A Decades-Long Love Story: How One Couple Crafted Their Dream Home and Garden
In 1992, the pair enlisted architect Peter Pennoyer to expand the house upward, ensuring better views of the scenic landscape. Lederman affectionately named the project Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, referencing the classic 1948 comedy about home renovation.
The garden itself became a long-term labour of love. Hawks planted tall miscanthus grass along the reservoir’s dam, which now grows up to six feet and blooms each autumn. Later, she added two rows of forsythia between the grasses, introducing bursts of spring colour. The landscaping has gradually evolved, reflecting their changing vision for the property. The result is a home that blends architectural refinement with natural beauty, shaped by decades of thoughtful adjustments and personal touches.
Today, the Chappaqua property stands as a testament to Lederman and Hawks’ dedication. The expanded house maximises its surroundings, while the gardens—with their seasonal flowers and towering grasses—create a dynamic, ever-changing landscape. Their work has turned a scenic plot of land into a carefully curated home and garden.
