Another One Bites the Dust: Plus Homes in the News and Sales

The Scarsdale Board of Trustees approved a hardship application for the demolition of an historic home at 12 Dolma Road at their meeting on Tuesday November 16. 2017. The owners were previously denied approval to demolish the home by the Committee for Historic Preservation who declared that the home met the criteria for preservation. It was designed by architect Lewis Bowman and built by famed Scarsdale builder in Walter Collet in 1929. The 4,558 square foot "English style" house was identified in the Cultural Resources Survey, a 2012 survey of Scarsdale's historic properties.

The Board of Trustees originally denied an appeal to the decision, finding that the home was associated with an event that made a significant contribution to broad patterns of Village history in that it was an example of Scarsdale's transformation into an upper middle class community and reflective of a period in the Village's history.

They found that the home was associated with Lewis Bowman, who they found to be a person of significance who designed 53 homes in Bronxville and whose work was frequently cited in architectural journals in the 1930's. According to the Mayor, "there was widespread recognition of Bowman's work."

They said that 12 Dolma Road was the work of a master and had "high artistic value." Bowman was a prominent architect and the design of the house includes many sophisticated examples of English architecture.

So why the reversal in their decision? What is the hardship? Experts provided evidence that the home is "functionally obsolete" because of deficiencies in its siting, design and layout. They said that the house is sited too far back on the property so that any renovations would intrude into the backyard which is too small. The home lacks an open plan layout, there is a deficiency of closet space, the bathrooms are too small, two of the five bedrooms are small servants quarters and there is only a 2-car garage.

They said that in order to appeal to today's buyers the home would need new plumbing and electrical systems, a kitchen/family room and 3-car garage, and that these two additions would cost $2,750.000. Furthermore the house would have to be moved forward on the property at a cost of $350,000. After keeping the house on the market from 2015 to 2017, the only offer the owners received was conditional upon approval to demolish the house. Furthermore the architect explored other permitted uses including a church, school, club or hospital and determined it was too small to convert for other uses.

History shows that the house was originally listed at $4,200,000 in April 2015 and after a series of reductions dropped to $2,775,000 by July 2017.

Trustees found that this significant drop in market value, plus consideration of these other factors supported that a hardship exists and therefore granted permission to demolish it.

Now that the demolition has been approved, the house is on the market again for $3,250,000.

This decision may set a new precedent for applicants who wish to demolish historic homes. If the Committee for Historic Preservation rules against the application, the owners can easily appeal and show that the historic home does not meet the needs of modern buyers seeking features like en suite bathrooms, combination kitchen/family rooms and an open layout. These were not features of homes built in the earlier decades of the 20th century, so most homes would fall into this criteria.

Sales:
Another historic home that was approved for demolition in an appeal to the Scarsdale Board of Trustees sold this week:

26 Cooper Road: A hidden treasure in a most sought after Murray Hill location. This private 1.09 estate is tranquil, flat and park-like. Enjoy mature specimen plantings, a side patio and a lovely garden. Situated on the property is an art studio, with an upstairs bedroom/bathroom. Detached two car garage, and behind that is a separate potting shed with a separate detached two plus-car garage (the third garage is a workshop area). This home was lovingly maintained. Truly a unique opportunity.

Sale Price: $2,200,000
Assessed Value: $4,325,000
Real Estate Taxes: $104,035

Also in the news this week is 50 Lincoln Road, the home where Jules Reich allegedly stabbed his wife, Dr. Robin Goldman, to death in January 2016.

50 Lincoln Road: Expansive open grounds with over an acre of level, park-like property in Heathcote. This 6,444 square foot contemporary style home on 1.33 acres has unique architecture with soaring ceilings and tons of windows allowing for great sunlight. There is an oversized updated gourmet eat in kitchen that will please the most discerning chef. A fabulous wrap around flagstone patio overlooks the in ground pool and cabana.
Sale Price: $1,860,000
Assessed Value: $2,350,000
Real Estate Taxes: $62,413

50 Sheldrake Road: Soho meets Scarsdale in this striking, re-designed and newly re-constructed Modern home on one acre of pristine property with a heated pool, in one of Heathcote's prime neighborhoods. Clean, modern lines and superb finishes mingle to stunning effect in this exquisite open floor plan, featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.2 baths and neat professional chef kitchen. Serene, Zen-like sanctuary is further enhanced by walls of glass surrounding the entire home. Award-winning Kolbe windows span floor to ceiling, showcasing lush, private property. The aesthetically interesting & energy efficient technology in the windows and Fabral metal roofing system provide additional benefits of durability and a healthy living environment. Amenities include 4-zone hydro HVAC system, 2-car garage, wired for Sonos sound system, security system, sprinkler system, top-of-the-line appliances, radiant heating, 2 fireplaces, heated pool, enormous property, prestigious location & unique architectural design.

Sale Price: $2,700,000
Assessed Value: $2,900,000
Real Estate Taxes: $57,526

80 Brewster Road: Renovated Fox Meadow Tudor 2007 with beautiful architectural details and high-end quality finishes throughout. Gourmet kitchen with soap stone countertops and top-of-the-line appliances that opens to the large family room with doors to the secluded back yard. Living room with elegant fireplace. Gracious dining room. Amazing master bedroom with a huge closet room and luxury master bath. Perfect flow and room arrangements for comfortable living and gracious entertaining. Additional features include slate roof, copper gutters, and hardwood floors.

Sale Price: $1,800,000Assessed Value: $1,525,00
Real Estate Taxes: $37,030

34 Crane Road: Lovingly maintained center hall Colonial in Fox Meadow. On .35 acres with 2,459 interior square feet, this home can easily be expanded upon. First floor has a living room, powder room, formal dining room and eat-in kitchen and a wraparound covered patio overlooking a park-like backyard. Second floor: master bedroom with sunroom and bathroom, plus 2 bedrooms with Jack-and-Jill bathroom. Third floor has an office, full hall bathroom and playroom. Lower level is open and unfinished. Renovated in 1970. Gas fuel. Lovely stone wall, plenty of room to park several cars in the driveway.

Sale Price: $1,062,500
Assessed Value: $2,000,000
Real Estate Taxes: $31,566

Featured Listings

157 Mercer Avenue Hartsdale
This unique and charming four bedroom/three-and-a-half bath Manor Woods Colonial in a park-like setting with mature trees and perennial gardens has many updates. Designer eat-in kitchen with custom white cabinets, limestone counters and stainless appliances, new chic master bath and other baths nicely updated. Learn more here:

List Price: $849,000

134 Highland Road Scarsdale
Impeccable move-in ready Edgemont Split Level home in the desirable ABC streets. Comfortable layout and nicely proportioned rooms. Inviting entry foyer, large living room with large bow window flows into dining room and spacious modern eat-in kitchen, vaulted cathedral ceiling family room opening to large deck. Learn more here

List Price: $915,000

Open Houses:

55 Old Orchard Lane Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE Sunday 11/19 2-4 PM

Romantic Colonial perched on a hilltop overlooking more than half an acre. Learn more here:

List Price: $2,199,000

111 Dorchester Road Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE Sunday 11/19 2-4 PM

Modern and sophisticated in style is this magnificent Contemporary Colonial. Learn more here

List Price: $1,599,000

16 Ridgecrest West Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE Sunday 11/19 2-4PM

Don't miss this renovated and bright, classic Colonial on a tranquil street in Greenacres. Learn more here

List Price: $1,595,000

27 Rugby Lane Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE Sunday 11/19 12:30 PM-2:30 PM

Don't miss this sun-filled Tudor on a tranquil street in the Grange section of Greenacres. Learn more here.

List Price: $975,000

110 North Healy Avenue Hartsdale

OPEN HOUSE Sunday 11/19 12 PM-2 PM

Contemporary Ranch home in Hartsdale Park with a great sense of privacy. Learn more here:

List Price $599,000