Week of Feb 1, 2010
When you associate Mel Gibson with "home," you envision his early days in Australia or his infamous antics in Malibu. Apparently, Gibson also hung out at a palatial pad in Greenwich, Connecticut, that is described as one of the "last Great Estates of Greenwich" in its realtor.com listing.
At its currently reduced asking price of $29,750,000, it truly must be great.
Let's take a look.
A Bird's-Eye View of Mel's Old Mill Farm
Called "Old Mill Farm," (or is it "Old Mel Farm?") the property occupies more than 75 pastoral acres and is at the end of a private, formal drive. Built in 1925 by architect Charles Lewis Bowman, the 15,862-square-foot Elizabethan-inspired Tudor mansion has 15 bedrooms (Gibson has many offspring, including a baby daughter), 11.5 full bathrooms, and a theater.
But we're interested in what's outside: a swimming pool, pond, tennis court, and exquisite grounds and gardens. The garden includes a labyrinth (maze) made of artfully sculpted hedges.
The estate is laid-out in the formal, symmetrical, English-style landscape design typical of the era and of Tudor architecture. The long, cylindrical body of water is a front-entry formal pond.More »
Mel's Labyrinth
The stunning grounds were created by noted landscape designer James Doyle. Designing, pruning and maintaining a labyrinth like this one take a skilled and trained garden artist, who probably works on it at least a few times per week.More »
Mel's Pool
A series of vine-covered arches leads to the estate's spectacular swimming pool. Note the sculpted hedges and striking landscape design running parallel to the pool.
While it must be difficult to part with such a beautiful home, Gibson has had a busy year with lots of changes: a high-profile divorce; the birth of a daughter by his now-ex girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva; and the release of the film, Edge of Darkness, the first in several years.</p>
Mel's Gazebo
A very formal gazebo -- often the type that would house a garden statue.
Mel's Wisteria
A mature and breathtaking wisteria vine at the entry to a colonnade.
Mel's Hydrangea Bush
Those greenish bouquet-like blooms in the foreground are hydrangeas, which haven't turned pink, purple, blue or whatever color they are destined to become.
Mel's Tennis Court
Nothing like a set or two of tennis on your own court before a refreshing dip in your own swimming pool.