Shard Villa, Second Empire estate in Salisbury, US.
Shard Villa is a Second Empire estate distinguished by its mansard roof, three-story tower with balustrade, and paired round-arch windows. The main building is complemented by several outbuildings including a carriage barn, dairy barn, horse barn, and a family mausoleum situated on elevated ground.
Columbus Smith, an international lawyer, commissioned architects Warren Thayer and Clinton Smith to design this residence in 1872. The estate became the home of a prominent figure who left his mark on the local community.
The Italian artist Silvio Pezzoli created interior murals while living at the villa, enriching its architectural character. Visitors can still observe these handcrafted decorative details in the rooms today.
The property is walkable and the structures are visible from various points, allowing a comprehensive view of the entire ensemble. The surrounding grounds offer different vantage points to appreciate the buildings and their setting.
The property takes its name from Frances Mary Shard, a Vermont native who married an English nobleman and became Columbus Smith's first major international client. This connection between a local namesake and a global business network reveals the cosmopolitan reach of the owner.
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