Boarding the Cayuga Lake Wine Trial in Kings Ferry, New York, it was in 1983 in this 18th Century farm house that Victoria and Richard MacKenzie-Childs founded their namesake home décor company, MacKenzie-Childs, LTD. Over the years, the home has become an expression of their work and is truly a unique piece of art in itself.
Many of the MacKenzie-Childs kitchen décor items, which are now for sale through their company, were inspired by the kitchen in this home.
The dining room table was originally built on saw horses. It has been known to be topped with some interesting centerpiece designs including spring bulbs, planted on the table several weeks before a dinner party. Often there is a train set on the table used to pass condiments and beverages.
The uncharacteristically serene bedroom has walls covered with grass mats the MacKenzie-Childs found in their travels, the balcony offers a stunning view of Cayuga Lake and the room features a secret passageway to the bathroom through the doors of an armoire.
While the MacKenzie-Childs’ daughter was studying ballet in England, Victoria and Richard wanted to create something special for her upon her return. They transformed her bedroom into a fairytale-like setting and in the process spurred ideas for their home furnishings line.
The hand painted wall mural in the living room was done by Victoria’s mother to have the outdoors brought inside. The soldier sculpture pictured here is made from a bird cage.
The whimsical bathroom design includes paper dolls hanging from the ceiling, and decoupage walls.
The carriage house was built to house an artist studio, and gift shop. Both are open to the public and visitors can watch the artists in action or shop around. On the top floor of the building, there is an apartment used for guests and workers.
The home is listed for $975,000 with Michael DeRosa and Mike Franklin, both with Select Sotheby’s International Realty in Saratoga Springs, New York. Though the contents of the home are not included in the sale, the one-of-a-kind collectible works of art never-before-seen in production can optionally be purchased. For more on the property, see the listing details.