1950s David Henken midcentury modern house in Pleasantville, New York, USA
This is the dream. A 1950s David Henken midcentury modern house in Pleasantville, New York, USA, which is now up for sale.
Pleasantville has featured on this site previously and is an area usually associated with Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. You might recall the amazing Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Sol Friedman House, which was one of the most popular house finds back in 2018. I suspect this one, which takes influence from the great man, will not be far behind.
A significant piece of architecture dating back to 1951, it has recently undergone a renovation, which is sometimes a worry when it comes to houses of this age. Don’t worry. The current owner has done an amazing job with this one.
The architecture is as you would expect. Bold, modern, angular and daring for the era. In fact, if this house was constructed today it would still be talked about. Like all the best houses, this one hasn’t just stood the test of time, it has stayed ahead of it.
Saying that it is still unmistakably midcentury modern in look and feel, even after the upgrades. Which is a credit to owners. It’s hard to keep the balance between period architecture and modern-day functionality. But this one manages it effortlessly.
The updates aren’t obvious at first glance unless you have had a close look at an earlier incarnation of the house.
According to 6sqft, the renovation has involved a stylish new kitchen, ‘refinished’ cypress walls and vaulted fir ceilings plus modern-era upgrades such as electric heated floors and cedar-lined cupboards.
The fireplace, an original focal point of the house, has also had an upgrade, now with an updated plaster surround and acting as a divider between the living room and kitchen.
So just details really. The house itself is still the house of the 1950s, with a design that blurs the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor space and an interior that has more than a hint of Frank Lloyd Wright (yes, that game again) about it, especially when it comes to the Usonian circular flow living area.
That interior is so impressive. I would even use the term ‘dramatic’. Walls of glass, angled ceilings, the lovely wood finishes that mix cypress walls and mahogany detailing, the feature fireplace and the easy access to the patios and terraces, protected by the overhanging roofline.
Love the new kitchen area too. Yes, it is new, despite looks to the contrary. Modern, functional but without impacting on the look or the flow of the original architecture.
There is around 1,904 sq. ft. of living space here, with the fireplace the focal point of the main reception space and as I said, offering a break ahead of the sizeable kitchen with its custom walnut cabinets and dining area.
A bluestone patio expands the living area and beyond that, you have your own private landscaped grounds. Substantial and the perfect place to relax and get away from it all.
Of course, there are bedrooms too. Three in total and very much in keeping with the reception space. The primary suite has a bathroom ‘that rivals a spa’ according to the agent, Looking at the photos, you have to agree. Both of the other bathrooms access a further bathroom and also directly access the outside space too.
A dream of a house and a lesson in how to renovate a midcentury modern house well. $1,395,000 is the price of this one.
Images and details courtesy of Compass. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
