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A Stately Colonial with Welcoming Artistry -- Both Modern and from the 1920's |
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A Stately Colonial with Welcoming Artistry -- Both Modern and from the 1920's |
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This graciously proportioned colonial revival house was built by Robert Beat in 1927 for Joseph Matschiner, owner of the old Broadway Hotel, which is now the Helen A. Swindells Building at 10 NW Broadway. The classic Colonial Revival entry portico and vestibule are much the same as they were in the 1920's with the original embossed wall paper in the entry. On entering the center hall, you find a surprising, beautifully worked wrought-iron stair-rail leading to the second floor -- just one of the many delightful surprises in this artistically furnished home. The home itself is a very fine example of Beat's design and build work. His attention to detail and timeless designs are found in over 100 fine homes in Irvington -- for more on his work and his contribution to Irvington, see the 2006 Home Tour Lecture: Ovation and Overview, Architects of Irvington pages.
The current owners, are artists and collectors of the highest order. There is an almost Dutch renaissance feel to the palette of colors -- think Vermeer, with lots of mid toned grays and browns and lots of crisp white woodwork. The couple has a fine collection of 19th and early 20th century paintings carefully placed through the rooms, which are greatly enhanced by the complex but neutral paint colors on the walls. Furnishings are a careful blend of modern and antique pieces.
The floor plan is great for touring, on the first floor especially, with large rooms and excellent flow. Soft rich colors cover the walls, a beautiful and soothing current of deep neutrals that do amazing things for the fine collection of 19th and early 20th century paintings that fill the house. Some paintings are merely quirky, some wonderfully haunting, all fit their locations perfectly. One of the owners is an artist, and has a studio in the house. Carefully chosen furnishings enhance every room. The small folding melodeon (a small reed organ) in the dining room belonged to the owner's great grandfather, a traveling minister who took it along to accompany his parishioners' hymn singing.
One especially interesting feature is the finished basement, the site of a full recording studio set up. One of the owners records the work of many local musicians and has a loyal following -- as well as performing classical piano and ... indie pop!