Dorothy Draper’s Childhood Home in Tuxedo Park Hits the Market for $4 Million

Design enthusiasts and fans of the legendary interior decorator Dorothy Draper now have the rare chance to own the childhood home where her signature style began. The elegant residence, located at 82 Lookout Road in Tuxedo Park, New York, has just been listed for just under $4 million. Known as Ogden Lodge, this historic home was built in 1883 by Draper’s parents, Paul and Susan Tuckerman, in one of the country’s most exclusive gated communities.

A Legacy in Tuxedo Park

Tuxedo Park, founded by Pierre Lorillard IV, was a private enclave of just two dozen wealthy families in the late 19th century, offering its residents both privacy and proximity to New York City. The Tuckermans, prominent members of this elite society, built five homes in the community over the years, with Ogden Lodge being the family’s primary residence. This stately red brick mansion served as the home of Dorothy Draper from the age of three until she was ten, and the architecture and decor of the home played a significant role in shaping her distinctive design aesthetic.

Known for her maximalist approach, unconventional color choices, and bold use of patterns, Dorothy Draper went on to revolutionize interior design. Her firm, founded in 1925, brought her iconic vision to high-profile projects, including the Palácio Quitandinha in Rio de Janeiro and the renowned Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. It’s clear that Ogden Lodge, with its grandeur and refined beauty, left a lasting mark on Draper’s design sensibilities.

A Stunning Restoration

This grand property, spanning just shy of 1.5 acres, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. The current owners, who purchased the home in 1996 for $1.5 million, are also interior designers. In 2021, they undertook a meticulous restoration, collaborating with preservation experts to bring the home back to its original splendor. The restoration included reproducing plaster walls, wood floors, and a new Welsh black slate roof designed to mirror the original. Even the exterior brickwork and terracotta details were carefully reproduced, maintaining the mansion’s historic integrity.

While the home retains its Gilded Age charm, modern updates like new plumbing, electrical systems, insulation, and appliances have brought the estate into the 21st century, offering the perfect blend of historic beauty and contemporary convenience.

An Exquisite Estate

The 8,195-square-foot mansion boasts nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms, offering plenty of room for both family and guests. Key highlights include a chef’s kitchen with a walk-in pantry, a formal dining room, and a sunroom that lets in an abundance of natural light. The library features a carved soapstone fireplace and bar, providing an ideal setting for relaxing or entertaining. While the home’s decor may feel more subdued than Dorothy Draper’s typical opulent, Modern Baroque style, it’s still a place where Draper’s legacy as a design pioneer began to take shape.

The property’s expansive grounds, set among mature trees and scenic landscapes, offer even more opportunities to embrace the grandeur of this historic estate. The home, currently listed by Laura Denberg of Tuxedo Hudson Realty, represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of both architectural and design history.

A Chance to Own a Piece of Design History

For anyone who has admired Dorothy Draper’s work or simply appreciates the elegance and charm of Gilded Age architecture, Ogden Lodge presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With its rich history, exquisite restoration, and unparalleled location in Tuxedo Park, this property offers a unique glimpse into the world of one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.