New York Power Couple Puts Zen-Like Connecticut Estate On Market For US $5.25 Million

RIDGEFIELD, Conn., April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Strawberry Ridge, located in the desirable town of Ridgefield, Connecticut, is a large, private estate owned by investment banker and NYU professor, Gerald Rosenfeld and producer, Judith Zarin.  Offered at a price of US $5.25 million, the property is being presented by Christie's International Real Estate, the world's leading luxury real estate network, and exclusive affiliate Neumann Real Estate. Featuring a mid-century modern design by architects Donald Billinkoff and Yvan Prokesch, the structure accentuates a series of wings that encompass the best of living in every season.

"When we designed this home we had two goals, " says Zarin.  "First, to turn the traditional Colonial residence into a contemporary home that still looked appropriate in its location, and second, to have a home which provided fun and comfort in all four seasons of the year."  The owners also renovated and recently sold a modern, 6500 square foot townhouse in the West Village and are currently renovating a new apartment on the Upper West Side in preparation for the move back to Manhattan.

"It is rare to find a property that so perfectly marries modern minimalism with such warmth and comfort," says Karla Murtaugh, who is brokering the property for Neumann Real Estate.  "Strawberry Ridge is a perfect country residence for someone who appreciates clean, uncluttered lines in a bucolic setting, yet still wants to remain close to the action and accessibility of New York City."

Located in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains in beautiful Fairfield County, the wonderfully renovated and expanded 11,272 square foot residence sits behind natural privacy walls in one of Ridgefield's premier enclaves.  A striking front entrance opens to reveal a central reception area offering access to both wings of the home. The contemporary, vaulted design of the "summer" wing includes a sleek European kitchen, which seamlessly gives way to a breakfast area, and a large family room with multiple large-pane glass doors. An expansive great room and elevated gym lead to a stunning indoor pool with a spa and waterfall. Off the great room, the sumptuous screened porch with a built-in grill acts as a living room during the warmer seasons, and the recent addition of a stone fire pit and treehouse add to the unpretentious, zen feel of the property.

The "winter" wing can be defined as romantic classicism married with modern minimalism.  The glass sunroom provides views of the beautifully terraced, outdoor living room designed by landscape architect Diane Devore of Fairfield, Connecticut. The formal living room features wall-to-wall views, while the large dining room - at once formal and elegant – is made equally soft and inviting with a plethora of maple paneling and a warm, stone fireplace. A relaxed library will satisfy the most discerning of book aficionados, while the original glass finial at the bottom of the circular stair to the private living quarters reflects the home's three-century heritage.

The private, upper level spaces of the home continue to impress. The master suite is positively breathtaking with its exposed beams, comfortable fireplace, and incredible views of the guest house and woods beyond. The manicured 7.59 acre property has been meticulously sculpted to reflect the roots of contemporary design in Puritan tradition. The grassy stepped living room, and cedar and gravel walking path meandering around the perimeter of the property blend seamlessly with the outdoor pool, sport court and tennis court. 

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, Beverly Hills, Chicago, and Palm Beach, and approximately 135 global affiliates with 25,000 real estate professionals in 45 countries. For additional information about Christie's International Real Estate, please visit www.christiesrealestate.com.

About Ridgefield
Ridgefield, Connecticut is consistently ranked as Connecticut's number one small town by Connecticut Magazine and boasts numerous Five Star restaurants, the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, The Ridgefield Playhouse which attracts high caliber entertainment from the music and arts world, and the renowned Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum.  Set amongst a backdrop of winding scenic roads and crystal lakes, and touting a vibrant downtown and a top-rated school system, Ridgefield is the destination for year-round or weekend residency.  For additional information about Fairfield County and Ridgefield, please visit www.KarlaMurtaugh.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140402/NY96269

SOURCE Neumann Real Estate