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 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 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 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 7 Renovating “The Grande Dame” “The Grande Renovating Hand-troweled Venetian plaster façade by Orazio De Gennaro using traditional materials of marble dust and beeswax Renovating “The Grande Dame” Limestone fireplace surround and polished stainless steel dog grate (c.1860) from Oliffs Antiques of the UK The Pallats hired David Abelow, of Abelow Sherman Architects to help them renovate the home. He, in turn, assembled a team of world-class architects and artisans to help him with the project. David, who has designed homes all over the world for notable clients such as Bono (U2), Tommy Mottola (Sony), and Michael Steinhardt (legendary hedge fund manager), has been featured in Architectural Digest, New York Magazine, and the New York Times. Creatively juxtaposing wood, metal, stone, plaster and glass, it is David’s sensibility that was instrumental in transforming the historic Pyne mansion into a home that is unlike any other in the Princeton area. He seamlessly blends the old and new, using materials and techniques ranging from old-world Venetian plaster walls to floors of recycled aircraft tires. 9 Renovating “The Grande Dame” “The Grande Renovating 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.