Twin Elms
1196 East Main Street,
East Aurora, New York
History of Twin Elms
The property is known locally as the ‘Twin Elms’ estate, named for the 2 former massive elm trees that grew into each other over many years. The deed to the property was first granted from the Holland Land Company to Rufas Earl in 1807. The most prominent building on the property, what we now call ‘The Mansion at Twin Elms’, was first constructed in 1876 as a large Victorian-era farmhouse. The structure was badly damaged by fire in 1916 and was subsequently redesigned and rebuilt by then owner and architect Philip Phillips. It was beautifully restored in the Georgian Revival style of architecture. This period is when much of the intricate, hand-carved woodwork features of the interior were added including an ornate curved staircase that was purportedly crafted by artisans in England.
Twin Elms Description
Passing through the front gates up the sweeping drive to this timeless classic mansion you realize you have arrived at a very special property. Wrapped in acres of lush woods and grounds the residence of approximately 5300-5900 square feet was built in 1936 and is appointed with understated charm and quality. Modern convenience is married artfully within the classic design. This Georgian Revival House is privately poised on over 80 acres with a slate roof, an attached garage, a 21x55 foot swimming pool with spa and Kool Deck, a tennis court, a three acre pond, nature, woods and riding trails winding through the forest. Approximately 66 acres of the property has been placed in the Genesee Valley Land Conservancy preserving the natural habitat for generations yet to come.
Two significant additional structures on the property include a three bedroom 1800’s farmhouse, which was the original home on the estate, plus the former stables converted to an amazing multi-faceted functional medicine health facility.
The Mansion at Twin Elms is a five bedroom, four and one-half bath home, built with unparalleled craftsmanship including hand-carved woodwork, five fireplaces, a curved staircase and original pegged wide plank hard wood floors throughout.
Begin your tour in the gracious foyer that leads to a dining room perfect for any celebration with fireplace, bay window, window seats and original shell cupboard. Pass through a butler’s pantry with original glass front cabinets, sink and cherry countertops. The original cabinets carry into the updated kitchen with added gathering island, 60” Viking range, granite countertops, and a breakfast room with gas fireplace. A second service stairs leads to the upstairs. The kitchen is washed with light from expansive windows overlooking the grounds and patio. A hallway with built in storage leads to a brick floored mudroom, first floor laundry and convenient attached 2.5 car garage.
Two curved arches lead from the foyer through the library hall to the living room/conference room. This room boasts impressive millwork, a fireplace, antique bottle glass transoms and dutch door leading to the screen porch overlooking the lawn and pool. A spacious family room with yet another fireplace and adjacent full bath can be enjoyed as a casual and comfortable gathering space.
The architectural magnificence of the curved stairway and the curved arched doorway in the main foyer are well preserved gems that can hardly be duplicated today at any price.
Exceptional cupboards, built-ins and millwork continue throughout the second floor. This floor features a primary suite with walk through dressing room and private bath. Three additional bedrooms, a dressing room, 2 fulls baths, a family room and service closet with wash basin complete the second floor.
On the third floor you will find a former tutor’s studio complete with a child’s stage, dressing rooms and a teacher’s chalk board. A walk in storage room with cedar closet offers plenty of extra storage.
This estate has it all. Don’t let this rare opportunity pass you by!
Twin Elms Location
Located directly off the Route 400 East Aurora exit, this home is just a short distance from the conveniences of the East Aurora Village. As you stroll the center of the town you'll be drawn into one of many restaurants, renowned art galleries, boutiques, coffee and chocolate shops, clothing stores, antique shops, bakeries, breweries and bookstores.
A quaint and thriving village with an unusually distinguished place in history, East Aurora was a center of the American Arts & Crafts movement, a home of President Millard Fillmore, and has long been known for equine sport and pleasure. This history is being preserved through a careful dedication to maintain small town charm with successful growth.
Less than thirty minutes from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the city of Buffalo. The diverse Western New York/Niagara region offers both picturesque countryside and world-class cultural institutions such as the AKG Art Gallery and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. In the sports world we are home to the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. Capping the area’s exceptional natural beauty is the stunning Niagara Falls and the local ski areas of Kissing Bridge, Buffalo Ski Club and Holiday Valley 50 minutes or less away.
$2,900,000
BEDROOMS: 5
FULL BATHS: 3
HALF BATHS: 1
SQUARE FEET: 5300-5900
YEAR BUILT: 1936
3 BEDROOM/2 BATH FARMHOUSE
2500 SF OFFICE/HEALTH FACILITY
WITH 3 1/2 BATHS
EXTRA GARAGE SPACE
IN-GROUND POOL
TENNIS COURT
POND APPROX. 3 ACRES
SCHOOL DIST.: IROQUOIS
GARAGE SPACES: 2.5
ACRES: 81