Stunning renovation of an American Foursquare house in New York

By One Kindesign June 17, 2019

7 comments

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NewYork-based architecture firm Robert A.M. Stern Architects renovated this American Foursquare house built in 1906. The property is set in Park Hill, a neighborhood in southwestern Yonkers, New York. The residence was most likely built from plans in a house pattern book of the period. Set high above the street, this home features stone retaining walls supporting planted garden terraces. The stucco house has original wood weight-and-chain windows with operable shutters and a clay tile roof.

The architects were responsible for renovating the house to highlight its period charm, with new landscaping, bluestone walks, new wooden porch columns and rails, new interior beams and trim, a new fireplace mantel and tile surround, a new dining-room buffet and picture window, and a 1930’s-style kitchen suggesting an earlier renovation. The interior rooms are all painted in Farrow and Ball paint. The architect’s collection of furnishings and artwork has an architectural theme to complement the refined interior details.

What We Love: This beautiful American Foursquare house boasts traditional styling that is warm and inviting for family living. Period architecture adds to the overall welcoming aesthetic, along with a spacious front porch that beckons on inside. A soothing color scheme on the interiors creates a bright and airy feel, from sunny yellows to blues and greens on the walls. The outdoor living spaces are just as delightful, with cozy furnishings surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for relaxing and entertaining.

Tell Us: What are your favorite design features in this home? Anything you would change in the design? Please let us know your thoughts in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to notice the “Related” tags below, click on them to view more home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the incredible portfolio of the architects of this project, Robert A.M. Stern Architects.

Photos: Francis Dzikowski

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Andrew

3 months ago

Why why why did you paint over the beautiful woodwork in most of the rooms? I’m glad you kept the trim, but it would (wood?) have looked better stained than painted. I do like the bold color choices for the walls. It is a beautiful house.

Elise

6 months ago

Lovely fireplace, but other than that there are so many furnishings and decoration pieces that it is a challenge to see any of what is probably beautiful architecture and home structure. The bench in front of a window that blocks half a bookcase is a case in point of way too much stuff inside. The outside garden looks overgrown and overdone, even though it is maintained.
Undoubtedly a house of incredible character, but it’s just too busy.

City Pickle

1 year ago

I’m closing on a foursquare, and have been learning everything I can about the styles and variants. This renovation is adventurous, while keeping the furniture of the era (and it looks like lots of Stickley, too — well done). But, oh my gosh, the paint patterns on the doors and ceilings, as well as the colors! This is quite the departure from the original style. I couldn’t do it to the beautiful wood in what will hopefully be my foursquare , but I guiltily confess I love it here. The colors and patterns have a beachy, Hamptons feel to them… Read more »

Red Dot

4 years ago

Loved the garden, and the tile on the fireplace is beautiful. However, the valances in the living room are too much. For my taste, I would prefer all of the window treatments to be less fussy. Let the eye rest a little. There is just too much stuff in this house.

Victor Seaman

There is little question that this is a lovely home. However, it is not an American Four Square. The central hall is the giveaway. There are no central halls in AFS homes.

Author

One Kindesign

Reply to Victor Seaman

Hi Victor, the architect — Robert A.M. Stern Architects, who has written 29 books and won numerous awards, has stated that this home is an “American Foursquare House” in their project description. We have taken the terminology from them, as they are the authority on this style of home. We do appreciate your feedback!

Paula Neale

3 years ago

Not all four square houses were created equally. Some had added features while some were very basic and modest. If you research four square houses and related definitions of what they were and are you will learn a lot.

Stunning renovation of an American Foursquare house in New York

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