Epitomizing architecture as art, the home is infused with Wright's signature touches

Princeton, NJ – Located a short walk from prestigious Princeton University and in the same neighborhood where two U.S. Presidents resided, La Maison de Verre is an homage to one of the masters of 20th-century architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright. This 10,800-square-foot structure was designed in smaller form by the collaboration of the late architect William H. Short, whom Wright chose to implement and oversee construction of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, and William F. Shellman, late professor of modern architecture at Princeton University.

La Maison de Verre is offered by Gloria Nilson & Co. with worldwide marketing provided by Christie’s International Real Estate.

“Both light and landscape are pulled indoors with floor-to-ceiling windows framing lovely gardens. Situated on one of Princeton’s finest streets, not only is it convenient to Princeton University, a world center for mathematical research and advanced education, but also to some of the top boarding schools in the United States.” — Kathleen Coumou, Executive Director, Christie’s International Real Estate

Originally commissioned in the early 1960s, the home was purchased by its second and current resident, Rysia de Ravel d’Esclapon, in 1993. Her appreciation for the art of living is exemplified by the sensitive and tasteful expansion which added features so in demand today. Her innovative additions create spaces for luxurious 21st-century living, while preserving the unique original architectural lines of the house.

In keeping with Wright’s tradition of using a natural palette, the home was built in earth-toned brick with organic-hued wood, stained glass and copper arts and crafts accents, interior walls highlighted with cherry finishes, elegant parquet floors and fireplaces throughout

The front elevation, set well back from the adjacent road, is screened by trees and discreetly sheltered by brick walls inspired by Wright’s Robie House, creating ultimate privacy in this suburban setting. Draped with vegetation and featuring a modern sculpture, the walls tie the interior views to the landscaping and preserve the home’s sense of intimacy.

The house reveals itself gradually. Behind the glass entry door, the soaring entry alcove gives way to a long gallery where a portion of the owner’s art and furniture collections is elegantly showcased. Floor-to-ceiling windows and doors flood the gallery and formal living areas with natural light and seamlessly blend with the outdoor gardens and terraces.

The exquisite dining room is the emotional “heart” of the home. It is lit with two dramatic ceiling fixtures by Ingo Maurer, which diffuse a warm golden light over each of the dining tables. Housed in its own wing, the dining room takes the form of a Philip Johnson–inspired “glass house” centered between two lush gardens and projecting into the front garden entertaining area. The dining room works equally well for cozy intimate dinners and for 30- to 40-person sit-down dinner parties. The vast, warm Boffidesigned gourmet kitchen relates in traditional manner in the direction of the dining room but continues seamlessly into an open plan with service area and bar on the side of the family room, which contains a woodburning fireplace, brick, cherry and copper detailing and original Frank Lloyd Wright ceiling fixtures. The family room is wrapped on two sides with glass and again sits between two gardens, but this time, one is a hardscape tranquil oasis with waterfall conceived by landscape architect Robert Zion, famous for restoring the Statue of Liberty Park for the Bicentennial and inventing the ‘vest pocket’ park exemplified by the world famous Paley Park near MOMA in Midtown Manhattan.

Other highlights are two spacious en suite bedrooms and two luxurious master suites on the upper floor, a 1,400-square-foot guest apartment with a cathedral ceiling and all of the same high-end finishes as the main home, a 700-bottle wine cellar and tasting room, an extensive interior security system, Mobotix-secured entry portals, as well as a guard house and wheel-chair access with elevator to all floors.

“The three-quarter acre estate is close to all of the world-class cultural and educational institutions that Princeton has to offer, while still ultimately private and walled. The indoor and outdoor spaces can graciously welcome grand-scale entertainment or intimate gatherings. La Maison de Verre’s versatility and beauty, in this coveted setting, is truly rare.” — Alison E. Covello and Anne Nosnitsky, Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate


About Christie’s International Real Estate
Christie’s International Real Estate is an invitation-only affiliate network composed of the world’s most proven and qualified real estate specialists in the luxury residential sector. The company has offices in London, New York, Hong Kong, Moscow, Los Angeles, and Palm Beach, and approximately 135 global affiliates with 32,000 real estate professionals in 45 countries. For additional information, please visit www.christiesrealestate.com.