Historic Pyne Mansion Renovated with Bold Vision
211 Winant Road, Princeton, NJ Contents
Historic Pyne Mansion The Pynes & the Pallats
Renovating “The Grande Dame” Architects, Artisans, & Craftsmen
Living in Pyne Comfortably Bestowing Contrast
This impressive Princeton residence is a specimen unto itself: a remarkable convergence of esteemed pedigree, modern design, and thoughtful everyday practicality that coalesce to make this one of the area’s most extraordinary offerings. 1 Historic Pyne Mansion Pyne Historic
Original plaster ceiling was restored The main stair—fabricated by M. Cohen & Sons was designed to be transparent, allowing light to come into the space
Those who appreciate history and can discern quality will love the abundant period details which include plaster walls, ornamental ceilings, ten fireplaces, and solid wood doors. Yet, the home has a decidedly contemporary feel. New York City loft-like spaces, rarely found in a house of this age, are plentiful in this stunning home and modern amenities such as low voltage lighting and a geothermal cooling system are just the beginning. 3 Historic Pyne Mansion Pyne Historic
Historic Pyne Mansion
The Pyne Mansion was designed by the celebrated architect Raleigh Gildersleeve in the late 1800’s for Albertina Taylor Pyne, daughter of Moses Taylor, one of the wealthiest men in America and president of what is now Citibank. Unencumbered by budgetary constraints, no expense was spared in the construction of her home. The construction quality goes beyond “they don’t Custom, temperature-controlled build them like they used to” as the home was built with 18” thick 4,000 bottle wine storage floors and exterior walls. The finest materials of the day were sourced from all over the country. The foundation was laid using Stony Creek granite of Connecticut—the same granite used for the Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, the Smithsonian, and Grand Central Station. Roof tiles were made by Ludowici, the renowned Ohio company whose tiles cover the Plaza Hotel and the NY Life Building. The home was framed with steel I-beams from the famous Carnegie Steel company of Pennsylvania.
The lower level dubbed by many as their favorite floor of the house Unfortunately, Mrs. Pyne was not able to enjoy her home for very long. She passed away suddenly of pneumonia in the early 1900’s. After her death, the house was occupied off and on by family members and others. But eventually it fell into disrepair and was abandoned. 5 Historic Pyne Mansion Pyne Historic Although it is surprising that a home of this beauty the property, hoping someone would come along to and grandeur would become deserted, the Pyne restore it to its former glory. family collectively owned many estates and was not in need of either occupying or selling the home. The In 1995, John and Carrie Pallat were planning a move house stayed in the family 85 years after Mrs. Pyne’s to Princeton to start a family. In search of a unique death. In 1985 it was sold to a developer for the land. property, they were shown the Historic Pyne Mansion. Paris Metro-inspired custom iron canopy topped Without even setting foot in the house, John Pallat with antique corrugated glass that formerly graced the Brooklyn Museum Betty Jablonsky, Princeton Building Inspector at the peered in the windows of what is now the front living time, recognized the magnificence of the house, and room. Looking past the decaying floors, crumbling nicknamed it “The Grande Dame.” Under her watch, plaster, and fallen ceilings, he declared, “It’s perfect!” the buildings department endeavored to protect
The property is largely secluded from neighbors
Original Stony Creek granite slab walkway The foundation is laid with Stony Creek granite—the same granite used for the Smithsonian, Grand Central Station, and the Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty Renovating Renovating “The Grande Dame” to Architects ofAbelow Sherman Abelow, David hired Pallats The of assembled a team in turn, He, the home. help them renovate help him with the project. to and artisans world-class architects who has designed homes all over the world for notable David, and Michael (Sony), Mottola Tommy clients such as Bono (U2), in has been featured (legendary hedge fund manager), Steinhardt Times. York and the New Magazine, York New Digest, Architectural it is plaster and glass, stone, metal, juxtaposing wood, Creatively the historic was instrumental in transforming sensibility that David’s Princeton any other in the is unlike mansion into a home that Pyne and using materials blends the old and new, He seamlessly area. plaster walls to floors Venetian old-world from techniques ranging tires. of aircraft recycled Limestone fireplace surround and polished stainless surround Limestone fireplace ofAntiques the UK Oliffs (c.1860) from steel dog grate Hand-troweled Venetian plaster façade plaster façade Venetian Hand-troweled using traditional De Gennaro by Orazio ofmaterials marble dust and beeswax
7 Renovating “The Grande Dame” 9 Renovating “The Grande Dame”
Many rooms in the house boast original Carnegie Steel I-beams, double-height ceilings and exposed brick walls
One of the most timeless of roofing materials— Ludowici terra cotta clay tiles—are as sustainable as they are beautiful
The front driveway is constructed of Belgian Block in a traditional fan pattern
Chuck DiSanto of Walter B. Melvin & Associates was skilled craftsmen who work for WNYR were responsible brought in as the exterior restoration architect. One for repointing and restoring the exterior of the house. of the foremost experts in the field, WBMA specializes The roof was completely reconstructed utilizing the in the restoration of historic and landmark buildings. original Ludowici tiles and additional reclaimed Ludowici Their projects have included The New York Public tiles. WNYR installed all new flashings and a full roof Library, the Queensboro Bridge, The Plaza Hotel, waterproof membrane. New copper gutters, in keeping and The Park Avenue Armory. The firm has received with the era of the original structure, were custom dozens of awards for their work. designed and hand-forged. The exterior restoration took more than a year and a half to complete. Working with West New York Restoration (WNYR) as the contractor, WBMA created a plan to stabilize The structure, by the time Pallats found it, was essentially the structure and completely restore the exterior. a shell—a blank slate—ready for all the details to be filled Based in NYC, WNYR is one of the Big Apple’s most in. Once the exterior was restored, the interior was ready experienced façade restoration experts, having to be transformed. Designers, technicians, and artisans Period staircase was designed completed nearly a thousand projects including The from as far away as California and Florida were hired to by Raleigh Gildersleeve and Cloisters, the Cast Iron Building, and The Frick. The return the home to its former glory. restored by the Pallats 11 Living in Pyne
Original restored shutters hidden in wall pockets
Living in Pyne
In the heart of the home is the great room / chef’s kitchen. This grand loft-like space was transformed from a series of small rooms originally designed as work areas for servants. Measuring approximately 1,000 square feet, this exquisitely designed space is perfect for preparing family dinners or full-scale entertaining. It is equipped with a spacious center island and abundant cabinetry.
The adjacent formal dining room can host intimate dinners for four or banquets for as many as two dozen. It features a hand-troweled Venetian plaster façade by Orazio De Gennaro, an artisan from NYC who specializes in the ancient craft of Venetian plaster. Unlike Original heart pine flooring, reclaimed and restored the ready-made resin processes often used today, Orazio uses original materials and techniques and has been perfecting his craft for 50 years. Every step of the process is done by hand. Over the years Orazio has been hired to do projects throughout the US and Europe and has worked at the residences of Lenny Kravitz, Jimmy Buffet, and Gracie Mansion. Orazio has been featured in Architectural Digest, House and Garden, and Elle Decor. 13 Living in Pyne After dinner, spend the evening in the incredible of Honduran Mahogany by Ed Sarcia of Colebrook. lower level, sampling the offerings of the 4000-bottle Traditional linoleum blinds transform the light of the wine cellar in the adjacent lounge. Many people have sun into a soft, dappled light, perfect for creating a dubbed the lower level as their favorite floor in the relaxing ambiance. It is the perfect space for enjoying Antique zinc panels form house. the view onto the grounds during any season. backsplash at wet bar The generously proportioned spaces, which Loft-like spaces are found throughout the second floor. include a state-of-the-art theater with a 15-foot wide Several of the rooms feature double-height spaces with Cinemascope projection screen, have ceilings as exposed beams. The master suite has his & her dressing high as 9 feet and are perfect for entertaining or for rooms, a gym, a loft, and a sunroom-turned-yoga- spending time with family. The floors are all heated room. The spectacular second-floor studio has several using energy-efficient radiant heat. Rooms include a adjacent spaces including a lofted office. In addition to wood-paneled billiard room, a catering kitchen, and a these suites of rooms, there are three other bedrooms garden area with natural light. and baths on the second floor. A private suite that is ideal for guests can be found on the third floor. Floors are heated using If quiet is what you seek, restful grounds are energy-efficient radiant heat celebrated by a two-story conservatory custom-built
Custom metal stair designed by The conservatory is cooled by an Abelow Sherman architects and energy-efficient geothermal system fabricated by Boston Stair 15 Behind the Scenes The expertise of many talented people contributed to the transformation of the home. The most distinctive feature of the house—the main stair—was created by Allen Cohen of M. Cohen & Sons. Designed by Robert Price of Abelow Sherman Architects, the stair is a collaboration of multiple craftspeople under the direction of both Robert and Allen. It is constructed primarily of steel, but incorporates Cohen- fabricated solid brass newel posts, ultra-clear sculpted glass railings by Bent Glass Design, mahogany handrails and tiger oak treads by Mike Saienni. Allen Cohen and his firm have extensive experience working in all kinds of metal processes. The list of noteworthy projects they have worked on is nothing short of impressive. A few examples include: Behind the MOMA, the Barnes Foundation, Burberry, Chanel and the amazing 11-story metal façade of the Zaha Hadid building in Chelsea. Allen’s work also features prominently Living Room, April 1996 in other parts of the house, including portions of the master Without even setting foot in the house, John Pallat peered in the windows of what is bedroom, the master bath, and some exterior elements. the Scenes now the front living room. Looking past the decaying floors, crumbling plaster, and fallen ceilings he declared, “It’s perfect!” Knowing that the main stair would make a bold and modern statement, David made the decision to restore the Eventually the house fell into disrepair Over time, many of these country estates were subdivided traditional plaster ceiling in the entrance hall back to its and their mansions were re-purposed as institutional original condition. The result is a grand entrance hall and and was abandoned buildings or turned into condominiums. A century or so Rear Loggia, 1998 an ingenious contrast to the steeliness of the main stair. It’s This photo was taken during restoration of the roof. Although some work had been after they were completed, it is now rare to find one of worth noting that although the shell of the building was in done to the structure already, this photo shows the original rear loggia design, which When Albertina Taylor Pyne decided to build a country these mansions still available as a single family home. fairly good shape when purchased in 1995, much of the was north facing and covered by a solid roof. It was quite dark and not an inviting space. The lower level of the conservatory was a similar covered space. home in Princeton in order to be closer to her children, The mansion built by Mrs. Pyne was one of the few. interior was not salvageable. Some of the interior had been the celebrated architect Raleigh Gildersleeve was hired Unfortunately it had been vacant for decades and was in damaged by years of neglect, while other elements were to design the mansion. Mr. Gildersleeve, the favorite need of a lot of work. either vandalized or stripped away over time. architect of her son Moses Taylor Pyne, worked extensively in the Princeton area. He was already designing many of Seeing this as an opportunity to breathe life back into a the buildings for Drumthwacket and Princeton University. formerly glorious home, the Pallats purchased the house Gildersleeve’s work in Princeton includes McCosh Hall, and hired David Abelow, of Abelow Sherman Architects Upper and Lower Pyne, and three eating clubs: Cap and to help them restore and transform the structure into Gown, Elm, and the Campus Club. one ready for twenty-first century living. Abelow and his associate, David Younglove, assembled a team of world- It was during this period in the late 1800s that wealthy New class architects and artisans to help with the project. York City families were beginning to build grand estates Chuck DiSanto of Walter B. Melvin & Associates was outside of New York City. Besides escaping from the brought in as the exterior restoration architect. Teaming crowded city, they liked the idea of building extravagant up with West New York Restoration as the contractor, “country homes” in which to showcase their success. WBMA completely restored the exterior. Working on the Several of Princeton’s mansions were constructed or interior, E. Allen Reeves was hired by the Pallats to serve enlarged at this time: Moses Taylor Pyne was expanding as general contractor. Specializing in high-end residential Drumthwacket, Junius Spencer Morgan had commissioned and institutional properties in the Mid-Atlantic region, Entrance Hall, April 1996 the construction of Constitution Hill, Archibald Douglas Reeves has been the recipient of over 50 “Excellence in Knowing that the main stair would make a bold and modern statement, Abelow Main Stair, April 1996 made the decision to restore the traditional plaster ceiling in the entrance hall back The lower level was originally not designed to be part of the living space so the stair Russell began building Edgerstoune, and Allan Marquand Construction” awards and was named “Contractor of the to its original condition. The result is a grand entrance hall and an ingenious contrast only connected the main level to the upstairs. It was not a grand structure and the to the steeliness of the main stair. had purchased Guernsey Hall. Year” multiple times. surrounding space was dark since light could only enter from the second floor.. 17 Behind the Scenes Bestowing a contrast to the metalwork of M. Cohen & Sons is the more hand-fabricated metalwork by two much smaller shops—those of Norm Campbell and T Johnson Design.
Norm Campbell of Campbell Ironworks is a self-taught artist, sculptor, blacksmith, and furniture designer. Many of the hand-forged metalwork elements of the house were designed and fabricated by Norm. These include the massive wine cellar gates, the hand-hammered copper fireplace hood, portions of the metalwork on the exterior of the property, and nearly all of the handmade window hardware. An artist as much as a craftsman, Norm’s work has been shown in galleries around the country.
Terrance Johnson of T Johnson Design is a local artisan from Hopewell, and a very talented craftsman. He has worked extensively in the NY/NJ area, most recently working on projects at The Printing House and The San Remo in NYC and the restoration of the cupola and weathervane on the iconic Nassau Hall at Princeton University. Terrance created the fireplace screen in the main entrance foyer. He was also the fabricator of many of the metal elements of the master bath such as the handmade Library, April 1996 mirrors and lights. A man of many talents, Terrance helped restore a number of the antique lights in the house.
Exterior, April 1996 The rear loggia and “sleeping porch” at time of purchase.
One of the more dramatic spaces that David designed was the rear loggia, also built by Allen Cohen. Inspired by the entrances to the Paris Metro, the 35-foot long iron canopy covering the loggia was fabricated in Cohen’s factory and transported to Princeton in one piece to be installed atop a concealed steel frame and then topped by antique corrugated glass panels. These panels, also dating from 1897, were reclaimed from the McKim, Mead & White Master Bedroom, April 1996 designed glass passageways of the Brooklyn Museum Although the shell of the building was in fairly good shape in 1996, very little of the interior was salvageable. Some of it had been damaged by years of neglect, while Greenhouses, which were removed in the 90’s after they M. Cohen & Sons Factory, April 2004 Master Bath, April 1996 had fallen into disrepair. Metal canopy for rear loggia under construction other elements were either vandalized or stripped away over time. Vacant for decades, the home was a hangout for local teenagers. Lower Level, April 1996 The most puzzling area of the house was the lower level. It was completely open to Lower Level in progress, February 1998 the elements with large open areaways that would allow rain and snow to get into to The lower level was dug out to make room for electricity and radiant heat, and to the house. The floor was dirt and the ceilings were fairly low. The space was obviously increase the ceiling height. The walls were cleaned or sandblasted, but otherwise unused, except as a place to shovel coal for the heating system or perhaps to store remained mostly unchanged. Garage and Breezeway, February 1998 root vegetables. One of the advantages of starting with only an exterior into the custom wall panels at the side and the rear of the shell and an interior “blank slate” is that all of the electricity, room. A custom designed curtain was created and installed. plumbing, heating, and air conditioning would be brand new and state-of-the-art. There are several heating and Because the house was built in 1897 and not updated until cooling systems that interface with each other, including the Pallats purchased the property, the house needed a extensive radiant floor heating and multi-zone heating garage. Built new in 1999, the adjacent two-car heated and cooling systems, which can be programmed for garage utilizes similar materials as the original mansion Painting Studio , April 1996 At the time of purchase, there had already been some significant floor and wall maximum enjoyment and efficiency. Radiant heat, which so that the two structures look as if they were built damage in portions of the house. As a result, many of the spaces in the house is more comfortable and healthier than forced air, is used simultaneously. Brick and limestone of the same color already were double-height with the original Carnegie Steel I-beams and brick walls exposed. In the original design, these third floor rooms would have been living throughout the home. and texture were used to build both a garage and the quarters for the servants. connected covered breezeway. The roof of the garage is The home is extensively wired to accommodate constructed of Ludowici tiles to match the tiles found on the programmable low voltage lighting controls, a fiber optic house. Hand-forged copper gutters and an antique weather Kitchen, April 1996 network, a full security system, and a house music system. In the original design, the kitchen was a small room with a dumb-waiter and adjacent vane complete the look. In addition, a 625 square-foot dedicated theater room, walk-in closet, butler’s pantry, etc. The walls of these rooms were demolished to open up the space and create a contemporary kitchen / great room. which comfortably seats 18, is the highlight of the lower Inside the garage, a staircase can be easily pulled down level. Bradford Wells of Los Angeles designed and installed to allow access to an attic that contains ample storage the theater. Brad has decades of experience creating space. The garage also comes with a 240-Volt electric Tesla private screening rooms for Oscar and Emmy award- car charger. All of the tile-covered loggias are heated to winning movie producers and directors. In this room, one alleviate the need for shoveling snow. The front driveway enjoys an authentic movie theater experience in a state- is constructed of Belgian block in a traditional fan pattern. of-the-art facility boasting a 15-foot wide Cinemascope The side and rear driveways are a combination of crushed projection screen and recording studio-quality speakers. stone, macadam and Belgian block. The projection system is located in a small booth directly behind the screening room, eliminating the distracting With mature trees and well-planned landscaping, the sound of the projector during movies. Unique to the system property is shaded and largely secluded from neighbors. is a custom-built lens sled that moves an anamorphic lens in The result is a home with an estate feel without the and out of the projection beam to produce the super-wide maintenance a large estate would require. The house is cinemascope image. The main speakers are located behind situated on 1.1 acres with an adjacent 0.81 acre buildable the perforated screen and the surround speakers are built Kitchen in progress, October 1996 lot available. Designed in 1897 by celebrated architect Raleigh Gildersleeve, this stunning Jacobean-style masterpiece has been meticulously reconstructed and updated to perfection. The award-winning renovation, by noted NYC architect David Abelow, flawlessly combines the past and present, refashioning the home into one of Princeton’s most extraordinary residences.