Words: Zoe Dickens
When Aston Martin launched its enticingly named Automotive Galleries and Lairs service in 2019 speculation was rife about what its entry into the architecture and interiors market would look like. Would it be all oak panels and members’ club-style Chesterfields befitting of its most famous fan – James Bond? Or would it instead opt for something more modern, more industrial and altogether more Batcave?
Well renderings of its first project are in and the answer definitely leans towards the latter. Aston Martin has teamed up with US studio S3 Architecture to create Sylvan Rock – a thoroughly modern home hidden among a 55-acre plot of forest in the Hudson Valley. Built from striking black cedar and masses of floor-to-ceiling glass, the angular shape of the house is inspired by the jagged rock formations of the area and, located around two hours from Manhattan, aims to give its urban New York residents the opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Entered via a long, sweeping driveway, inhabitants are first met with an entryway formed by a steeply sloping extension of the dark metal roof, which also serves as a temporary single-space garage. Accessing the house on the ground floor, this large open-plan area is home to a kitchen, den, dining room, formal living area, spa and a variety of flexible entertaining and seating areas – all of which make use of expanses of glass to take in the lush surroundings.
Up one level, all four bedrooms – including a highly impressive master suite – are afforded treetop views with some even extending across to the nearby Catskill Mountains. However, it is in the basement that things get really exciting. Using Aston Martin’s expertise, a subterranean gallery has been created to showcase what, one presumes, is going to be a highly impressive car collection. Created completely from glass panels, the car room will look through to a decadent wine lounge with floor-to-ceiling bottle storage while this level will also play host to an semi-underground office with huge windows to take advantage of both natural light and up close views of the local geology.
All interior design for the home has been undertaken by Aston Martin with furnishings kept minimalistic throughout to let the stunning natural landscape speak for itself. Light wood floors are offset against black cedar accents, contemporary marble fixtures and a tonal palette of greys, creams and beiges for soft furnishings.
“Creating a luxury residence with warm textures, bold forms and exceptional privacy is very aligned with Aston Martin’s own vision,” says Cathal Loughmore, Head of Aston Martin Partnerships. “We wanted the owner and their guests to experience the three-dimensional feel of the house in an organic way, just like you experience one of our cars – there is no single façade that dominates. Fully integrated into its surroundings and the community, Sylvan Rock is a rare example of a complete residential work of art.”
This modern yet opulent feel extends to Sylvan Rock’s outdoor areas, which include a large swimming pool deck with an outdoor kitchen and seating and dining areas. A fruit and vegetable garden will be accompanied by a treehouse, created with the same angular design as the house and substantial enough to spend a night under the stars.
Three gabled guest houses situated in a staggered formation close to the site’s pond also provide luxurious accommodation for visitors. Designed to complement the angular design of the home, each features a wet bar, kitchen and convertible living spaces which can also serve as health and wellness facilities or be used for homeschooling when not in use by guests.
If you can envision yourself and your clutch of Aston Martin’s at home here, then we’ve got good news. Sylvan Rock is currently on the market with Corcoran Country Living asking $7.7 million.
Is now a good time to get on the property ladder?
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