Checkmate: 4 Homes with Black-and-White Floors

A decorative motif since ancient Egypt, the black-and-white checkered floor appears in Masonic temples, the colonnade of the Grand Trianon at Versailles, and countless early-20th-century American homes. The pattern subtly introduces a sense of fun and whimsy while adding depth and dimension—checking all the boxes of thoughtful, timeless design.

A Southern California Classic

Richard Yohon | Sotheby’s International Realty – Los Feliz Brokerage

Dating to the late 1920s, this seven-bedroom Los Feliz residence combines classical elegance with modern flair and a stylishly minimalist palette. The grand entry opens to a sunny living room with a fireplace, a formal dining room, a library, and a cook’s kitchen and breakfast area with an island, stainless-steel appliances, and striking black-and-white tiled floors that are stately and slightly whimsical. Other highlights include a family room, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, and a grassy backyard with a patio, fireplace, pool, spa, and outdoor kitchen.

Idyllic Coastal Colonial

Leslie McElwreath | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage

On the banks of a peaceful Long Island Sound cove, this magnificent Greenwich estate is inspiring in its style, scale, and setting. Creating visual interest throughout the 12,492 square feet are—naturally—water views as well as vibrant colors, intriguing textures, eye-catching window detailing and other millwork, wall treatments, and tile—most notably the bold black-and-white pattern in the regal foyer. The 1.6-acre property also offers a refreshing swimming pool, a private beach, a fire pit, and a dock.

French-Inspired Manor in Greenwich

Joseph Barbieri, Leslie McElwreath | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage

Nearly every room of this light-flooded 9,006-square-foot, six-bedroom manor enjoys an unobstructed view of Greenwich Cove. Beginning with a foyer floored in timelessly handsome black and white tiles, it displays a respect for classicism and an impeccable attention to detail throughout. The equally impressive 1.77-acre grounds feature covered and open-air living spaces, swaths of emerald lawn, manicured gardens, a two-bedroom guest cottage, and a swimming pool and spa surrounded by a terrace perfect for waterside lounging and entertaining.

Sagaponack’s Winnecoma

Clark + Thoerner Team | Sotheby’s International Realty – Bridgehampton Brokerage

A mere mile from the beach in Sagaponack, this estate—reportedly one of the area’s first summer retreats—is suffused with the enchantment of a bygone era. The four-acre property includes a delightful Shingle-style home, a guesthouse, a carriage house, a former stable, gardens, and a collection of wild and specimen trees. Designed in 1899 by James E. Ware & Sons of Manhattan, the main residence features a welcoming foyer with checkerboard floors and one of several fireplaces, decoratively detailed windows, and numerous porches and balconies.

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