In 1974, during the zenith of his creative prowess and professional acclaim, the remarkably prolific architect Norman Jaffe brought to fruition an expansive residence in the esteemed estate section of Old Westbury, Long Island. This architectural masterpiece, now on the market for $13.5 million, is presented by Sandy Binder and Danielle Laria of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty.
Commissioned by Joseph S. Wohl, described in a 1979 New York Times obituary as a “lawyer and real estate man,” the I U Willets Road residence exudes opulence and sophistication. The Wohl family retained ownership until 2001, when it changed hands for $2.9 million. Notably, the property transitioned to contemporary art collectors Jay Bernstein and Jill in 2009, key figures in the oil and gas industry. Attempting to sell in 2021 for $15 million, the property is now poised for a discerning buyer.
Nestled behind gates amidst rolling lawns and majestic specimen trees, the low-slung stone and cedar residence spans over 14,200 square feet. With seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and three additional powder rooms, the residence is an architectural marvel. Three courtyards, one crowned by a vaulted glass roof, connect various wings through a long, skylight-adorned gallery.
Designed to showcase artwork of all mediums, from small works on paper to large canvases and sculptures, the home boasts ample living and entertaining spaces. Throughout the residence and its expansive grounds, the current owners have curated an extensive collection featuring works by contemporary art luminaries such as Chuck Close, Sol LeWitt, Yayoi Kusama, Dan Flavin, and Chris Burden.
A wing dedicated to the homeowner’s private spaces includes a double-height paneled library with a marble fireplace and a sun-drenched gym with an attached bath. The primary bedroom, with walls of glass overlooking lush courtyard gardens, features a dressing room and updated bathrooms with a spa tub and steam shower.
The entertainment wing, located at the far end of the house, impresses with a bar and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that seamlessly open to slate terraces surrounding the heated swimming pool. Beyond the pool, meticulously manicured lawns and flowering shrubbery create a serene backdrop. Additionally, a self-contained three-bedroom residence, built in 2010 and designed to complement the main dwelling, is discreetly positioned amidst a thick stand of trees.
Old Westbury, known for its historical prominence as the residence of some of the country’s wealthiest families, including the Phipps, Vanderbilts, Whitneys, and du Ponts, continues to attract notable figures. The mansion’s neighborhood has been graced by the likes of sitcom star Kevin James, shock jock Howard Stern, and Victoria Gotti, the daughter of the notorious mob boss John Gotti. This Norman Jaffe-designed haven seamlessly integrates luxury living with an unparalleled appreciation for art, offering a distinctive and extraordinary lifestyle for its fortunate future owner.
