During the ‘Gilded Age’ around the turn of the last century, many grand estate houses were constructed along the north and south shores of the Long Island Sound. The architectural styles tended to draw on what was currently popular in European high society. One of these styles drew on the Italian Renaissance and was exemplified by the great palazzos and villas of Italy. Being one of the ‘Mediterranean’ styles it was well suited for waterfront locations such as this property in Belle Haven. However, this commission turned out to be a lot more than just a refurbishing of a grand old house and adding a guest house. It centered on the construction of a vast underground garage to both store and display the clients massive 80+ classic cars.