macKenzieChildsEstate.com
Some people say that the MacKenzie-Childs team is today's version of Tiffany's. Their whimsical decorating style for hand-crafted,one-of-a-kind furniture, home and garden décor has been popular with collectors since 1983. Now, the home that the original MacKenzie-Childs team created in Upstate New York out of a dilapidated farm house is for sale. It might be the best work they have ever done.
Richard and Victoria MacKenzie-Childs and their 9-year-old daughter arrived in King Ferry, N.Y. from England in 1980 so Richard could begin his new teaching job at nearby Wells College. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Victoria told us the wonderful story of how an observation by their daughter Heather not only turned this 1790’s sow’s ear of a boarded up old farmhouse into a magical glass slipper, but also how Heather’s desire to return to England to attend the Dance Academy inspired the start of their imaginative and successful business. When they visited the tumbling down structure the first time, Heather, clearly a product of her exceptionally creative parents, instantly saw one of the huge looming spider webs as “lace.” Sold! For an initial $20,000 investment to the additional $1.6m in renovations and additions undertaken over 30 years, this exceptional estate was born.
The sum of all its glorious parts, it stands enveloped by bucolic views of fields and meadows with the waters of Cayuga Lake seen in panorama from the upper levels. Insulated from the highway by a picturesque drive through meadows shaded by old growth shade trees and a bridge over the pond, daily stresses fall away. more
It’s the picture perfect 4,280sf farmhouse paying homage to the year of its birth in the paint colors, style, dormers and pitch of the roof. The deep, lush landscaping filled with different textures and a play on color, as well as the twinkle in the eyes of Richard and Victoria, give an inkling of the starburst surprises within. more
Even before you’re struck by the whole, it’s the beams that draw your eye. Ancient and hand hewn, the axe cuts from the past are now preserved in living history. The next notable texture is in the bleached, rough sawn ceiling and wall boards. Then one’s gaze falls upon the bank of French doors letting the light spill over the exquisite collectible furnishings of MacKenzie-Childs. All furnishings thr... more
The celebration started before the guests arrived and the March Hare was observed sipping tea before the picture was taken. The ooh’s and ah's will never end and neither will the smiles of joy. It’s the room that makes the rest of the world go away. Go ahead. Buy the furniture - every last piece. You’ll never regret it and neither will your guests! more
Eye candy for the serious or not so serious cook. Where does the eye go first? The intricate ceiling? The signature tile? Maybe the roomy glass doored armoire? Or do you zero in on the whimsical table and chairs? All bright, light and cheerful and plenty of room for friends and family to take part in preparing the meal. more
Our flight of fancy wisps us up to the 3rd floor master suite with its soaring ceilings of woven grass matting and natural hewn beams. Its a study in sensual earthiness that opens to a treetop balcony that we can only guess, overlooks the lake beyond. Yes, and there’s a full bath you can be sure is decked out in the true MacKenzie-Childs’ inimitable style. After all, this was their room and their fantasy ... more
A special feature and rare find thoughtfully designed into this property is no possibility for mud holes in the most used walks and drives. The driveway, sidewalks, paths and large central court have been paved with bricks and pavers. If you’ve ever had a country property and had to negotiate mud in your satin evening shoes, or come home from the car wash only to splash mud on the car from the driveway, you&rsq... more
Currently configured as an apartment on the second floor and a MacKenzie-Childs gift shop on the first floor, the possibilities for use are endless and truly exciting. With the additional acreage, a vineyard could be a good idea especially with two vineyards nearby and this property being on the edge of the famed Cayuga Wine Trail. The first floor of the carriage house could be a wine shop for your own brand. What ab... more
And it gets better! Venture through the arbor to this summer outdoor paradise created by man and nature as a place to idle away the day and dream inspired daydreams. Nap in a hammock in dappled shade, read until you dose off to the sounds of birdsong, or invite a few very special people to tea among the vines and flowers. It’s hard to believe that this spectacular 30-year-old artistic estate creation by two of... more
Many of us were fascinated as we watched the HGTV segment of Extreme Homes when the couple’s current home, Yankee Ferry, was toured. That’s right, they have taken one of the original NY ferries that transported our first flood of immigrants from Ellis Island to the City and have turned it too, into a magical storyland palace! Loaded with charm from every angle, after completion Richard and Victor... more
While living aboard the Yankee Ferry they have also started another business, Richard and Victoria Emprise, with an entirely new line of pottery and fetching jewelry with their own special brand of whimsy. Would you expect less from this fabulously artistic, entrepreneurial power couple? more
