Its crowning glory is an Islamic influenced dome-capped minaret . The staircase's mahogany and tiger maple inlay displays the era's intricate craftsmanship. The handcarved newel post, a sculpture unto itself, is topped by an antique rococo globe lamp. The center hall, accented by a gothic Victorian sofa, leads to a library whom custom cabinetry surrounds a mahogany fireplace, the mirrored mantel's pediment holding a porcelain and ormolu clock Ranked by silver candelabra. A replica of Van Gogh's Starry Night is one of several Impressionist-style paintings.
Transitional sofas provide the room with deep-down comfort.
Designed by Nicols and Halcott of Albany in 1873, the High Victorian Gothic exhibits influences from the French Renaissance, Italian and Egyptian styles. That bit of exotica was the result of original owner George S. Batcheller's appointment as first magistrate to Cairo by President Ulysses S. Grant. By the time you walk up the steps to the arched and columned portico, you will be suitably dazzled. Real estate developer Bruce Levinsky will admit he didn't know what to do with Saratoga's most opulent residence when he purchased it in 1986 from prior owner Eugene Turchi - who already had partially restored the derelict wonder. All it took was eight years of living in the house as it went through a major renovation and restoration.