Architecturally distinct Greenwich, CT house designed by Ulrich Franzen is on the market for $7.4M

The unique home is anchored by a striking living room whose glass walls rise two stories tall, and has a real tree planted in the atrium.

Georgie Mihaila
4 Min Read
The Morris house in Greenwich, Connecticut. Image credit: Alan Barry Photography courtesy of The Agency
Image credit: Alan Barry Photography courtesy of The Agency

At the end of a private drive, in the midst of 7 acres of greenery, sits one of the most recognizable modern homes in all of Greenwich, Connecticut.

Famously designed by Ulrich Franzen, an architect best known for his “fortress-like” buildings and Brutalist style, the private residence known as the Morris House stands out with its unique design and contemporary feel, which isn’t at all typical for an area populated by more traditional-style homes.

The Morris House in Greenwich CT, designed by renowned architected Ulrich Franzen.
The Morris House, designed by renowned architect Ulrich Franzen. Image credit: Alan Barry Photography courtesy of The Agency

With bold architecture that attests to the architect’s prevalence for powerful forms, the 66 Cherry Valley Road property in Back Country, Greenwich, CT is equally (if not more) dazzling after you cross its threshold.

Stepping inside the glass-walled atrium, you’re welcomed by a live tree — planted in the floor — that softens the transition from the lively, green outdoors to the modern interiors.

the atrium of the morris house has a tree planted in it
In the atrium, a planted tree softens the transition from the lively, green outdoors to the modern interiors. Image credit: Alan Barry Photography

The 8,888-square-foot home is anchored by a striking living room whose glass windows rise two stories tall — inviting plenty of natural light in, as well as unparalleled views of the greenery that surrounds the home.

The dramatic living room has a two-story tall glass wall that serves as a backdrop to the living area.
The dramatic living room has a two-story tall glass wall that serves as a backdrop to the living area. Image credit: Alan Barry Photography
The dramatic living room has a two-story tall glass wall that serves as a backdrop to the living area.
The green outdoors contrast the modern interiors in a spectacular way. Image credit: Alan Barry Photography

The Morris House was thoughtfully designed to separate entertaining spaces and common areas from private family quarters. The first floor is dedicated to gathering and entertaining, featuring dual living rooms, a formal dining room, and a chef’s kitchen with a butler’s prep area.

Currently on the market for $7,400,000 (listed with The Agency’s Todd David Miller and Cliff Smith), the architecturally distinct property has 6 bedrooms and 10 baths, and includes a separate 2-bedroom cottage.

Interiors open to expansive shaded patios, an outdoor kitchen, pool/spa and an illuminated tennis court in a park-like setting.

 The Morris House, designed by renowned architected Ulrich Franzen.
The Morris House, designed by renowned architect Ulrich Franzen. Image credit: Alan Barry Photography

Built in 1992, the property is one of several architectural projects Franzen completed in the area.

The German-born architect lived in Rye, New York, where he built his award-winning family home, known as the Franzen House.

Part of the influential group of architects that emerged from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Ulrich Franzen worked under the world-renowned architect I.M. Pei before starting his own firm, Ulrich Franzen & Associates, in 1955.

His most notable projects are the Philip Morris headquarters in New York City and the headquarters for the Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee, WI, but it’s his private residences that are often quoted as his most creative works.

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With a decade-long career as a digital content creator, Georgie started out as a real estate journalist for Multi-Housing News & CPExecutive. She later transitioned into digital marketing, working with leading real estate websites like PropertyShark, RENTCafé and Point2Homes. After a brief but impactful stint in the start-up world, where she led the marketing divisions of fintech company NestReady and media publisher Goalcast, Georgie returned to her first passion, real estate, and founded FancyPantsHomes.com