Mighty House
The House: Terry Manor, 27 Hampshire Road, Bronxville, New York
The Agent: Kathleen Collins
The Broker: Houlihan Lawrence
Nick Churton of the Houlihan Lawrence London office gets the show business feeling in a charming house in Bronxville, New York
Recently I visited Terry Manor, a Tudor-style home near Bronxville, New York. It was once the home of Paul Terry, co-founder of Terrytoons, the animation studio that created cartoon characters such as Mighty Mouse and Deputy Dawg. The house was built in 1935 when th studio was only in its sixth year.
Today the word cartoon is associated with humorous or satirical caricature, and in a way Terry Manor uses parody to draw on English 16th century architectural themes. But in the Italian Renaissance, cartone, meant a large and very detailed drawing. In this way I imagine the house as a detailed work expressing the serious ideas of both the original owner and the current ones.
With a fabulous team of tradespeople, the present owners have achieved a stunning refurbishment. It’s like Mighty Mouse has returned as a decorator. Take a look at the video. The attention to detail in this house is astonishing. If I had only one word to describe the home it would be romantic. The house is a love story awaiting new owners on whom to sprinkle stardust.
On a practical level, just look at a map. Is there anywhere that can offer a park-like feel, wraparound terrace, pool and romance just 20 minutes from New York City? I very much doubt it.