Ian Schrager’s New York Retreat

Native New Yorker and co-founder with his college friend, Steve Rubell, of the Manhattan nightclub, Studio 54, Ian Schrager has been creating beautiful spaces and unique designs for his clubs and hotels since the early 1970s. Working with artists and architects, Schrager followed Studio 54 with Palladium, where he transformed a grand 1920s movie palace into a sensory danceclub working with artists Julian Schnabel, Kenny Scharf, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Francesco Clemente to make video art a focal point of the club. Ian’s focus on art and architecture continued with his hotel creations, including Morgans, Edition, and his most recent project, the New York Public hotel. The Gramercy Park Hotel was renovated under the guidance of Julian Schnabel and features art by Andy Warhol, Fernando Botero, and Cy Twombly. Schrager has a reputation for working with a wide range of talented architects, artists, and designers, including Philippe Starck, Herzog & de Meuron, Andrée Putman, and John Pawson.

Schrager has also put his creative talents into his personal home in Bedford Corners, New York, that he renovated as a family retreat. Located just a few minutes from the historic village of Bedford and less than an hour from Manhattan, the 3,767-square-foot, white colonial-style home was built in 1936 and reimagined in 2014 by Schrager, while keeping its classic looks and appeal. With 12 acres and big scenic views, a shady backyard, a gorgeous flagstone patio, vintage stone walls, a large secluded pool and century-old trees, the estate is perfect for a summer or early fall picnic, with plenty of room for horses, too. There is a garage with an attached porte-cochère connecting to the home. There are sweeping views of the rolling fields and the trees that sparkle with colors from the spring to the fall. There is even a hillside playhouse and a partially covered treehouse to spend an afternoon of daydreaming.

Inside the home are five bedrooms, four and a half baths, three fireplaces, carpeted and wood floors, a spacious primary suite, a media room, and a charming kitchen. The property connects to the 100-mile network of Bedford riding and hiking trails.

There are of plenty of things to do in and nearby Bedford. In addition to the miles of trails for hiking and biking, Bedford is famous for its historical homes and events. The district has preserved much of its colonial character with buildings dating back to the 18th century, including the 1787 court house, which has been converted into a museum. The Bedford Playhouse and Clive Davis Arts Center are located in the town’s historic movie theater, showing current and classic movies, plays, art exhibits and community events. Visitors can spend an afternoon hiking the highly recommended Mianus River Gorge Preserve for awesome scenery or, for even more scenery, take a ride in a hot air balloon from Balloons Over Westchester.

Schrager’s home is listed for $7.5 million with Sally Slater of Douglas Elliman.