Tour A Timeless 1895 Rossiter Home With 10 Fireplaces And A Private Wine Cave
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Hidden among towering oaks stands a remarkable piece of American architectural history. This 1895 Rossiter-designed mansion showcases the opulence of the Gilded Age with its extraordinary features and timeless craftsmanship.
From its ten unique fireplaces to its underground wine cave, this property offers a rare glimpse into luxury living from another era.
1. Historical Significance Of The Property
Behind ornate iron gates lies a testament to America’s architectural golden age. The prestigious Rossiter firm designed this masterpiece during a time when craftsmanship reigned supreme.
Completed in 1895, this magnificent estate served as a country retreat for a prominent industrial family seeking refuge from city life. Presidents and celebrities have reportedly crossed its threshold throughout the decades.
2. Architectural Style And Original Design
Soaring turrets and gabled rooflines create a dramatic silhouette against the sky. The Rossiter home exemplifies Queen Anne Victorian style with its asymmetrical façade, decorative woodwork, and curved glass windows.
Natural stone quarried from local sources forms the foundation, while imported hardwoods grace the interior. Every architectural element tells a story of meticulous attention to detail and artistic vision.
3. Interior Layout And Square Footage
Grandeur unfolds across 12,000 square feet of living space divided into 22 rooms. A sweeping central staircase anchors the floor plan, leading to wings that once separated family living from staff quarters.
The Rossiter design cleverly maximizes natural light through strategically placed windows and transoms. Five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and multiple parlors provide ample space for both intimate gatherings and lavish entertaining.
4. Unique Features: Ten Fireplaces
Warmth radiates from ten distinct fireplaces scattered throughout this magnificent dwelling. Each hearth tells its own story through varied materials – from Italian marble to hand-painted Dutch tiles.
The Rossiter designers ensured no two fireplaces were alike, creating conversation pieces in every major room. During winter months, these functioning masterpieces still crackle to life, filling the home with both heat and historical ambiance.
5. The Wine Cave: A Modern Luxury
Beneath ancient stone steps lies an unexpected treasure – a temperature-controlled sanctuary for wine enthusiasts. Stone walls and arched ceilings create perfect humidity conditions for aging fine vintages.
This underground marvel wasn’t part of the original Rossiter design but was added during a 1920s renovation. Today, the cave houses up to 1,500 bottles and includes a tasting area where history and luxury blend perfectly.
6. Outdoor Amenities: Pool And Landscaping
Emerald lawns unfold across three acres of meticulously maintained grounds. Mature oak trees – some predating the Rossiter construction – provide natural canopies over garden pathways and stone benches.
A saltwater pool, added in the 1950s but designed to complement the home’s aesthetic, offers refreshment during summer months. The original carriage house has been transformed into a poolside entertainment pavilion while maintaining its historic exterior.
7. Preservation And Renovation Efforts
Loving hands have carefully balanced modern needs with historical integrity throughout the decades. Original woodwork has been painstakingly restored using traditional techniques that honor the Rossiter vision.
Updated systems – including geothermal heating – now run discreetly behind century-old walls. The current owners received a preservation award for their sensitive kitchen renovation that incorporated period-appropriate materials while accommodating contemporary culinary requirements.
8. The Home’s Role In Local History
Community celebrations have graced these grounds since the Roaring Twenties. During World War II, this magnificent estate served as a convalescent home for wounded soldiers, bringing healing within its sturdy walls.
The Rossiter property has appeared in three major films and countless architectural studies. Local historical societies regularly conduct tours of the grounds, educating visitors about regional development and the cultural significance of Gilded Age estates.
9. Real Estate Details And Market Value
Fortune favors the bold when it comes to acquiring architectural treasures of this caliber. Currently valued at $8.2 million, this Rossiter masterpiece represents both a significant investment and a rare opportunity.
Property taxes reflect the home’s historical designation, offering certain advantages to preservation-minded buyers. Compared to similar estates nationwide, this property provides exceptional value given its pristine condition, architectural pedigree, and irreplaceable craftsmanship.