Real Estate Survey Results and Recent Sales

The Real Estate Survey conducted on Scarsdale10583 indicates that respondents are looking to Village Trustees to re-examine our laws to limit the size of new homes, protect trees and preserve open space. 75% of respondents believe that the new homes being built in Scarsdale are too large and 4 out of 5 respondents agree that trustees should re-examine code on floor area ratio, lot coverage, and the preservation of trees and open space. However, respondents are divided on the effect of home demolitions and new construction.

Though the survey size was small – there were only 113 respondents, here are their views on demolitions, construction and what trustees might do to preserve neighborhood character in Scarsdale.

Survey Response:

What do you think about the demolition of homes in Scarsdale?

-Negatively impacts the character of the neighborhood:  46%
-Positively impacts the character of the neighborhood:   26.5%
Does not impact the character of the neighborhood:       24.7%

What do you think about the number of homes being demolished in Scarsdale?

There are too many homes being demolished:                48.6%
There are the right amount of homes being demolished: 47.7%

What do you think about the number of new homes being built in Scarsdale?

-There are too many new homes being built.
We are losing the character of the village:                       46.9%
-There are the right amount of new homes being built:    39.8%

What do you think about the size of new homes being built?

They are generally too large: 75.2%
They seem to be the right size for the neighborhood and property: 21.2%

However over 80% of residents are looking to our government to address the issues. Here is what you said:

So though readers are split on the number of new homes going up, they are overwhelming opposed to the size of these new homes. Readers also had lots to say about the current landscape and what should be done. Here are just a few of your comments:

Comment #1:
The vast majority of teardowns are exactly that-teardowns, never having been updated or maintained. The FAR regulations have encouraged oversized and quite frankly unappealing homes that over time will be expensive to maintain and repair. The dormers and multiple rooflines are sometimes done simply and well and other times-bizarre and unattractive. A walk around the Crossway area reveals a dozen cheesy and unattractive homes built over the past 3-5 years. How they were approved by the BAR stuns me and nearly all that know of them. Several have a mish mash of window styles and rooflines that defy taste- 4 to 7 styles on one front. Who approves this? These are the ones that need give new development a bad name. Others are done tastefully or innocuously. Clearly the FAR needs a reval and the BAR needs to establish better standards and apply them equally to all homes, not just the ones that neighbors put up a fuss over.

Comment #2:
I live on a street that is one very short, steep block long and previously had 8 houses. It now has 10 houses and one monstrous renovation. The street it now congested with large houses on relatively very small lots. Because the builders have no property to work with, they have destroyed the contours of the land and created walls and terraces. In addition, the close proximity of the houses has led to uniform, unattractive "stockades" of arbor vitae in an attempt to regain the privacy that existed when the houses were not one on top of another. What's sad is that the people who pay for these ridiculous abodes could have more square feet on larger properties in houses with some character, for basically the same outrageous prices they've paid.

Comment #3
I purchased my home in Fox Meadow 25 years ago. I was attracted to Scarsdale primarily because of the "look" of an established town with gracious old homes. All that has changed now, the overwhelming majority of builders crap that is going up looks the same. It combines clapboard and feature stone along with a hodgepodge of "feature windows" and it is called a Colonial. All this on a too small lot and too close to the neighbors. And how about height? The majority of the new houses dwarf their older neighbors in height, completely out of character.

The BAR should be charged with the responsibility/guidelines to help ensure/create a varied neighborhood of Tudors, colonials and Mediterranean's. The building materials should be diverse and of high quality. Regulation of landscaping should be taken seriously. For each knockdown/new home, there should be a minimum established for new shade trees. The newly planted trees should be a minimum size as well when planted.

Sales:

Edgemont:

39 High Point Road

This ranch home is on almost an acre (.8388) of secluded park-like property with flowers, lush greenery, vegetable gardens and colorful mature plantings. Relax in the expansive private yard or by the in-ground swimming pool. Both the dining and family rooms open to the patio. There are three bedrooms off the family room with a full bath nearby. The master bedroom with bath is located near the entry hall.

Sale Price: $935,000
Taxes: $29,420

220 Ardsley Road

This home is on nearly half acre of property with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. There is a fireplace in the living room and in the family room. There is a path adjacent to the property that leads to the Seely Place elementary school. There are new windows, furnace and roof. The laundry room is on the first level. There is a back-up, hard-wired generator in the basement. The home was recently painted. There is a new, wrought iron fence around the level yard and a detached one car garage with a side door for workshop potential.

Sale Price: $850,000
Taxes: $25,599

Featured Listings:

17 Harvest Drive, Scarsdale

Elegant and stately new custom built colonial on almost 3/4 of an acre of incredible land with room for a pool. Over 9000 square feet of an amazing floor plan ideal for entertaining indoor and outdoors. There are three patios including a covered porch with outdoor fireplace and a three car garage that enters into a gracious mud room. There is also a library and second butler's pantry on the first floor. The second floor has five bedrooms all en suite and a huge playroom with back staircase and laundry. The lower level can be anything you want with potential for a game room, wine storage, gym, playroom, maids' room and full bath. This home is being built by one of Scarsdale's finest custom home builders who will work with a
buyer to make this home truly unique by customizing all interior finishes. This home is also ideally located close to five corners shopping, recreational facilities and houses of worship. For more information, click here. 

List Price: $4,995,000

20 Meadow Road, Scarsdale
Open House Sunday December 6: 1-3 PM

Enjoy beautiful views from this stunning new colonial! Impressive circular driveway leads to this grand custom built home on expansive .61 acre lot with potential room for a pool. Over 8000 square feet of ideal living space including grand foyer, open kitchen with double island, family room, dining room, living room, plus 1st floor guest suite, study and dream mudroom with custom built cubbies that accesses the three car garage. The second floor boasts well proportioned rooms including a Master Suite with 2 over-sized walk in closets, 4 additional family bedrooms each with en suite bath, and a separate laundry room. The lower level
includes an aupair suite with full bathroom and large rec room with 9 foot ceilings. Built by local builder with an exceptional attention to detail and finishes. Ideally located within walking distance to Quaker Ridge Elementary school and houses of worship! Home has a built in natural gas back up generator and comes pre wired for camera/security system and surround sound. For more information, click here.  

List Price:  $4,295,000

19 Griffen Avenue, Scarsdale
Open House: Sunday December 6, 1- 3PM

Spectacular views of the Long Island Sound from this unique property. This home is majestically set on 3.235 acres and is sub dividable. There are an additional 2 half acre lots at the rear of the property with frontage on Cornell. Those two lots will be offered for $995,000 each. This unique home's layout is perfect for one floor easy living. The open floor plan has fabulous views of the property from the living room, dining room, master bedroom and master study. The pool is uniquely constructed on the first and highest level so you can see the Long Island Sound from its deck and has easy access from the kitchen, living room and dining room. There are high quality built-ins thoughtfully installed throughout the home. Every bedroom has its own bathroom. This is a must see property.  For more information, click here. 

List Price:  $3,995,000

5 Cornell Street, Scarsdale

Very rare opportunity to own over 2 acres of park like property with magnificent golf course views in the award-winning Scarsdale school district! This spectacular property features a heated gunite pool (renovated in 2003), Hard Tru tennis court (2003), circular driveway, fabulous landscaping and phenomenal property. The home has been meticulously updated over the years and has a bright, spacious layout ideal for today's buyer. Breathtaking views greet you as you enter the grand open foyer. Enjoy the updated gourmet eat-in-kitchen kitchen and baths, sunroom, multi-level deck, built in sound system, living room with coffered ceiling and
fireplace, hardwood floors, custom moldings and large master bedroom suite with walk-in closet. The perfect blend of natural beauty, luxury, and elegance located close to school, shopping, and some of the world's top golf courses. Possible subdivision. A truly one-of-a-kind property that's not to be missed! For more information, click here.

List Price: $3,100,000

2 Harvest Drive, Scarsdale

Exquisite custom home to be built with exceptional architectural details and ideal floor plan in convenient location. Grand two story entry hall with formal living room with fireplace, dining room, Huge eat-in-kitchen with breakfast area and family room with french doors to patio. There is also a mudroom and access to two car garage from first floor. The master bedroom suite has his and her walk in closets, there are 4 additional bedrooms all with their own en suite bathrooms. The laundry room is also on the second floor. The lower level is an additional 1966 square feet that will be
finished and customized with potential for a playroom, gym, office bedroom, and a full bath. This is an opportunity to work with a local builder who lives in the community and will work with a potential buyer on every detail of customizing this home in an ideal location.
For more information, click here.

List Price: $2,995,000

9 Wakefield Road, Scarsdale

Brand new construction in the heart of Heathcote. This is the one you have been waiting for! Idyllic layout for modern living on a wide level property by a well-known local builder. Over 5000 square feet of ultra high-end craftsmanship and architectural details including large entry foyer, powder room, Dining room with butlers pantry and pass-through to a remarkably large kitchen with breakfast area that opens into family room, living room and study. The two-car garage enters into the first floor with mudroom, second powder room and back staircase. The master suite has tray ceilings and a sitting area and his and her walk-in closets.
There are three additional family bedrooms with one en suite and Jack and Jill bathrooms. A separate laundry room completes the second floor. The lower level is over 1,500 square feet of anything you can imagine including a great room, Bedroom and full bathroom. Walk to shops, elementary school, recreational facilities and houses of worship. For more information, click here.

List Price: $2,899,000

28 Heathcote Road, Scarsdale

Impressive Collette built Georgian brick Colonial located in Murray Hill with incredible curb appeal and extraordinary landscaping with beautiful up lighting for grand nighttime presence. Stunning architectural details throughout including custom built ins, detailed moldings and archways, and beautiful hardwood floors. Ideal layout for gracious entertaining. There is a 3 car garage, a
mudroom, back staircase, and perfectly level property with room
for expansion. Upgraded mechanicals include new lower level AC/Heat (3 years old) and Hot water tank (2 years old). For more information, click here.

List Price: $2,795,000

25 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale

This grand and bright Scarsdale Colonial is the perfect blend of elegance, luxury and beauty. Located on 1.52 acres of spectacular property, this home features a large circular driveway and beautiful pool surrounded by gorgeous landscaping. The 1st floor offers ample space perfect for entertaining and everyday gatherings, including a dramatic foyer, 9-ft high ceilings and huge Eat-In-Kitchen that opens to the family room. Enjoy the superb living room, formal dining room, private library, open sunroom, and large deck off the kitchen, which provides breathtaking views. The sweeping staircase to the 2nd floor takes you to a large Master Bedroom Suite with 2 large walk in closets and a luxurious master bath, plus a 2nd floor family room/office.
There are 7 spacious bedrooms, plus 5.5 baths, and 4 fireplaces. The lower level features a playroom area and cabana bath. Move right in and enjoy the ultimate in privacy and serenity in this magnificent home ideally located within walking distance to the train, schools, and town! Click here for more information.

List Price: $ 2,499,800

9 Birch Lane, Scarsdale

Phenomenal opportunity to purchase a picturesque 1/2 acre property on a cul-de-sac in Scarsdale's exclusive Murray Hill Estates neighborhood. The ideal location to build your own custom estate: extremely quiet and private, yet convenient to all. 5 bedroom/3 bath Ranch home with plenty of expansion potential. Walking distance to school, bus, library and close to Scarsdale Village shopping and train. Located in nationally ranked Scarsdale school district and only 30 minutes to NYC via Metro North. Room to build over 9,500 square feet with pool. For more information, click here. 

List Price: $1,995,000

74 Anderson Avenue Scarsdale PO, Eastchester

Have it all in this renovated and expanded 4 bedroom Colonial located a short walk from the Scarsdale RR station. Large front entry with tiled flooring and closets. To the left is a family room w/ vaulted ceiling, new gas fireplace and doors to private patio. Step up into an inviting and open living room with wood burning fireplace and fine mill work. The new expansion to the rear and sunset side are home to a formal dining room, office and library. There is plenty of room to mingle in the EIK w/ top of the line appliances and doors to the patio. A baby grand piano now sits in the former dining room. Upstairs you will find a new master bedroom suite, high end bathroom and large walk in closet. Three other bedrooms and roomy hall bath round out this level. Below is a partially finished walk out basement and mudroom. Thermal windows and doors, gas heat, central air and special lighting make for comfortable living. Private backyard. Wide 1 car garage.  New Generator included.  For more information, click here. 

List Price:  $1,115,000