Board of Trustees to Weigh Fate of 24 Morris Lane Plus Home Sales, Featured Listings and Open Houses

The Committee for Historic Preservation (CHP) was unable to reach a decision on the fate of the home at 24 Morris Lane. An application to demolish the house was considered at a meeting of the committee on May 15. Only five of the seven members were present, and four votes "yes" votes were needed to grant the application. The committee voted 3 in favor and 2 against and therefore could not approve the demolition.

The home, built in 1915, is 8,050 square feet and has 8 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a pool, a tennis court and a greenhouse. It is sited on 1.83 acres of land in Murray Hill.

When determining whether or not a house should be preserved the CHP considers four criteria If it meets any of the following criteria, then the committee can deny permission to take it down.

1. That the building is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to broad patterns of Village, regional, state or national history; or
2. That the building is associated with the life of a person or persons of historical significance; or
3. That the building is the work of a master and embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction that possess high artistic values; or
4. That the building has yielded or may be likely to yield information important in prehistory or history.

The case for 24 Morris Lane's preservation arose from points 2 and 3. The house has had two residents, each of some interest. One resident was Everit J. Sadler, who was the operating vice-president and director of Standard Oil, joining the company in 1903 and resigning in 1942. He was the manager of Rumanian oil properties when they were overrun by German forces in 1915. He was also a veteran of the navy, serving on the Oregon in the Battle of Santiago. The second resident was Norman E. Alexander, CEO of Sequa Corp. and philanthropist. He donated $4 million dollars to Columbia University to start its Library for Jewish Studies.

Ultimately, while these are both interesting men, the CHP felt as though there are so many people of interest from Scarsdale that the real preservationist case came from Point 3. 24 Morris Lane is undoubtedly the work of masters. Hiss and Weekes, the architects of the home, are renowned in their profession, especially for their work designing the Peninsula Hotel, Knollwood Estate, and The Belnord Apartments in New York, Villa Virginia in Massachusetts, and Byers Hall at Yale University in Connecticut. The trouble came with the "and" portion of point 3. Committee members were unsure whether the home qualified as embodying the characteristics of a singular style, as parts of the house are in a Mediterranean style and others in a Colonial Revival. While the house may seem to embody the criteria at a distance, the wording of the criteria was such that the CHP could not reach a decision. The decision will now be passed on to the full Scarsdale Board of Trustees for consideration.

Sales

2 Hickory Lane

Light-filled Colonial, completely re-built and expanded in 2000 to an uncompromising standard of excellence, set on an acre of level land in the heart of Fox Meadow with a stunning pool! The first level features formal entertaining rooms built using the finest craftsmanship and detail, in addition to a phenomenal layout for everyday living in the open plan kitchen/family room overlooking the beautifully landscaped and private grounds. The second level boasts an expansive master suite containing a bedroom with a fireplace and tray ceiling, luxurious bath, office, three walk-in closets plus four additional bedrooms and three full baths. The lower level includes a great playroom, wet bar and half bath.
Sell Price: $3,475,000
Real Estate Taxes: $74,610
Assessed Value: $3,050,000

1 Lakin Road

Magnificent sun-lit home with large windows and beautiful architectural details in the Murray Hill section of Scarsdale. This house, with beautiful plantings throughout, is situated on .54 acres and has approval for a pool. The gracious entry leads to a living room with wood burning fireplace, a large dining room, kitchen with island and breakfast area, family room with gas fireplace and doors to yard, office, sun porch/library, and mudroom. The kitchen has two Miele dishwashers, three Viking ovens, six-burner Viking Stove with griddle, Viking warming drawer, Viking Microwave, SubZero refrigerator. The second floor has five bedrooms and four bathroom The third floor has two bedrooms and a full bath. The lower level has a family room, a playroom, laundry, storage, full bath. The garage is outfitted as a basketball court with special flooring, or it can potentially house four cars with a lift.

Sell Price: $3,475,000
Real Estate Taxes: $67,625
Assessed Value: $2,750,000

30 Wynmor Road

Beautiful custom built colonial in a highly desirable and well established Heathcote location. Perfectly set on this tree lined street, 30 Wynmor is built by a second generation Scarsdale builder known for his high quality craftsmanship and integrity. This 5 bedroom home has everything designed to be in the right place allowing for seamless and easy living. Custom chef's kitchen with high end appliances is standard along with carefully designed high quality bathrooms and perfectly sized living spaces. A walk in pantry and mud room with custom built-ins are a thoughtful feature. Ample windows and sliders open the home to the deck and flat private yard. The lower level boasts a bedroom, full bath, playroom and home office. This prized location allows for a wonderful mix of urban suburbia with a gourmet food market, shops, restaurants, tennis, farm stand and transportation.

Sell Price: $2,300,000
Real Estate Tax: TBD
Assessed Value: $925,000

40 Ferncliff Road

Classic Center Hall Colonial on beautifully landscaped level property in walking distance to elementary, high school, town and train. Built in 1998 by Shlomo Freidfertig, a premier local builder, this home has been meticulously maintained and updated recently. The 1st level features a living room, formal dining room, powder room, large chef's eat-in-kitchen with dining area, adjacent family room with gas fireplace, laundry/mud room and two car garage. The 2nd level boasts a spacious master bedroom with two walk-in closets and a luxurious master bath with Jacuzzi tub, large shower and double sink vanity, 3 more bedrooms and a large hall bath with double sink vanity; could add 3rd bath. Lower level includes a bedroom/full bath, office, huge recreation room. The yard features a beautiful bluestone patio, perfect for outdoor dining. Full house generator.

Sell Price: $1,950,000
Real Estate Tax: $34,380
Assessed Value: $1,250,000

44 Cohawney Road

Sprawling Colonial perfectly set on a half acre of lush, private property on one of Fox Meadow's prettiest streets. Natural light streams in morning and afternoon through the extra large brand new windows and gives a warm glow. This home features central air, hardwood floors, private master suite, new HVAC, first floor laundry/mudroom, enclosed porch, gorgeous level property, and large flagstone patio perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Sell Price: $1,532,000
Real Estate Tax: $36,029
Assessed Value: $1,575,000

9 Colonial Road

A great opportunity to own a colonial home located in the Quaker Ridge area. This sun-filled colonial features a master bedroom w/master bath 3 additional bedrooms, formal living and dining rooms, a first floor bed room, gleaming hardwood floors throughout. Spacious layout and large level front and fenced-in backyards, near to parks, pool and golf course, Taxes do not include basic STAR reduction. Move right into this updated and well maintained 4 bed colonial home on lovely .48 acre property.

Sell Price: $830,000
Real Estate Tax: $22,536
Assessed Value: $925,000

Featured Listings

17 Morris Lane
Perfectly set in coveted Murray Hill, this stately brick Colonial with slate roof, majestically sited on a lush 1.58 acre property accessed by a circular driveway is a dream come true. The sweeping lawns are visible from all rooms in the house. Intricately carved moldings present a feast for the eyes. Scarsdale Office: 914-723-8877. Learn more here.

List Price: $3,450,000

64 Cushman Road
Step into this stunning and timeless English Tudor in the heart of the coveted Murray Hill estates and be amazed by its splendor and beauty. Set on over an acre of private, park-like property, this property boasts 6 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms which are very well thought out making for comfortable and spacious living. Listing Agents: Heather Harrison 917.299.7490 and Jennifer Jaffe 917.922.4789. Learn more here.

List Price: $3,358,000

31 Paddington Road
This east and west double-exposure, sunny unit with treetop views has its own private entrance. The renovated kitchen with a full-size washer and dryer will have a new stainless steel dishwasher installed in June, and it has gas cooking with a window that overlooks the pool across the street. Scarsdale Office: 914-723-8877. Learn more here.

List Price: $3,350,000

1 Stonewall Lane 
Elegant new Shingle Style Colonial with modern finishes to be built on gorgeous level half acre with room for a pool in Quaker Ridge. Ideal layout for living and entertaining. Listing Agent: Alicia Gold 914.844.2760. Learn more here.

List Price: $2,975,000

14 Lebanon Road
Luxurious and modern design capture the essence of this custom built home on an idyllic street in the heart of Heathcote. Every detail of this home has been thoughtfully mastered in craftsmanship and architectural design and layout. Listing Agent: Heather Harrison 917.299.7490. Learn more here.

List Price: $2,695,000

8 Fox Meadow Road
Just minutes from village and train, this Fox Meadow gem is perched up on a majestic tree lined street. Over 3000 square feet of open interior living space that highlights classic crown moldings, large windows, and 9' ceilings. Listing Agent: William Doescher 914.980.7688. Learn more here.

List Price: $1,499,000

Open Houses

9 Autenreith Road 
Open house Sunday May 28th 2:00-4:00 PM
This stunning 2011-built center hall Colonial is just steps away from Scarsdale's downtown and train station. Recent significant architectural and cosmetic exterior changes and substantial interior upgrades present a clean lined, modern home. A+ location, superb schools and fantastic commute -- this home has it all. Scarsdale Office: 914-723-8877. Learn more here.

List Price: $2,998,000 

8 Murray Hill Road

Open house Saturday May 22nd 12:00-2:00 PM
Timeless Elegance in this classic Center Hall Colonial on gorgeous property in Murray Hill! Move-in ready with 6 bedrooms, 6 full and 2 half baths, and a huge master suite with 2 full baths, marble fireplace, dressing room with built-Ins, walk-In closet and office/sitting room. This "has everything" home features high ceilings, crown moldings, elevator, 2 sets of back stairs, formal living room has fireplace and floor to ceiling windows, high end custom kitchen-SubZero/Viking/Bosch, granite countertops, The living room, dining room and library lead to deck for entertaining. Professional office with separate entrance, 2 car attached garage. Listing Agent: Stephen Rogalski Mobile: 914-391-9963. Learn more here.

List Price: $2,250,000

286 Soundview Avenue
Open house Saturday May 27th 2:00-4:00 PM
Fabulous manor style home offers a grand lifestyle on over one acre of lush property in Soundview. Welcoming entry foyer leads to an over-sized living room with beamed ceiling and elegant fireplace with French doors opening to the library, sunroom and magnificent garden courtyard. A formal dining room with beamed ceiling and fireplace is a delightful setting for entertaining. The family room offers flexible space with a separate outdoor entrance and a PDR. An expansive updated kitchen with breakfast room features a butler's pantry with custom cabinetry, granite countertops and Dacor Professional range and oven with Sub zero refrigerator. The 1st floor is completed by a sunny separate studio with PDR and entrances at the rear of the two-car garage. The 2nd floor offers a luxurious master bedroom suite with marble bath, a dressing antechamber and study. 5 more bedrooms provide ample space + 3 additional full baths. Listing Agent: Angela Manson. Learn more here.

List Price: $1,695,000

3 Campus Place: Unit 1A
Open House: Sunday 5/28/17
1:00 - 3:00pm

This sun filled delightful 1 bedroom co-op fits the bill. You can bring along your dog and not worry about walking up steps! Located on the first floor with southeastern juliaricciutiexposure. Hardwood floors, updated kitchen ajuliaricciutind bath! #65 bus on the corner of Underhill and Central will take you to the Scarsdale train station for your convenience. Contact Julia Ricciuti, RE/MAX Prime Properties, (914)-723-1212 or 914-391-6994, [email protected], www.juliaricciuti.com.
Learn more here:

List Price: $195,000, Maintenance $785 with Star of $130.