Marcel Breuer’s Gagarin House I Hits the Market For $3.8M

Just in time for the Bauhaus centennial, Marcel Breuer's Gagarin House I is for sale.

Designed by legendary Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer from 1956 to 1957 for Andrew and Jamie Gagarin, Gagarin I is a three-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath midcentury modern masterpiece located in Litchfield, Connecticut. Constructed with a mix of steel framing and reinforced concrete, the two-story home integrates elegantly into the gently sloping hillside by way of its bluestone terraces and original stone walls. 

The midcentury modern home is located on 1.7 acres of land and features bluestone terraces, fieldstone walls, and elevated views of the countryside.

The midcentury modern home is located on 1.7 acres of land and features bluestone terraces, fieldstone walls, and elevated views of the countryside.

The living room features full-height, wraparound walls of glass and elegant wood details—however, the highlight is a lovely bush-hammered concrete fireplace.

The living room features full-height, wraparound walls of glass and elegant wood details—however, the highlight is a lovely bush-hammered concrete fireplace.

Updated to include modern amenities while still paying respect to Breuer's original design, the home has a unique character—and its authentic modernist charm still shines through. One of the most lovely examples of Breuer's touch is the bush-hammered concrete fireplace in the center of the open-plan living space. The tree-like, sculptural form serves as a focal point surrounded by walls of glass, natural materials, and uninterrupted views of the bucolic surroundings. 

The home's flooring ranges from paved brick to reclaimed teak. The ceilings are made from textured Portuguese cork, which seamlessly transitions out to the soffits. 

The home's flooring ranges from paved brick to reclaimed teak. The ceilings are made from textured Portuguese cork, which seamlessly transitions out to the soffits. 

The living and dining areas are located in one large, open-plan space—which is typical of Breuer homes.

The living and dining areas are located in one large, open-plan space—which is typical of Breuer homes.

A view from the dining area looking out towards the living room. 

A view from the dining area looking out towards the living room. 

The open kitchen overlooks the dining area. 

The open kitchen overlooks the dining area. 

The kitchen offers modern conveniences but maintains a cool Bauhaus feel. 

The kitchen offers modern conveniences but maintains a cool Bauhaus feel. 

Shop the Look
The master bedroom is located in its own wing, and it features a cozy gas fireplace and its own terrace. An inlaid stone wall runs from the exterior terrace into the space, establishing a strong connection with the outdoors. 

The master bedroom is located in its own wing, and it features a cozy gas fireplace and its own terrace. An inlaid stone wall runs from the exterior terrace into the space, establishing a strong connection with the outdoors. 

The renovated master bathroom features minimalist, glossy finishes. 

The renovated master bathroom features minimalist, glossy finishes. 

A second living room features expansive views of the beautiful surroundings.

A second living room features expansive views of the beautiful surroundings.

The second bedroom. 

The second bedroom. 

Breuer’s signature floating staircase features abstract geometric cut­outs.

Breuer’s signature floating staircase features abstract geometric cut­outs.

In addition to a wet bar and laundry room, the downstairs has a large, open space—once known as the children's living room—with a wood-burning fireplace and direct access to the grounds and pool.

In addition to a wet bar and laundry room, the downstairs has a large, open space—once known as the children's living room—with a wood-burning fireplace and direct access to the grounds and pool.

The lower-level landing. 

The lower-level landing. 

The lower-level bathroom. 

The lower-level bathroom. 

Inside and out, the home displays a rich mix of natural materials. A stairway cantilevers from the fieldstone wall and leads to the pool.

Inside and out, the home displays a rich mix of natural materials. A stairway cantilevers from the fieldstone wall and leads to the pool.

A long bluestone roof deck overlooks the pool and the expansive lawn.

A long bluestone roof deck overlooks the pool and the expansive lawn.

Related Reading: Design Icon: 10 Buildings by Marcel Breuer100 Years of Bauhaus: What You Should Know About This Milestone Movement 

Marcel Breuer’s Gagarin House I is now listed for $3,800,000 by Madonna Phillips Group at Sotheby’s Realty.

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Jennifer Baum Lagdameo
Dwell Contributor
Jennifer Baum Lagdameo is a freelance design writer who has lived in Washington DC, Brooklyn, Tokyo, Manila, and is currently exploring the Pacific Northwest from her home base in Portland, Oregon.

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