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Luxurious, Lavish, and Livable
06/29/2009
Elegant Country Estate Reflects the Lefkowitzs’Lust for Life
Cindy and Mark Lefkowitz met in 1980 while they were both attending junior high school in Brooklyn, New York. They dated for a time and then parted company until 1999, when a chance meeting in the Big Apple rekindled their childhood romance. They married in 2002, and soon moved to Staten Island to start a family. Three boys later, the family needed more space and a bit more land for the boys to play, so the search for a family home in New Jersey began.The Lefkowitz family was interested in the Holmdel and Colts Neck areas from the very beginning of their search, and started looking at new homes as well as re-sales in the area. They found a new construction, 10,000-square-foot brick estate home in Colts Neck that they fell in love with, but they were told it was under contract. As fate would have it, the original deal fell through and the Lefkowitz family had a new home.
Their classically inspired estate home was beautifully sited on 3 acres of land; also, it had a full basement that added an additional 5,000 square feet of potential living and play space. The family had moved from a “snug” condominium in Staten Island, and Cindy knew it would take some time getting comfortable in their new, sprawling home.
The builder, Phil Rizzutti, owner of ABC Construction, introduced Cindy and Mark to Sally Bacarella (of Bacarella Interiors of Ocean) to help the Lefkowitz family make their new house a home. Sally had worked with ABC Builders on new homes before, helping to design custom mouldings and spec out other design choices to make the homes’ construction really stand out. Sally brought in Gina Hughes, one of her best designers, to work with her on this very special project, and almost 5 years later they feel like part of the family…and Mark and Cindy have the home of their dreams.
The magnificent gardens surrounding the Lefkowitz home add a classically inspired European flair to the great outdoors.The terraced yard, manicured shrubs, slate walkways, and a center planter surrounded by circular medallion (created by loosely placed flat stone to allow grass to grow through) all combine to give this meticulously designed landscape a feeling of antiquity.The home is surrounded by flowers and grapevines growing over arbors, and the backyard pool seems like part of the landscape instead of a distraction.The overall design is one of spacious and careful planning without overcrowding, and although architectural in concept, it has a totally natural feel.
The grand salon of the Lefkowitz home exemplifies the focus on elegance and classic style that Cindy and Mark asked their designers to create. Sally and Gina worked closely with their clients to create a very livable, cozy feeling to a room that has 20-foot ceilings and an expansive floor plan.The designers achieved a sense of intimacy through the creation of various focal points and plush, properly scaled upholstered furniture pieces that create comfort and conversational areas to sit and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. The colors are warm and rich, taking cues from the majestic Oriental rug that was one of the first decorative pieces to be purchased for the salon.The long cascading drapes create drama by drawing the eye up and adding color and warmth to the room, while framing the classic, custom stone mantel.
The dramatic and elegant suspended oak double staircase adds sensual curves to the entry. The sconces and iron-gilded chandelier bathe the area in warm lighting that accentuates the custom painted wall finishes and iron scrollwork spindle detail of the custom stair rail.
The kitchen continues the old-world Tuscan-inspired theme that the well-traveled Lefkowitz family finds so inspiring and appealing.A tin ceiling treatment, granite tropical-brown counters, limestone tile flooring, hanging vintage-inspired pendant lights, and beamed ceiling all combine to give a vintage feeling to this most enjoyed space.The professional appliance package, including a Viking® range and Sub-Zero® refrigerator, make this a real working kitchen, where friends and family often gather to enjoy good food and good times.
The deeply carved trim moulding and beamed ceiling, along with the oak flooring and custom-made desk, create a formal English theme that is comfortable and inviting. The bronze sculpture of a man chiseling himself out of what seems like solid rock is displayed prominently, and was a much-beloved gift from Cindy; it is entitled “Self-MadeMan.”Mark credits the love of family and his wife for all his successes.
The master suite continues the plush and elegant themes. Soft color tones make the ornate furnishings blend without being busy or overdone.
The massive stone surround required extra steel reinforcement to be added to support the incredible weight, but it is a major design element and was well worth the effort.The application of box mouldings and custom lighting, as well as a ceiling-mounted, drop-down, hidden, flat-screen television make this intimate space difficult to leave at day’s beginning or end.
The master bath features a crystal chandelier and limestone floor, as well as his-and-her sinks, an oversized walk-in shower, and large soaking tub.
The Lefkowitz family puts the accent on family when it comes to their children’s living and play spaces.The boys have a wonderful creative art room in which to produce their next masterpieces.Whimsical murals and African inspired accessories spark the imagination of all who enter.The wooden art table includes a roll-out paper dispenser always at the ready.
The baby’s room is light and bright with a sense of fun and creativity thrown in.The color palette is soft, inviting, and restful.The entire room seems to be torn directly from the pages of a children’s book, and includes custom built-in cabinetry and plenty of storage to hide all the toys when it’s nap time.
The older boys share a room that has become known as the “tent room.”The thematically designed room makes you feel like you are on a camping adventure. The canoe-inspired shelving unit and tent-themed headboards create a space that can only be described as enchanting.
The just-completed 5,000-square-foot basement renovation has created a multi-functional space that is a tribute to design and comfort.The Lefkowitz family was looking for a slightly different approach to this design from that of the main house. The designers were asked to create a“metro chic” approach to this playful and versatile space.The rug,made from removable squares and manufactured from recycled material, is practical and playful at the same time.The pool table, fully appointed bar, and home theater give friends and family a multitude of options for entertainment. A beautiful guest room, with full bath and gourmet kitchen (with an island) creates yet another place for friends and family to enjoy spending time together.
Picture Gallery
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