Chateau Ridge’s History
If walls could talk, Chateau Ridge would have a long and eventful story to tell. It was built in 1924-1927 for Mary Green Ream and Norman Putnam Ream, both scions of wealthy families. Chateau “Ream” was built by architect Joseph O’Connor using the Inn of William the Conqueror in Dives, France, as his inspiration. The current living room was a replica of the chapel at Mont Saint-Michel in France. A new chapter in the homes illustrious past began when it was purchased by Joseph Ziluca and Josephine Garibaldi Ziluca in 1953. Josephine was the youngest grandchild of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian patriot who contributed to the unification of Italy in the 1800s. The couple kept the house in grand style and enjoyed hosting events and guests. They even welcomed Umberto II, the last king of Italy, at the house in 1962. His visit is commemorated with a plaque next to the entrance of the house. Later, Josephine’s son Tony and his fashion model wife Jeanie, took over the home and appeared in The New York Times in 1976 discussing the estate and its sumptuous grounds.
The exterior of Chateau Ridge, during the property’s five-year renovation, from 1984-1989.
The limestone gate and fountain was imported from France and put into place via helicopter to access the back of the house. There are two 18th century sculptures flanking the grotto fountain as well as the sun ray garden fountain.
The property, formerly Château Ream, mid construction in the 1980's.
View of the interior restoration of the living room.
The construction included walled gardens, a gate house, tennis house, new terraced pool with a pool cabana, a grotto and fountains.
Hand-carved ceiling in grand stair hall.
The dressing room, called the Hall of Mirrors, inspired by the Palace of Versailles.
Gilded Venetian mirrors from the Fifth Avenue New York apartment of Claus von Bülow.
In the mid 1980s, Vince Camuto, the footwear and fashion designer, purchased the house, intent on restoring all its historical elements to their original grandeur while also adding Renaissance gardens. When he purchased the estate, it had fallen into serious disrepair and the extensive renovation and new construction that ensued took five years. He hired the builder Jim Xema and Anthony Ingrao, a top 100 Architectural Digest designer and architect to create the new house, complete with terraced gardens, a spacious gate house, tennis house and entertainment areas. Each room was custom designed in various periods from Renaissance to Empire.
With their shared passion for design and architecture, Vince and his wife Louise shared many years at Chateau Ridge building their family and fashion house. In 2021 Louise Camuto lovingly restored and redesigned the interiors to a light and airy transitional feel for a new modern look. Today, the historic house is an unparalleled juxtaposition of modern living set to a backdrop of Renaissance gardens.