We may not know who built this Mid-Century Modern at the foot of private Paradise Pond in New Canaan, CT -- but it's been redesigned by a world-famous architect.
Built in 1969, at the tail end of the Bauhaus-inspired, Mid-Century Modern boom, the $1,525,000 home has been transformed by David Ling, a New York-based architect who worked under such stars as Richard Meier and I.M. Pei. ( Ling's New York City apartment has a river in it!)
Ling's signature style is apparent when you open the door. Light pours in from walls of glass -- particularly from the back of the house, where a four-story glass tower overlooks the pond below. Like the best Mid-Century Moderns, you feel like you're here to live with nature, not away from it.
"The light is incredible here, and so are the views," says listing agent Hannelore Kaplan of William Raveis Real Estate in New Canaan.
Indeed, nearly every room in the 3,920-square-foot, four-bedroom house is bathed in light -- from the dining area to the master bath.
Owner Suzanne Wade Ehrlich says the house is vibrant no matter the weather.
"Even in the winter time when it's super gloomy, the whole house is filled with light," says Ehrlich, a New Orleans native. Though she and her husband love the home, they're selling in order to make their way back to the South.
About a decade ago, the home's previous owners hired Ling, who said he wanted to add to the existing structure "while respecting the original language of this classic example of New Canaan modernism."
His work is easily apparent in the kitchen. Each appliance and cupboard is hidden behind a white, handle-less door that opens when pushed.
"Everything has its own space," Kaplan says.
The house is technically four stories -- Ling converted the master bedroom into a two-story space with a ribbon staircase leading to an upstairs spa and extra room. There's also a small viewing porch from which you can see to the other side of Paradise Pond.
A three-tiered deck (with a hot tub!) winds down the 2-acre property and ends next to the water.
"It's a happy house," Ehrlich says. "It's one of those things, with such a magical feel."