This magnificent French Mediterranean house, located on 3 full acres in the heart of Scarsdale, was originally built in the early 1980s but in the late 1990s, the home was all but gutted by fire. When purchased by the current owner, the home required extensive re-building inside and out. The final result is a home where grand scale and fine detail fit beautifully with well-planned space that also has the family's desire for comfort in mind. With the work completed, the interior of the home features 12,000 square feet of living space on three finished floors.

"Breathtaking" is the reaction of current visitors when they first step into the household. The limestone foyer with a beautifully planned floor design opens up to reveal a circular main staircase that is self-supporting-an amazing work of technological design and fine craftsmanship. The staircase is complemented by a wrought iron and brass ornamental railing that was preserved after the fire and has been re-created by Brenner Builders as a decorative touch for the new home. The centerpiece of the living room is the restored 18th century limestone fireplace surround that was imported from Europe by the current owners Specifically for this home. The library features walnut paneling and built-in bookcases. A television is artfully hidden but can be brought into view by the touch of a button.

A few of the home's other attractions are a paneled library, a Moroccan room, a billiard room, a home theatre, and 7 bedrooms. The home functions like a dream because of pocket doors, carefully planned, inset cabinets, doors on Harmon hinges, and a sophisticated home automation system by Crestron. The Crestron system runs the security system, lighting, HVAC, audio-visual and home theatre components, phone system, and pool equipment. The Moroccan room serves as a formal family room. There is a plasma television set for the family's viewing pleasure, but anyone who steps into the room should be sure to take note of the mosaic work on the walls and the fabric and wood-trimmed curved ceiling.

The kitchen's calm and welcoming atmosphere can be attributed to the painted cabinets, limestone countertops and a limed oak hood that hides the fan and exhaust system for the range. Note, too, the mosaic backsplash behind the stove. The detail work throughout the home is exquisite. Venetian plaster walls, inlaid designs in the wood floors, mosaic tile archways, handpainted murals, and the seeded glass used on all interior windows and doors are just some of the unusual elements of this magazine-worthy home.

Because of the damage to the exterior walls done by the fire, workers had to strip the stucco walls back to the wood sheathing and re-stucco, before sealing the exterior with a specially mixed lime paint, which will age to an antique glazed finish, similar to that of a European villa. A new roof, made of hand-split cedar, was put in place, and all windows were replaced with custom-fabricated mahogany windows.

The 25x50 swimming pool was restored at the time of the renovation, and the rear patio is constructed of brick pavers. The railing system at the patio features a custom limestone balustrade and rail that extends the full length of the patio, creating the perfect exterior complement to this beautiful home.