By Robin Jovanovich
Wildlife, waterfront, wonder
Many in the Sound Shore communities are fortunate to live near the water, but only thirty families enjoy the tranquil beauty of Premium Point in New Rochelle. Not far from Boston Post Road, but worlds away, this private enclave sits on three peninsulas and has been home to media moguls, financiers, railroad barons, baseball players, and yachtsmen.
Once the site of a gristmill, this idyllic community is now a mix of grand architectural styles.
The 1917 Mediterranean masterpiece at 20 Premium Point, which recently came on the market, offers timeless beauty and perfectly proportioned rooms spread over 7,616 square feet.
You step into a formal entry with marble floors and while you admire the brass and wrought-iron staircase and the hand-painted ceilings and fine plasterwork in the living and dining rooms, your eye is drawn to the outdoors.
The current owners have enjoyed watching dozens of egrets roosting in an unusual and enormous juniper tree. They have been happy to co-exist with nature for over 30 years.
The listing agent, Mimi Magarelli of Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty, gave us a tour of all four floors of the house on a fine spring morning. “This has been my favorite house to show,” she acknowledged. “As you move from floor to floor, the mesmerizing views keep changing.”
In many ways, it’s an adult house — the master suite has its own wing — but this family raised three children here. The gym on the top floor has gotten as much use as the outdoor fireplace off the family room.
The Christopher Peacock kitchen is a cook’s paradise and straight out of an English country life brochure. Dean Davis Architects oversaw the seamless renovations.
Because of the extraordinary views, the property seems much larger than just over a half-acre. The pool and two-story pool house are tucked away from the house, surrounded by lush landscaping.
Premium Point has its own beach and a separate peace.
