Nick Churton of the Houlihan Lawrence London office visits Buckhorn in Pound Ridge where versatile doesn’t come close as a description.

The House: Buckhorn, 60-66 Pound Ridge Road, Pound Ridge, New York

The Agents: Mary H Palmerton and Jody Rosen

The Broker: Houlihan Lawrence

Some people will look at this property and see a traditional home in a magnificent setting and, with the advantage of a contemporary barn to house a collection such as art or wine, they would not be wrong. But as with contemporary art, others will see beyond what’s in front of their eyes and observe something different.

I see the traditional home as a beautiful guest house for my nearest and dearest, its adjoining lake house for fabulous parties and then convert the barn into a magnificent, modern, open-plan duplex residence for me. I’m thinking city loft in the country. The opportunity is fantastic, and an architect would flip. But that’s only my take: yours will be different.

The setting for Buckhorn is spectacular. The 15 acres easily accommodate a large lake, woodland, main house with a connected lake house, studio over a 2-car garage, a staff house, a guest house, cottage and pool with pool house. And then of course there’s the barn. I think a great deal about the property comes back to the barn and the unique and exciting home or collection space it could become.

Buckhorn isn’t one property; it is a series of properties awaiting a buyer who can understand how the components would work best for them. In that way, dear reader, whatever you think you are looking for in a home, hold that thought. Go and see Buckhorn: it may not have been what you thought you were looking for but it may well be just what you need. Also, you are only 40 miles from New York City and the property borders the Morgenthau Nature Preserve – thus ensuring your near neighbours are of the wildlife variety.

This property is the vision of a couple with extraordinary creativity. But the masterpiece isn’t yet finished. It is like an abstract painting. Many will be unaware which way up it should be hung. But you will.