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As you
ascend the grand circular drive, you are rewarded with a stunning
view of the front entrance to Merrywood, a house made of stone.
The clusters of trees on your left, the manicured lawn, and
the groupings of rocks to your right offer just a hint of
the meticulous landscaping that awaits you at this sprawling
estate.
While
the interior and surrounding landscape of this Designer Show
House highlight the work of thirty designers and their trade
craftsmen, the house itself is a work of art. A combination
of stately Georgian and regal Tuscan architecture greets you
as you pass under the elegant portico at the main entrance.
A magnificent
and commanding presence on 2.5 acres in a private association
close to town, the Merrywood property is part of the old Rockefeller
Estate. The compound consists of three homes. First and foremost
is the Main House with three full floors, plus a full lower
level that opens onto both the driveway and the back yard,
totaling more than twenty rooms and 20,000 square feet. Behind
the Main House, there is a 4,000 square foot Carriage House
and a 2,000 square foot Studio.
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As
you view the grounds, several wonderful features can be discovered.
There is a pool set off by classical columns. At the edge
of the property bordered by leafy trees, you will also find
waterfalls, fountains, and a water garden.
The original
house at Merrywood was destroyed by fire. The current stone
house took its place, but was built to look as if it had always
been there. The former carriage house still stands to the
right, while a studio built at a later date is to the left.
The Main
House has an expansive rear terrace of flagstone, bordered
with a stone balustrade. Two opposing staircases descend to
the pool and hot tub area, creating a setting unmatched, for
both formal or informal entertaining. |