A soaring new entry and a spacious master suite addition above the kitchen/dining area catapult the airy design, which grew from 4,500 to 6,400 family-friendly square feet, solidly into the twenty-first century. Kaehler’s ingenious reconfiguration maintains the basic shape but adds major drama and excitement. The original dwelling consisted of a pair of two-story structures linked by a single-story entry. Once the dust finally cleared, however, it was evident every minute had been well spent. The transformation, which entailed gutting 95 percent of the existing house, consumed the better part of two years. Having enlisted their design team, which included Kaehler project architect Victor Sheptovitsky, who has since moved on to another firm interior decorator Michael Popowitz also from Laura Kaehler Architects and New Canaan–based Hoffman Contracting, the owners felt safe retreating to the city while construction was under way.

“She understood we wanted to blow the place up and make it wide open.”īeyond adding space, the young couple wanted a home that felt fun-a spirited everyday nest as well as a cool venue for entertaining.

Over time, the owners, who have a passion for art and a keen interest in design, had accumulated dozens of ideas. A number of skillful architects responded, but the chemistry with Greenwich-based architect Laura Kaehler was spot on. The Greenbergs (Tony is president of Up Ventures, a New York real estate development and investment company Anne is an entrepreneur and co-founder of the Society of Lacquer, a media company focused on the nail enthusiast) took possession and, with two little daughters in tow, moved in for the summer to get acquainted with their new address and better understand its issues.Īt season’s end, with their thoughts together, the couple called for professional help. The Fairfield County location was ideal and the backyard landscaping (pool included) was lovely. Never mind that the structure warranted serious updating. The couple’s hunt eventually circled back to the first dwelling their real estate agent had suggested: a rare 1960s design. “We wanted a contemporary house in the land of colonials,” quips Tony. In a neighborhood of gorgeous classic homes, Tony and Anne Greenberg were searching for something different. Their quest? Find the proverbial needle in a haystack.

A brave new world manga