Opulent Thrills in Bedford Hills

Only 55 minutes north of New York City sits the hamlet of Bedford Hills in West-chester County, a peaceful rural spot where property prices have risen considerably over the past 10 years. Celebrities and individuals in publishing, fashion and the theatre have chosen this area to create their own slice of pastoral paradise, but one which is still accessible from Manhattan. ?It?s an eclectic group of people who have been successful in a number of different industries,? according to Dan Ginnel of Ginnel Real Estate in Bedford. One of these was the late Robin Roberts, a Broadway dancer who in 1961 founded the Clarence House textile and design company. It became one of the US?s most style-setting fabric houses and made Mr Roberts his fortune. In 1983, he decided to spend some of it to create his dream home, Twin Ponds. It is currently for sale through Christie?s Great Estates, and the company is marketing the property as a ?true architectural and horticultural masterpiece.? The private, 22-acre estate has two ponds, as the name implies, one directly underneath the house. It is surrounded by its own forest, planted by Mr Roberts with a range of shrubs and trees?including a double allée of Japanese Kwanzan cherry trees?imported from round the world. The main house, which has a striking Modernist façade, is entered through a glass foyer and interior bridge leading to a two-story step-down living room. The fully equipped chef?s kitchen opens on to a two-story glass dining atrium, filled with tropical plants. One guest room features a substantial marble bath, numerous zebra-wood cabinets and cupboards, an adjacent two-car garage with tiled walls and a full basement that includes a climate-controlled wine cellar and tasting room. Rare and exotic woods are a theme throughout the house; the dining room, which overlooks a waterfall, is panelled in lacquered Macassar ebony wood, and the master bathroom has chequered bird?s-eye maple panels. Beyond the main house there is a two-bedroom cottage with a heated garage/workshop area, a sprawling barn, a two-bedroom, four-berth cabana with gym and hot tub as well as tennis court and swimming pool. Twin Pond?s external Modernism conceals a classically opulent interior, designed with care and exceptional craftsmanship to create an overall effect that is undeniably impressive. This, combined with the beautifully laid out gardens, make the sale of this property a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make Robin Roberts?s dream yours as well. The house is on the market for $(US)16 million. For more details contact James Renwick on (00 1 914 234 9261.