensive two-year restoration, enhanced with seamless additions and meticulously preserving original architectural elements and integrity, was completed in 2009. The masterful collaboration of Ellsworth Ford Associates, specialists in pre-war estate restoration, and noted architect, Ira Grandberg, presents a showcase of exceptional elegance, sophistication and comfort. Specialized restorers and artisans expertly refurbished the magnificent antique parquet, marble and limestone flooring, rich paneling, detailed ceilings and four fireplace mantels, while replicating some architectural features utilizing Old World techniques and materials. The remarkable 18-room manor with its distinctive half-timbered/granite façade, slate roof, eight gables and casement windows surmounted by leaded transoms is resplendent with antique and imported appointments, original parquet and random-plank oak flooring, intricately carved moldings, friezes, water-gilded cabinetry detail, Sherle Wagner fixtures throughout, and striking decorating and design. . The generously scaled layout with a splendid flow includes grand living and dining rooms, handsome English oak library, three-exposure family room opening to pool and gardens, a spectacular custom kitchen with breakfast room and butler’s pantry, private office, formal and informal powder rooms. Additionally, there is media center, wine cellar, billiard, exercise, music and game rooms and five bedrooms served by seven baths, including a sumptuous master wing with sitting room, fireplace, his/her dressing rooms and two marble baths. Revitalized to perfection, this historic estate is one of rare distinction offering the ultimate in state-of-the-art luxuries for 21st century lifestyles. The History The original owner, Leonard J. Martin, a prominent English businessman and entrepreneur, emigrated with his wife, Amelia, and ten children and moved to Greenwich in 1923. They purchased a home on twenty-three acres just south of their future Nor Tor estate, adding additional acreage a few years later. The New York architectural firm, Henry W. Rowe Associates, was commissioned to design a new residence on a hillside site overlooking the property. Crafted to the highest standards using the finest quality materials, Nor Tor was completed in 1929 distinguished by an architectural authenticity that, most likely, was due to the Martin’s familiarity with true Tudor style and, thus, more discriminating in approval of the final design. The remarkable intricacy of its detailed ornamentation and flawless execution is unsurpassed Greenwich. The estate was home to the Martin family for nearly half a century, and since 1976 when the property was subdivided, it has been occupied by only two owners. The Location Mid-country estate area in Greenwich, considered one of the nation’s most prestigious residential areas. Only 45+ minutes from Manhattan, Greenwich offers outstanding public/private schools and libraries, state-of-the-art hospital, yacht clubs, numerous country clubs, beautiful parks, Long Island Sound beaches, upscale shops and fine restaurants. The Property Stone pillars frame the stately gated entry leading to the picturesque splendor of the 3.44 acre estate punctuated by a stunning Daniel Sherman Landscape Architect designed landscape highlighted by formal English gardens, parterred boxwoods and a profusion of roses and vibrant perennials. A canopy of native shagbark hickory, scarlet and red oak, white ash, plus exotic species of Norway maple and European beech are original to the property. A rear terrace embraced by gardens is ideal for al fresco dining. The side terrace leads to a spectacular walled garden centered by a Shoreline heated pool with spa. This splendid outdoor entertainment venue with a stone fireplace includes a summer kitchen equipped with Lynx grill and Viking refrigerator. Carriage House: Nestled into a hillside just a short stroll from the residence, the charming cottage with a two-car garage replicates the style of the main residence. Redesigned to the highest standards, the main level with antique marble flooring consists of a trussed-ceiling studio, an exceptionally equipped kitchenette with honed limestone countertops and top-of-the-line imported appliances, a half bath and office. On the second floor: living room with built-ins, two bedrooms, marble bath. The Residence First Floor: A gracious front to back entry hall with French doors to the gardens and adorned with exquisite Gracie Studios custom wallpaper introduces formal rooms. A perpendicular hall with the main stairway includes a stunning guest powder room with 23K gold legs supporting a Rosa Delamonta marble vanity. The magnificent living room defines elegance with its parquet flooring, elaborate tracery ceiling with plaster medallion, paneled wainscoting and marble fireplace framed by a carved mantel. Adjoining is the beamed, oak-appointed family room with three exposures of casement windows, a limestone fireplace and French doors to a side terrace overlooking the pool. The distinctive library, with tall, oak paneled wainscoting and a Tudor-style French limestone fireplace, is highlighted by a remarkable Jacobson pre-cast antique plaster ceiling with floral motifs and a center medallion. The grand, ornately detailed dining room with parquet flooring, broad bay window opens to the gardens. An impressive butler’s pantry with French doors to the gardens, walnut cabinetry, Miele dishwasher and Sherle Wagner gold-plated sink leads to sensational center-isle gourmet kitchen appointed with Italian marble counters, and superbly equipped with a French Lacanche range, and Miele dishwasher and refrigerator. Beautiful breakfast room with bay window. Off the kitchen: back stairs to upper/lower levels, service wing with antique French limestone flooring, informal powder room and wonderful, customized private office floored in antique Melezin oak. Second Floor: Five generous family bedrooms, all with en suite imported marble baths and Sherle Wagner fixtures, and a laundry. The luxuriant master wing features a sitting room with bay alcove and marble fireplace, beautiful bedroom chamber, his/her custom-fitted dressing rooms and baths. The Lady’s dressing room with French vanity and lavish, water-gilded 23K gold trim is walled with accessory closets; the Rosa Delamonta marble bath includes an antique lavabo and whirlpool tub. The Gentleman’s mahogany dressing room adjoins a marble bath with steam shower. Third Floor: Fabulous casual recreation area comprises a tray-ceiling media center with surround sound, a billiards room, mirrored exercise room, vaulted game room, full bath and cedar closet. Lower Level: Mud room with antique limestone flooring, laundry room with double washers/dryers, temperature-controlled 600+ bottle wine cellar, music room, original walk-in security safe and four-car tandem garage. Exclusive Agent: Robin Kencel Principal: Ellsworth Ford Development Architect: Ira Grandberg AIA Landscape Design: Daniel Sherman Landscape Architects Interior Design: Ellsworth Ford and Carlene Safdie