Composed of concrete block, wood, stone and glass, this holiday home in New York designed by architect Gerald Luss is a time capsule of his unique talent.
Situated on over two acres of woodlands, the two story house is cantilevered out over the ground while coming into a landing at the entrance.
A glass box houses the main living area, immersing you into the forest and is divided by a floor to ceiling stone hearth adjacent to the kitchen and dining area. A spiral stairway leads down to the four ground floor bedrooms and a media room with space for up to eight guests.
There is a sheltered dining and lounge terrace among the sloping green gardens and an additional sunny terrace with views of the forests.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Wifi throughout, cable TV, kitchen and bath amenities, laundry facilities, private parking.
AROUND
Just under an hour north of New York City, the village of Ossining figures twice in architect Luss’ legacy. Along with his bravura Time Life building (home to the fictional firm in the hit TV show “Mad Men”), the town is also home to its fictional lead character.
Set along the Hudson River, the village’s many historic structures, especially along it’s Main Street predate the Revolutionary War, with a charming mix of Victorian, and Colonial Revival. Having undergone a bit of a revitalization, there’s a vibrant new cultural influx with a small town feel. Check out the farmers’ market on Saturdays and Summer street fair.
The Stillwater Lake is under a half mile or short walk for great swimming and water sports and the nearby Teatown Lake Reservation and nature preserve features over fifteen miles of trails. The Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway is a nature park that runs from Ossining north to Westchester County’s Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill.
The Frank LLoyd Wright designed Usonia Historic District, an almost one hundred acre national historic district, is located ten miles south in Mount Pleasant, and a must see for architecture buffs.
American industrial designer Russel Wright’s Manitoga is a National Historic Landmark and Affiliate Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and is located just thirty minutes north.
LOCATION
Ossining, New York. Nearest Airport: Westchester County White Plains Airport, HPN (approx. 15 miles), All NYC Airports (approx. 50 miles)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall
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Catherine Trasborg, February 16, 2021
The moment you walk through the doors of the Gerald Luss House, you are transported back in time. This home is an absolutely beautiful piece of architecture and we could not be happier to see a lot of the original work in the home still intact. The house is huge, and if you have been cooped up in a smaller dwelling this past year, this home was like a big breath of fresh air. Walking into the living room felt like walking into a great hall. The 12 foot Time-Life couch only adds to the feeling of living larger than life, and now its a goal of ours to someday own a home with a room that has space for a 12 foot couch.
If you are a lover of mid-century architecture and design, history, nature, and large open spaces, then look no further. What a gem.
Thank you to Moe and Rick for a lovely stay and for maintaining the history of this home.
Catherine Trasborg
RED BANK, United States
Abbie, February 7, 2021
Our family had a magical getaway at the Gerald Luss House, staying over a long, snowy weekend. I kind of want to shout from the rooftops about this house. It, and everything in it is simply perfect, and we felt like we were in an immersive artwork for our entire stay. I agree with other reviews that say the photos don’t really do it justice – its breathtaking in person – a mid-century marvel that has somehow evaded modification and is as it was, and should be.
In terms of practicalities: the beds were comfortable, the towels and sheets were great, the kitchen was well equipped and everything worked. The peloton, table tennis table and board games were great for our snowy indoor days and the Sonos sound system was super fab. I would also add to the chorus of reviews that mention the house’s library – it’s simply amazing and was such a total pleasure to dip into over the course of our stay.
Great, kind and attentive communication from the owner, Moe, too. What more to say?. We had one of our all-time best weekends here. Thanks!
Abbie
Washington D.C., United States
Mary Basler, January 11, 2021
A classic and beautifully preserved and appointed home. What a pleasure to stay there. Maureen was very responsive and helpful. I look forward to another stay at this step-back-in-time residence, a true respite.
Mary Basler
Jamestown, United States
Dylan Mulvaney, January 4, 2021
A fantastic house and fantastic service. Highly recommended.
Dylan Mulvaney
Brooklyn, United States
Flynn McGarry, December 5, 2020
Such an amazing house, will definitely want to come back soon!
Flynn McGarry
New York, USA
Mary Alexandra Rojas, November 28, 2020
We spent Thanksgiving at this beautiful home. There was more than enough space for our family (3 adults and 1 child). The kitchen had everything we needed, with very modern appliances (loved the dishwasher). The decor, books, furniture pieces were all beautifully placed just where they needed to be. Even though it rained in the morning, we were able to use the outdoor firepit later that evening (bring your own wood), and we definitely used the stunning fireplace in the living room each night. The bed was so comfortable. Bring your camera, you’ll definitely want to take pictures of the stunning setting. Though located close to the highway, the home feels miles away from anywhere. TIPS: There are no curtains anywhere in the home, so if light in the morning bothers you, bring an eye mask. Though there are wine/cocktail glasses, you may need to bring your own bar set for cocktail making. I hope to return to again.
Mary Alexandra Rojas
Bronx, NY, USA
Hollie, November 28, 2020
This location is a treasure. The immaculate presentation and impressive, thoughtful curation felt like a gallery with the heart of a family home. The hosts were so kind and accommodating and we truly felt honored to share space and time in this gorgeous, pristine, very special place.
Hollie
Maplewood , Usa
Daria, November 23, 2020
Gerald Luss house is wonderfully preserved and maintained to a very high standard for guests. It is packed with interesting historical artifacts and design elements that continuously keep popping up. Anyone with an interest in architecture or interior design will love just how much thought went into every minute detail. It completely lived up to the pictures and our expectations, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Daria
New York, USA
Niti Sanghrajka, November 17, 2020
Gerald Huss house is just what our family of 4 needed to get away during COVID-19! The great room is so inviting with its extra-long 12′ sofa, views to the outdoors & cozy fireplace. Enough room to spread out in different parts of the house for 3 working persons. Well equipped kitchen for me to cook in. No shades or blinds in the whole house because it sits on a wooded lot. Loved the history of the house. Great day trip to Storm King. Moe was super responsive & suggested a yummy pizza truck. Sadly it rained, so we could not sit outside. Despite the weather, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
Niti Sanghrajka
Ambler, PA, USA
Allyson Keenan, November 15, 2020
We really enjoyed our time at this stunning house. We visited in the fall, the orange and yellow trees were a perfect backdrop. The Gerald Luss home is a design enthusiast dream, at every turn, there was a detail to be noticed. I only wish we could have stayed longer. The space really takes you back to another time. Moe was also really great and made everything super easy. I hope to book this house again!
Allyson Keenan
New York, United States
Lauren King, November 9, 2020
A once in a lifetime home. This home is a destination in itself – it’s perfection. Every detail of the design is incredible. As a mid-century fan it over delivers and does not disappoint. The home is so warm, welcoming and beautiful. Mo does a great job of checking you in, making sure you have everything you need, and answering any questions. I will be back again.
Lauren King
los angeles, United States
Susan Kim, October 26, 2020
I can not express into words how amazing our stay was! 10 out of 10! We stayed here to celebrate my 40th birthday. The house is a gem and love how much of the home was preserved from the 50’s/60’s but had some modern features: self heated floors, dish washer, fire pit, updated bathroom, even a Pelaton though we didn’t use it. We spent most of our time lounging by the fire place (you have to buy your own wood) or in the kitchen (where they have pretty much everything you need to cook meals). Maureen was so so accommodating and was very fast in any questions we had for her. She even was in on the surprises my friends had for me (as they needed her permission to check in early so they could decorate). It was a priviledge to stay at such a beautiful architectural home. Thank you!
Susan Kim
Astoria, USA
dana schwartz, October 21, 2020
The Gerald Luss house is even more incredible in person. The owners have clearly spent a lot of time preserving it’s original details and the result is magnificent. We have never stayed in a home that felt as special as this. Location is great from NYC – quick drive and you feel hours away. The house is very clean and has everything you could need and the hosts were very communicative. We had trouble leaving “our house” at the end and can’t wait to book again soon. A true gem of a rental.
dana schwartz
Brooklyn, US
David, October 15, 2020
amazing house!
David
Chicago, USA
Norey Navarro, October 15, 2020
The Gerald Luss house and Maureen’s hospitality exceeded our expectations! The photos do not do the property justice, the house and surrounding private side / back yard areas are even more beautiful in person. Maureen was also easy to reach / quick to respond to questions. Will def recommend to friends / book again for another weekend getaway in the future.
Norey Navarro
New York City, United States
Kelsey Fenton, October 11, 2020
We had a wonderful stay at the Gerald Luss House – a perfect escape to nature and back in time! Staying in the house with original mid-century architecture, furnishings and art, was so unique and you feel totally immersed in the era. The outdoor space was also very lovely and would be beautiful any time of year. You can tell a lot of thought has been put into preserving the history of the house, while also providing everything you need for a fun and relaxing stay, including a well-stocked kitchen, plenty of linens, fire pit, Sonos speakers, Peloton bike and yoga mats. Maureen was a great host, very organized and quick to respond. We hope to be able to come back another time and definitely stay longer!
Kelsey Fenton
Connecticut, United States
Sarah Kooker, October 2, 2020
I stayed in this house for two nights to celebrate my birthday and it is an experience I will never forget. Everything about the house and beautiful and seems so carefully curated. The setting was also beautiful and really added to the experience. The host was incredibly helpful. Two nights was not nearly long enough and I intend to make plans to return! This house is really special and it certainly made an impact on my group and I
Sarah Kooker
Erie, United States
Jessica Lee, October 1, 2020
We enjoyed our lovely stay at the Gerald Luss House. It was inspiring to experience a home with the architectural significance that the Gerald Luss House has. If you want an escape from the city and want to be transported to New York in the 50s a la Mad Men – this is your house! Moe was also a wonderful host for us to be in contact with. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a helpful packet of local favorites. Already looking forward to our next stay. Thank you!
Jessica Lee
New York, United States
Susan, September 9, 2020
Being at the Gerald Luss House was like being in a dream! Our group only stayed for 3 nights and we all wished we could have stayed much longer. We took full advantage of the spacious kitchen, the private outdoor spaces, and all of the amazing books. The house is also only 5 minutes away from some great hikes that we went on. We would definitely recommend this house to anyone looking for a serene escape.
Susan
NYC, USA
JF, August 16, 2020
Our time (2 weeks) in this house was really magical.
I’m a big fan of this architecture period and the way the owner kept the house in his original style is really unique.
The nature around is splendid and even if I had to work during those 2 weeks, I was already on holidays.
On top of the house, the lac (10 min walk) was a very happy surprise and my boys had an amazing time jumping over and over again from the diving board.
I highly recommended it.
JF
Brooklyn, US