Description

The Town House Residences represent a masterfully composed collection of luxury townhouse architecture designed for a pair of adjoining lots in downtown Greenwich, Connecticut. Situated in one of the town’s most storied neighborhoods, the property provided a rare opportunity to re-knit a diminished streetscape with new homes that honor the architectural traditions of the area while responding to contemporary expectations for comfort, craftsmanship, and connection to urban life.

Our clients, longtime Greenwich residents, approached us with the vision of creating eight high-end townhouse condominium units that would feel authentically rooted in the neighborhood’s historic fabric. The resulting development comprises four two-family townhomes, each one a refined interpretation of classic Victorian Stick Style architecture or Greek Revival residential design. The ensemble is at once cohesive and delightfully varied, giving the impression that the homes have evolved organically over generations.

The existing homes on the site, two outdated, poorly maintained structures from the mid-20th century, did not contribute positively to the historic district. Their removal allowed the lots to be subdivided and thoughtfully reconfigured. With tight urban setbacks and limited footprints, careful attention was paid to the scale, proportion, and massing of each residence to ensure that the new buildings aligned seamlessly with the rhythm of the street.

By alternating between Stick Style and Greek Revival expressions, the architectural composition mirrors the way historic American neighborhoods evolved over time, with a mix of periods and details preserved side-by-side. Each home features familiar elements, front porches, bay windows, gables, and finely scaled trim that resonate with the character of original 19th-century structures nearby.

Material authenticity was paramount in achieving the desired sense of permanence and craftsmanship. Each townhouse features:

• Red cedar shingle roofs
• Brick chimneys with clay chimney caps
• Cedar siding with classical wood trim
• Copper gutters, leaders, and bay roofs
• Flagstone terraces and brick walkways
• Mahogany and fir entry doors

The palette, though luxurious, feels entirely appropriate for the historic district and contributes to the long-term durability of the homes. Soft, hand-finished materials weather gracefully over time, reinforcing the residences’ connection to traditional New England architectural craftsmanship.

Across the development, the front porches serve as both architectural anchors and social thresholds, spaces where craftsmanship and urban life meet. Turned balusters, tapered columns, bracketed eaves, and finely milled entablatures echo the handcrafted sensibilities of 19th-century builders. These details, combined with intimate garden setbacks, create an inviting pedestrian experience rare in new in-town construction.

Although the lots were compact, each home was sited to provide private outdoor greenspace, a critical amenity for residents seeking the advantages of downtown living with the comfort and serenity of a traditional neighborhood setting. Between the buildings, carefully landscaped garden courts and planting beds soften the edges of each residence and create a sense of retreat.

Inside, the residences are designed with an emphasis on openness, light, and livability. To maximize interior square footage:

• Garages and recreation spaces were discreetly located on the basement level.
• The first floor features open-plan living and dining rooms, well-appointed kitchens, and richly paneled studies suited to modern work-from-home lifestyles.
• The second floor includes three luxurious bedroom suites, each with generous closets and spa-inspired bathrooms.

Large, historically scaled windows ensure the interiors are flooded with natural light while maintaining a harmonious relationship between inside and out.

The Town House Residences stand as an example of how luxury multi-family residential architecture can revitalize an urban neighborhood while honoring its heritage. Sensitive massing, period-appropriate detailing, authentic materials, and thoughtful site planning together create a development that feels both new and timeless, an elevated model for in-town living in Greenwich.

For clients seeking historically grounded yet highly livable design solutions, this project demonstrates our approach to contextual design, architectural storytelling, and meticulous craftsmanship.

For more information on our other new homes projects please visit https://www.hiltonarchitects.com/new-homes. You are invited to explore some of our blogs on custom residential architectural design at https://www.hiltonarchitects.com/blog.

“I have worked on projects with Chuck Hilton for over 25 years on a regular basis. It is always a pleasure to work with Chuck and the Architects in his firm. Their strong attention to detail and strong commitment to achieve the highest quality finished product for their clients are the firms most important assets.”

-ROBERT ZMARZLAK, SOUNDVIEW ENGINEERS & LAND SURVEYORS LLC

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“As a hardware supplier, Canaan has worked with Charles Hilton and his team for 20 years. In that time, we have observed that Charles is very in tune with his client needs and open to discussions and ideas from other professionals in the industry. The homes and commercial projects are of the highest quality and award winning!”

- TAV REYNOSO, CANAAN HARDWARE

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“I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Mr. Hilton and his staff on some of their many fine projects over the past 16 years consulting on Marvin windows and doors. The level of detail in their drawings and the time taken to properly articulate those details is what makes the difference in the finished product. I am always proud to have the products I represent associated with the work of an architectural firm of this caliber.”

- DAVE LOCASCIO, MARVIN WINDOWS & DOORS