Mad Men might be wrapping up its final season, but the renaissance it helped spurn for mid-century modern design seems here to stay. Doubted as arcane and dated by some through the 90s and tech-driven 2000s, we've rekindled our romance with the discipline's embrace of earthen hues, organic materials and the occasional derivative influence as sustainable living catapults to the forefront—demystifying the visions of their creators for living one with the land. Here are three standout Eisenhower-era contemporary listings we thought you should see:
WEST MEETS EAST | 8 Timber Trail, Rye, NY
Far from the San Fernando Valley, this wooded-in California contemporary seems an unlikely resident in Rye, New York, a community where gilded Sound-shore estates and ubiquitous classicism convey more traditional character. Free-flowing interiors and oversized glass panels craft a peaceful convergence with nature in every room of this 5,825-square-foot home, taking clear queues from Joseph Eichler and other sherpas of mid-century style. The 3.6-acre property, lauded by Westchester magazine as their May home of the month, is augmented by gazebos and arbors, a tennis court, pool, pond and other elements. Truly transcendental. MLS 3326609, $2,895,000
NOW AND ZEN | 26 Carolyn Place, Armonk, NY
High on a bluff above Wampus Lake, this 4,270-square-foot ranch in Armonk's esteemed Whippoorwill section is a calming meld of Left Coast contemporary and Asian moderne. The property is inherently geared towards an active, social lifestyle; its two manicured acres feature a Har-Tru tennis court, heated pool with cabana, expansive decking and a water feature, while its interior spaces offer ample entertaining in the foreground of sweeping vistas. Time spent in this unique home is effortless meditation, making it a relaxing retreat for everyday life set to a soundtrack of trickling waterfalls, imaginary sitar tunes and the ruffling of foliage. MLS 4419496, $2,395,000
THE WRIGHT WAY | 280 Salem Road, Pound Ridge, NY
This 2+ acre Pound Ridge parcel puts the olive in our martini. Designed by David Henke, a Usonian disciple who trained two years with Frank Lloyd Wright at his "Taliesin West" Scottsdale retreat, the vanguard styling of this evocative home embraces the style's signature, sought-after conventions: a striking assemblage of masonry, mitered glass, and woodwork to meld seamlessly with the land--it's literally built into boulder outcroppings. Ambient sunlight, a chef's kitchen and rolling, forested surroundings round out a modern dwelling effusing organic warmth. MLS 4400418, $1,495,000
