Home of the week

In 1928 the Griscom family was looking for a place to establish a quiet retreat. As nature lovers — one of them, Ludlow Griscom, became chairman of the National Audubon Society — they sought a pristine spot with tall trees and rock outcroppings.

They were spiritual people, too — helping to found the American branch of the Theosophical Society, a movement that sought common ground among the religions of the world — but they were no ascetics.

They found their ideal location just north of Fieldston on Riverdale’s highest hilltop, and spared no expense in creating a 14,000 square foot home with seventeen elegant rooms, eight bedrooms, six full bathrooms and three half baths that they called Chapel Farm.

From floor to ceiling, each room was exquisitely detailed and furnished and most of that detailing is intact today, either perfectly maintained or carefully renovated.

As one might expect of a house of this caliber, rooms like the professional chef’s kitchen and opulent bathrooms are newly updated in the same rococco style as the original, but with the most modern fixtures and finishes.

In addition, the house boasts three woodburning fireplaces, a spectacular conservatory, a library, a fitness center, a home theater, staff quarters, a wine cellar and grotto and two-and-a-third acres of landscaped grounds. A portion of the original property was pared away several years ago and is now being developed as Villanova Estates.

Under a unique arrangement, the mansion is being offered as a lease-hold sale for approximately 200 years. It is being shown by private appointment by exclusive broker, Ellen Feld of Sotheby’s International Realty.

According to Ms. Feld, the asking price is $15,000,000. Taxes are $34,000.