Driving along Milton Road, just across from Resurrection School, one could easily overlook the grand mansion that sits on a little more than two acres nestled behind an unassuming red brick wall.
The house, built by renowned architect David Adler, whose portfolio of magnificent homes was well-known in the Midwest, is one of the few that he built on the East Coast.
Known for Adler’s signature grandiose European influence, the home sat untouched for years, with sprawling formal gardens and ornate detailing. Featuring a Grand Entrance Hall, iron railings, soaring ceilings, and detailed paneling, the home is an homage to a long-gone era.
Built in 1915, 145 Milton Road is emblematic of the residences built by the many wealthy New Yorkers who benefitted from the new ease of transportation since the railroad had made the area more accessible in 1840.
They came to Westchester looking to build large country homes.
One such couple was Benjamin and Hazel Nields, who hired Adler to realize their vision of a grand estate a stone’s throw from the center of town.
A beloved member of the Rye community, Benjamin Nields served as an officer in the U.S. Army during World War II and later had a successful law career. He died abruptly at the age of 48 from a heart condition.
Hazel Nields kept the home until her own death in 1964 when it was sold by their son.
The house was sold again in the 1990s and despite upgrades, had retained much of Adler’s original vision.
The estate changed hands again in 2022 for $5.9 million, and now when you peek into the driveway, you can glimpse the house behind the wall, which is under renovation.
Plans filed with the city’s Building Department include a three-car garage, a gym, a pool house, additions to the second floor, a new sport court, a sauna, steam room, and a wine cellar.
The home will remain quite grand.