Inside A Mansion Built On The Edge Of An Abandoned Quarry | Unique Spaces | Architectural Digest

Today Architectural Digest brings you an hour outside of New York City to tour Bedford Quarry House. Sitting atop the cliff's edge of an abandoned quarry, this serene property boasts spectacular views of the lake and surrounding forest. The boundary dividing these vistas from the interior is figuratively broken by floor-to-ceiling windows throughout-creating a sense of openness and fluidity between nature and the home. Join architect Steven Harris for an in-depth look at his design philosophy behind this unique family residence.
Director: Jasia Kaulbach
Director of Photography: Eric Brouse
Editor: Leticia Villarino
Guest: Steven Harris
Producer: Chase Lewis
Senior Producer: Alyssa Marino
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Associate Producer: Brandon Fuhr
Production Manager: Melissa Heber
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Camera Operator: Anne-Marie Halovanic
Drone Operator: Ian Dudley
Audio: Lily Van Leeuwen
Production Assistant: Francis McNeil
Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague
Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew
Supervising Editor: Christina Mankellow
Additional Editor: Matt Colby
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
Colorist: Oliver Eid
Interior Design: Rees Roberts & Partners (Lead Partner: Deborah Hancock)
Landscape Design: Rees Roberts & Partners (Lead Partner: David Kelly)
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[@CooperJeanne]

Having the architect talk about the house is so much more superior than letting a realestate agent talk about a house! Not only is this educational but it allows me to appreciate the thought, artistry and beauty behind such architecture! Architects speak in a much more sophisticated and genteel way than realestate agents (except Linda May)! More of these kind of content please! Thank you!

[@melissasalasblair5273]

Yes, it's great.

[@markthoughtswithukrainemas2072]

THE house is amazing im the architect that built it , I give it 4 years then it will be in the quarry ,,, still its a nice house

[@jameswalker6864]

To be honest, the most "artistic" part of the house is NATURE. Not the part human-made. The scenery of the lake and the forest surrounding the house is what makes the place amazing. The architect only needed to include glasses everywhere so you could see nature. Nature creations will always surpass human creations. The most beautiful natural landscapes such as forests and lakes will always be more magnificent than buildings and cities.

[@snortplug9582]

⁠@@jameswalker6864have to give him credit for incorporating nature around the house. It’s very difficult to go to the lengths he did on a hill.

[@JoseJulianAragones]

realestate agents just want to sell thats all they don´t feel the passion and dont know about the challenge architects and engineers live when they do this kind of amazing things, i completely agree with you!

[@mrdasilver]

Now that's a house worthy of being featured on AD! This is one of the only houses I've seen on this channel I could see myself living in. If only I was rich! Not only is this house visually appealing and pleasing to the eyes, it actually looks cosy. Absolutely beautiful and stunning mansion!

[@Sammy84_]

Absolutely 💯

[@hshwhitten]

100%

[@samkelo27]

Really the only thing I didn't like was the stone floor pattern on the stairs

[@uji2503]

I hope you'll get rich someday and get to experience this lifestyle!

[@happytrailsgaming]

Look up the one in the desert that looks like it’s straight out of dune. Full of fossils and even looks like one

[@KrisDelaPena]

This might be one of the rare cases when the architect truly gives justice to his art with storytelling. Such a beautiful perspective we all got the pleasure to listen to. Wrapped up the music, videography, and of course the house. What a masterpiece in every way.

[@talananiyiyaya8912]

No it isn't.

[@ReaganKimberley]

I thought he was pretty pretentious actually.

[@StirlingVideoLounge]

​@@ReaganKimberleyThat's now educated professionals sound to simpletons.

[@Alyssa-ui7bf]

This is a true artist. The way he speaks in poetry, his fascinating mind and way of thinking about things, the way he considers every detail down to the symbolism behind it, incredible. This was such a joy to watch. And a beautiful design in a stunning location.

[@CatLover-23]

Well Said.... So True. 👍

[@jameswalker6864]

I see no artist. The most "artistic" part of the house is NATURE. Not the part human-made. The scenery of the lake and the forest surrounding the house is what makes the place amazing. The architect only needed to include glasses everywhere so you could see nature. Nature creations will always surpass human creations. The most beautiful natural landscapes such as forests and lakes will always be more magnificent than buildings and cities.

[@Songbirdstress]

@@jameswalker6864 You must have forgotten the part where they said the quarry is landscaped. This is a masterpiece because it looks natural but isn't. Even down to where it is placed exactly.

[@rehanahakeemkhatri2184]

I love how passionate this architect is of his masterpiece.

[@petemavus2948]

​@@bbabbich3467I disagree, this is appreciation and an earnest love of both Architecture and Nature when integrated so purposefully as to reflect and rejoice in one another almost seamlessly.

[@Joemondaking]

@@bbabbich3467it has owners already

[@alvahenderson4109]

Yes it is beautiful. But the unrelenting gray makes the interior spaces so cold.

[@lesliedumont2241]

Delightful.

[@earthhouseentertainment4024]

🔊

[@MrRayMac1963]

As a General Contractor I must say, this is one of the most incredible homes I've ever seen. This is the type of project you go your whole career hoping to build. Fantastic!!!

[@CatLover-23]

👍

[@jebstewart666]

totally agree. landed that job last year and am presently working on a dream deck with a mind boggling view for a client who allows for a different vision. the challenge is wonderful indeed.

[@jonasdsem]

If I ever, somehow, should end up with the kind of money such a piece of art would cost to build, I'll reach out to you brother ;-)

[@MrRayMac1963]

@@jonasdsem I would be honored.

[@minecraftfox4384]

The house it's self is terrible looking. I despise that gaudy design. The scenery is great.

[@Pasan34]

This house is a strange combination of luxury, serene, and cozy. The part where the drive up is a "tease" was actually a very interesting idea and intentional. Well done Mr. architect.

[@SnifferSock]

This guy is probably top 1% of goals for architects yet his presentation and humor makes him appear very relatable.

[@kamerynpeyla4074]

You can tell this guy is passionate about creating livable places and not just aesthetic pleasing places. That's why this house is my favorite. Hope to see this guy in other videos because he seems really interesting.

[@petemavus2948]

I agree totally, he conveyed the grace and integrity of someone who lives his beliefs seamlessly. I am happy for people who can achieve this.

[@anthonyl5600]

He’s considered to be one of the best architects in the world.

[@jone7079]

Agree❤

[@earthhouseentertainment4024]

🔊

[@PeetaGrifffin]

Money may not buy happiness but it can buy the serenity this house provides.

[@SilverLake401]

Which leads to happiness and peach 😌

[@MaximusMerideus]

@@SilverLake401 I don't have a house like that but, boy, do I have a peach.

[@javonjames4573]

Money doesn't suppose to buy you happiness you better be happy having money!!

[@lilcourtny08]

​@@javonjames4573I would rather be happy and rich than happy and broke.

[@Unflushablepiss]

@@MaximusMerideus i could eat a peach for hrs

[@elle3076]

"if you have the same view in every room, there is literally no reason to move." I feel like he would hate it in NYC billionaire's row. I almost cried watching this video, I have never seen a house this beautiful while being modern, stylish and cozy

[@jasonaut6439]

I built the teak dock/pond float for this house. Incredibly challenge given the height of the surrounding cliff faces. Mostly, I gotta say the Owners were incredibly kind and gracious.

[@talananiyiyaya8912]

No, you didn't.

[@Ahadhey]

​@@talananiyiyaya8912😂😂😂..why not?

[@talananiyiyaya8912]

@@Ahadhey go away fool

[@christinewhitney125]

Curious, how deep is that pond?

[@talananiyiyaya8912]

@@christinewhitney125 He doesn't know, because he's a map capper.

[@subressor1]

Might be one of my favourite houses you've shown on this channel purely for the location, how beautiful!

[@katy8605]

yes, I agree! Fell in love with this one

[@egeanworld]

FOR REAL!!!

[@Biluxi]

Same.

[@earthhouseentertainment4024]

🔊

[@MS-ni6cx]

Where is it exactly? Property address? Value?

[@zerohours.]

I think the most incredible part is the forest path around the property, your very own cliff, waterfall and dock. It's amazing

[@michaeledwards6890]

Also as a tradesman myself who works on custom homes, I will be the one to ALSO give props to the skilled laborers who made this vision physical

[@elbigotesdelatienda]

A dream. And considering the location, this is now my favorite house in the whole world. ❤

[@soulsurvivorla]

I couldn't help but think of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and Phillip Johnson's Glass. Simply stunning!

[@susanharris5926]

Agree. This is a great homage to FLW's Fallingwater in many of the design features.

[@petemavus2948]

​@@susanharris5926I actually like it more.

[@earthhouseentertainment4024]

🔊

[@veronicaroach3667]

I didn't see your response - just posted the same comment pretty much ! Great minds & all that !

[@priscillanash3543]

It’s difficult to not be wowed. I would fail at that assignment. 😮 I’m glad the birds decided to show up for their auditory contributions. Perfection.

[@guitarlearningtoplay]

so did they so don’t feel bad

[@adoor3712]

“I would hope they would not be wowed” this is one of the most breathtaking houses I’ve ever seen, I’m wowed.

[@jg3_75]

Breathtaking. Not just the house. Yes it’s beautiful, but this man’s connection and design and concept and passion. I think I could’ve seen this house and thought it was beautiful, but having him describe the concept, makes it really special.

[@Songbirdstress]

It's also practical. Just watched a video where everything was open to the street. Beautiful to look at, but feels dangerous.

[@JAZZnMOTION]

The interior designer did incredible… the couch with sitting on both sides was beautiful

[@Biluxi]

I did not catch that. Will re-watch.

[@JAZZnMOTION]

@@Biluxi it’s literally perfect. If you sit on one side, you get the views of the trees, but if you sit on the other side you’re more a part of the sitting area to talk to people.

[@sergiosaunier]

Nice catch! It's most visible at 5:40.

[@earthhouseentertainment4024]

🔊

[@enessentertainment2748]

Anyone know where they sell that record player with the speakers in the living room

[@nicholassoons5836]

The location, the property, the video, the way the architect talks so passionately about the project. Everything about this is perfect. I now have a new house obsession.

[@strawberrykun6136]

Not just the house but the architect's personality is very serene and calming as well. This why I watch Architecture Digest, not just discover houses but discover people.

[@edrow7403]

I know what he meant about feeling protected, just taking a virtual tour I felt that. I think this is accentuated by the space around it, the site of the tall trees, and a sharp drop down into the quarry filled with water. Being physically inside, living in there, I bet it feels even more like that, eating your breakfast with that view. It's like a part of the landscape as well. What a beautiful building.

[@davidwall951]

I’m thinking you just created a vision of “Falling Water” for today! Beautiful

[@priscillanash3543]

My thoughts exactly, one of my favorites, as well as the case study house, the Stahl house.

[@gamby16a]

This is a timeless modernist masterpiece. I wish you'd feature more of these types homes in the magazine. This is architecture at its most beautiful.

[@trishriggs2016]

this is one of the most beautiful homes I've ever seen. I legit almost teared up its so beautiful

[@TeacherNathane]

One of the best houses featured on AD. This is simply magical. ❤

[@bmwmercedes5000]

One of the best things I've ever seen on YT. The architect mentioning the 'put your friend on the little balcony if he smokes cigars' tops it off. It has something of Fallingwater about it, beautiful.

[@Acemobilesuit]

Where the shop barns tractors side by sides

[@nightowldrunkeats]

This is the only video of AD that has compelled me to drop a comment. What amuses me is that how closely this house is aligned to the very idea of nature, as if nothing was ever changed about this landscape while building this house. The architecture is the literal definition of minimalism combined with tranquility. It makes you wanna settle and put a full stop to the 'big hunger'. Kudos to the Architect for giving his best not just to the owners but to Mother Earth.

[@alaina281]

everything is so well thought out, im usually not a fan a minimalist or brutalist design but this is just perfect in this environment. it feels like it’s supposed to be there, wow

[@lol311]

It's like a dream house. I wish to buy something like this in my lifetime.

[@Songbirdstress]

@@lol311 Mostly I don't mind about being rich. But if I were... would have these architects build my stuff.

[@spacecatbearz]

House tours by the architect themselves is infinitely more entertaining to watch. There's so much more detail in these types of tours, I enjoy it quite a lot.

[@vintagegal541]

It's so beautiful and calming. It kind of reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater house in Pennsylvania.

[@Monotof1]

12:55 "effortless and inevitable" - What an amazing quote and mindset! That description matches the house really well!

[@allahsid3180]

This is the best video on this channel by far. A really beautiful house presented by the maker himself. That’s how it’s supposed to be.

[@Benniibennii]

Having an obsession with Georgian style homes and architecture and normally despising most other designs for homes and then seeing this one and being completely obsessed with the design, the build, the site, all of it. Perfection. How lucky are the owners and the architect with such a vision!

[@Songbirdstress]

This uses a lot of Georgian concepts, so, not surprising.

[@stuartswanton1676]

What a house, amazing to hear the architect talk about it with such humility. At the end you can tell he still hopes people like what he has done which shows how much passion he put into this project.

[@gabrielnuer9899]

This is one of the few houses I've seen where I'm excited to see it age and weather. I think a lot of houses these days are built with only their condition in the present in mind, but this feels like it was built to age like wine.

[@guitarlearningtoplay]

its aged already its falling apart lol

[@markadra6539]

This is the best house I've ever seen, the simplicity, serenity and peace this house is magical

[@EvelynM-vlogs]

Having the pool out back makes so much sense. The serenity and zen of the quarry views would be dashed by the energy the pool creates - especially with children or young adults splashing around in it.

[@petemavus2948]

It definitely warranted a place all it's own and couldn't have been any more impeccably expressed. The sensibility is pure Art.

[@earthhouseentertainment4024]

🔊

[@mordecai3366]

yeah and cause if you swim in the quarry you'll get a brain eating amoeba

[@reddae6910]

Amazing house … and designer’s vision: “Perhaps there are no walls … perhaps you’re outside all the time “ Pure bliss ✨🌿

[@stekarenhd6911]

Beautiful house but soullessly furnished

[@deannahaworth7666]

I love his kindness “ deferred maintenance “ . I think this house is stunning! It’s a masterpiece ❤

[@skyblueerik]

One of the most beautiful houses I've ever seen. It must be incredibly peaceful living there.

[@guitarlearningtoplay]

one of the ugliest I have ever see

[@Thereal-Loramo]

This is by far my favourite house in this channel. I love the sound of the waterfalls so peaceful.

[@GolE2839]

This is one of my favorite properties AD has ever featured. Beautiful.

[@martabee2456]

This house and especially the surroundings of the house, nature are amazing! The place and the house fit together perfectly!

[@chinguchimp1357]

The house and location are interesting. But the sight of the quarry filled with water makes me freeze up. Nothing cozy or calming about this place for me. Somewhat eerie and haunting about this place. Might be just me.

[@cathydevinney731]

I can see what you are saying. I appreciate the greatness of the project, but I am undecided about the location. We have friends with a house along a river. The back deck overhangs the water's edge several feet below. They had special netting installed when their children were young as a safety measure. Young kids and the quarry full of water would make me uneasy.

[@ronin84]

The thoughtfulness put into every aspect is truly remarkable. Particularly love how the architecture reveals different spaces. This is my favorite building featured on this channel.

[@feedingofftherails3650]

Beautiful. Who comes to wash the outside of the windows that just out over the promontory?🤔

[@KECarter]

@@feedingofftherails3650 Specially trained swans with rose petals in their beaks gently waft over the windows.

[@earthhouseentertainment4024]

🔊

[@GarBearCrafting]

The site is gorgeous! I personally do not love the house, but that does not diminish the appreciation and happiness I have for the project teams' own joy! It is most certainly a piece of fine art. Very peaceful way to spend 14 minutes.

[@GenesisOnMoney]

The architect's final words were the best ways to describe this masterpiece of a human habitation! What a design!!

[@Mr_B79]

This place in the winter must look amazing with a light snow fall

[@nerd26373]

That mansion looks flawless. The designs are impeccable.

[@DelphiaStrickland]

I do love all the windows; being able to see the landscape, the natural light.... But it is so cold, so austere. It needs color, fabrics, plants. He does have vision, that's for sure.

[@fashionforwarddd]

Absolutely beautiful design. Ease, serenity and comfort was definitely achieved

[@BLWard-ht3qw]

I'm generally not a fan of modern architecture, but the location and the integration of the styling with the surroundings really makes it all so appealing to me. Very nice and thanks for posting.

[@ameliamerenla]

I love the location, environment and the modern interior design as well the exterior

[@cathyguthrie8089]

amazingly spoken by the architect and i'm impressed by his ethos of being very modest and organic.

[@JapanSpr94]

Such a magnificent estate and the architect’s guided tour gave a warm reception and detailed insight into the architectural design detail.

[@PCUBED09]

As a long time fan of Steven Harris Architects, I'm so glad to see him on AD! I'd love to see more videos with the AD100 at their new/flagship projects!

[@jasonbeedon9867]

One of the most stunning homes I’ve ever seen. I grew up in a small town in western New York that has quarries. The intellect and grace behind the design is stunning. I have two questions. #1. How deep is the quarry? #2. How long before the kids become teenagers and jump off the roof into the quarry with their friends!!! 😎 (I’m not saying we did this as kids in the local quarries…)

[@AnyoneCanSee]

This is absolutely beautiful and works perfectly within its environment. You should be very proud of creating this.

[@SuperMitashki]

This is one of the most inspiring architecture and interior design wlakthroughs. Every second watched is worth its while.

[@JackMyersPhotography]

Like many people here I love looking at unique homes and spaces on KZbin. Over the years, I’ve watched videos on a lot of amazing homes, but I have to say, this might be the most amazing because it brings all the elements I love, together. I wouldn’t change a thing about this one. And often, even in the best of those other videos, I find myself thinking well I would change this, or I would change that, but I don’t feel that way about this one. I’d leave this one just the way it is. This place is truly an achievement. What bliss it would be to live there.

[@siobhanbrignull1747]

the beauty and tranquility of this quarry, and then the house sits alongside it with ease. Just stunningly beautiful, I could only dream of owning what is a piece of heaven.

[@oscarbringans263]

some of the shots in this are absolutely incredible, really understood what was needing to be shown just beautiful

[@yanag3246]

Love the main level stairs. The building is nicely organized and celebrates the views. I feel the house doesn’t have the same level of uniqueness as the nature around it. It looks like a model house.

[@user-ck9lk6zm3h]

I love how passionate this architect is of his masterpiece.. That mansion looks flawless. The designs are impeccable..

[@katherinemelendez1818]

No doubt his platform is a great trading platform with accessible starting deposit and a strong variety of assets classes and trading instrument

[@bergecraptv4827]

This is amazing. Probably THE most beatiful house and location I have ever seen.

[@stoneysscapes7544]

Everything he said is true amongst so many of the visionaries that are creators not just when designing every detail of a living house but the description and the invite to the senses are all around within miles of fences . Truly amongst all the great things that are involved when constructing the best of the best , golf course architecture is the ultimate test.

[@BeatriceEvans95]

Breathtaking views! Architecture and nature in perfect harmony.

[@Daisy.368]

“If you have a friend who smokes cigars, you can stash him”, that cracked me up.

[@boev770]

This house is stunning. It made me feel the same way as when I saw FLW Fallingwater House, which’s the reason why I’m working with design and architecture today

[@kellyparkinson8594]

The approach and then the stair that takes you down to the main level....palpable perfection. ❤

[@BertoBeats]

I love how he describes the house, and the reveal of it when moving up the driveway especially reminded me of videogame level design. As a game dev it's so funny how much the two disciplines share that few people realize.

[@Songbirdstress]

Its a concept Brits use in stately homes. There's an interesting video where they create one for the back entrance of a castle by lopping off some branches and letting others grow to hide the telegraph poles.

[@MikiSpies]

Wowsa! Looks like something Roark would have built. And worked in… hats off. 🙌

[@iaparajita]

This architect is the reason that Architecture is still a marvel. And probably the only time that inside outside concept has made sense into the way of living as one with your surroundings.

[@ashtonsavage1517]

This video almost moved me to tears when I saw how cozy the children’s rooms were

[@matthiasroelz]

One of the most outstanding piece of architecture i have seen since a long time. I felt a deep calmness when i saw this interior.

[@wiynwiyn]

Love how passionate, humble and articulate this architect is. Makes me love my job a little bit more.

[@Harry_16710]

Mr. Harris, you definitely nailed "ease, serenity, and comfort" with this one. Bravo! 👏👏

[@BoondocksHuey]

Architect sounds like a gentle poet. Can listen to him talk all day

[@nsmith3128]

I feel more appreciative of humanity after watching this. Its so much beauty in the world hidden behind the pain. This was beautiful and im happy i accidentally found it.

[@mellowmaestro]

This is stunning. You can feel it's truly special for Steven.

[@coahuiltejano]

gorgeous. I keep watching this and realized that it was the narration and analysis of Architect Steve Harris that made all the difference in this documentary. His focus on building in difficult environments is what tripped out this gen eXer...

[@Moonboyisflying]

Wow, just WOW. The thoght, the craft, the beauty.. No words.

[@user-qh7uw6ef4h]

Powerful, yet understated, thank you for allowing us a glimpse into the creative mind.

[@kil0chrl7e]

Beautiful! This is one of the best designs I've seen here! Wonderful job to the architect! You can see how intelligent he is and his process was here. I wish to see more of his works on this channel because this is just beautiful!

[@PLuMUK54]

Utterly divine. I have always dreamed of a house in a quarry. This architect has got inside my mind and turned my thoughts to bricks and mortar.

[@timothy3349]

The landscape is magnificent! Its definitely one in a billion location. Love the foyer concept and view!

[@georgeguzman486]

You can see this was a love of your art architecture. It is beautiful.

[@Jen-sp9yu]

I love the concept of arrival in psychoanalysis with this house. You have definitely arrived if you are living in such a beautiful masterpiece.

[@DaveK-ss2vb]

hi, were you by any chance successful in locating the paper he made reference to?

[@davidcattin7006]

Stunning. Tho the entrance is frighteningly forbidding. He doesn't want you to be wowed by the house, but that horribly unwelcoming parking court leaves you no choice; you're relieved just to escape it. Surely he could have done something to make a much more cohesive transition into the house? Please show night views as well. As a lighting "nut", I like to see the interior and landscape lighting at night. It's a shame there is such an insurmountable divide between this and the common man's house. Many of us less wealthy folk would appreciate the heck out of a place like this, but financially they are absolutely unattainable. Several years ago I asked an architect about his services and brought up a figure that I thought was reasonable. He literally laughed at me and said that wouldn't even buy the initial drawings. I was humiliated and walked away feeling terrible. Lucky for architects, I guess, that there will always be millionaires to keep them in business.

[@mandystarr404]

There is no doubt that this is the best KZbin video I have ever seen, truly elegant.

[@petrovic0321]

I have not seen anything so classy, original and refreshing

[@TheBoose]

Now this is a masterclass in architecture. Thank you featuring this AD and bravo to you Mr Steven Harris for this spectacular masterpiece.

[@SugarWildflower-si4ox]

You accomplished both serenity and comfort in design of that beautiful house in natural surroundings. One of the most tranquil unique homes ever designed. The owners are very fortunate.

[@twochunkydivas]

I’m a huge FLW fan. This house is so evocative of Falling Water yet is exquisite in its own way. So stunningly beautiful.

[@max8038]

True serenity. This unlocked a new goal in my mind.

[@lydiataylor4598]

I think this is one my favourite houses I've seen. The placement next to the sounds of the waterfall the forest, the views, how private it is! I'm in love