For $1.7M, a mid-century masterpiece in Connecticut’s modernist enclave

For $1.7M, a mid-century masterpiece in Connecticut’s modernist enclave

October 30, 2017

New Canaan, Connecticut became the hot-spot of modern architecture in the 1940s and 1950s, when a group of architects known as the Harvard Five settled here and built nearly 100 modern homes. Of the surviving properties–20 were torn down over the years–this one still stands in impressive condition and is now on the market. The DeSilver House is a striking midcentury modern design by architects Harrison DeSilver and John Black Lee. From the exterior, floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the nearly three-acre site, and the interior is chock full of preserved modern details. It’s been offered through a private sale by the owner for $1.7 million.

desilver house, Harrison DeSilver, John Black Lee, midcentury modern

desilver house, Harrison DeSilver, John Black Lee, midcentury modern

The home is part of a planned subdivision along Chichester Road that only holds modern homes. According to the listing, “DeSilver House and all the modern homes on Chichester Road were designed to be part of the landscape rather than to be intrusive on the bucolic landscape.” It was erected as a 6-foot-by-6-foot modular, prefabricated system. Situated on a lower grade than the driveway, it’s accessed by a floating wood bridge.

desilver house, Harrison DeSilver, John Black Lee, midcentury modern

The 2,048-square-foot home is simply stunning once inside. The floorplan was envisioned for flexible, family-friendly living.

desilver house, Harrison DeSilver, John Black Lee, midcentury modern

desilver house, Harrison DeSilver, John Black Lee, midcentury modern

desilver house, Harrison DeSilver, John Black Lee, midcentury modern

Floor-to-ceiling windows look out toward the forested property from a number of rooms in the house.

desilver house, Harrison DeSilver, John Black Lee, midcentury modern

desilver house, Harrison DeSilver, John Black Lee, midcentury modern

The original open-tread staircase leads upstairs to four bedrooms. The downstairs holds the main living area and kitchen, while there’s a study, children’s playroom, and basement below that.

desilver house, Harrison DeSilver, John Black Lee, midcentury modern

desilver house, Harrison DeSilver, John Black Lee, midcentury modern

An overhanging flat roof offers coverage for the ground floor and second-floor balconies. The large outdoor patio is directly accessible from the kitchen and follows the modernist philosophy of combined indoor and outdoor living.

If you’re a lover of modern homes but can’t commit to the $1.7 million price tag, the home is also being offered for rent at $7,000 a month.

[Via Curbed]

[Listing: The DeSilver House]

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Photos courtesy of Michael Biondo

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