State Supreme Court Overrules Village's Decision to Preserve 11 Dolma Road
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Category: Real Estate
Judge Susan Cacace of the Westchester County Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the homeowners in their appeal to demolish an iconic home at 11 Dolma Road in Scarsdale.
The case was brought by Onedol Rock Holding, on behalf of homeowners Sarah and Steven Binetter, who were represented by Andrew Schriever and Kempshall C. McAndrew from Cuddy and Feder LLP of White Plains.
They were appealing decisions by the Scarsdale Committee for Historic Preservation and the Scarsdale Board of Trustees who both found the house to meet the Village’s criteria for preservation and denied a Certificate of Appropriateness to raze it.
The Village’s determination was based on its conclusions that:
-The home was significant in “American history, architecture, archeology, engineering and culture present in the building as well as the integrity of the location, design, setting, materials and workmanship.”
-Architect Julius Gregory was a master.
-The home embodies the distinctive characteristic of a type, period or method of construction that possess high artistic value.
Perhaps unable to disprove any of the above, the court’s decision in favor of the homeowners pivots on statements from their hired expert from Philadelphia, Dr. Emily Cooperman, who claimed that due to renovations to the home that occurred over its almost 100 year history, “it can no longer be viewed as an excellent example of an English Norman style house.” The court decision says that these “dramatic alterations undermine the Board of Trustees further reliance upon the location and setting of the main house amongst the other houses in the 1920’s on Dolma Road” and they conclude that the main house can no longer be considered a historic building. And furthermore, since it underwent “major alterations,” it could no longer be considered the work of a master.
There was ample evidence in a report written by Adam Lindenbaum, Chair of the Committee for Historic Preservation to support the Village’s decision and refute Cooperman’s conclusions.
Lindenbaum opines on hired expert Cooperman’s claim, saying that she sought to “exaggerate the extent and effect of these renovations.” This was backed up by CHP member and architect Mark Behr who found the renovations “sympathetic” to the original design” and Professor Andrew Dolkart, who headed up a survey of Scarsdale’s historic properties in 2012. Dolkart noted that the renovations were “minor” and “sensitive.” In fact the 1941 renovation was done by noted architect Simon Zelnick and specified that “all new work to match present in every respect.”
The CHP report from the September 29, 2021 meeting also provides ample evidence that architect Julius Gregory was a master noting his “diverse practice in terms of style, scale and price point,” which “lends credence to his work. Dolkart notes that Gregory did not simply copy historic architecture but adapted traditional designs to contemporary life and materials available. The committee’s conclusion was further supported by a lengthy paper outlining Gregory’s work, publications, and contributions to American history written by his niece and current resident Ann Marie Cefola.
The original 1929 home as pictured in a book of builder Walter Collet's work. If ever the Village had a conclusive case to preserve a historic property, 11 Dolma was it. The home clearly met multiple criteria for preservation in the Village code, had been sensitively preserved over time and is emblematic of a time in Scarsdale’s history.
At the hearing of the Scarsdale Board of Trustees on February 4, 2021, Attorney James Staudt who represented the Village said, “If ever credit should be given to the CHP it is in this case. There are 600 pages of documentation. The record demonstrates that both sides were afforded opportunities to supply evidence…. The decision provides clear articulate reasons and thoughtful discussion of how Julius Gregory advanced architecture into the modern age…. it is difficult to fathom a more thorough process.”
When the Binetter’s purchased the home in November 2019, it was listed in a 2012 Reconnaissance Level Cultural Resource Survey of the Village which discussed both the house and Dolma Road. If the Binetter’s were aware of the historical significance of the property, it is puzzling why they would proceed with the purchase and the assumption that they could knock it down.
The report says, “Dolma Road, running from Murray Hill Road to Birchall Road, is a short street lined with exclusive houses on large lots, most erected between 1926 and 1929 (one dates from 1935), primarily for wealthy businessmen and their families (Figure 7-10-1). Dolma Road was largely a project of Walter J. Collet, the Scarsdale builder who was responsible for the construction of many substantial houses in the village. Collet claimed that he chose the name Dolma in reference to a mountain range in Bengal, India; just why he made this choice remains a mystery.”
About the house and architect Julius Gregory it says, “The talented architect Julius Gregory, whose work can be seen in other areas of Scarsdale (including his own house), designed a huge French farmhouse at No. 11, one of the finest houses of the type in Scarsdale (Figure 7-10-11). The L-shaped brick house has a polygonal corner tower and an entrance set beneath a shed hood, a sophisticated rendition of vernacular rural French design.”
The report says Gregory was a “specialist in suburban homes, and among the most talented architects in the United States, designing this type of house for the upper middle class.”
Since the Binetter’s purchased the historic home and an adjoining property for $7.8 million in November 2019 it has stood empty. They have waged a two year war to demolish it, filing an application to the Committee for Historic Preservation to raze it in June 2020 and appealing that decision to the Scarsdale Board of Trustees and next to the Supreme Court of the State of NY for the County of Westchester.
They appear intent on destroying yet another piece of Scarsdale’s history – a win for this young family and a loss for those who treasure this Village.
What do the experts think and will the Village appeal the decision? We asked We asked Village Manager Rob Cole for a comment and he said, "The Village is reviewing the decision and consulting with legal counsel to formulate our response.”
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CHP Clears the Way for Subdivision of a Historic Property on Mamaroneck Road
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- Category: Real Estate
It seems that rules are made to be broken in Scarsdale. When it comes to land use, there’s no decision made by a Village Committee that can’t be amended, changed or reversed.
That’s exactly what we saw at the meeting of the Committee for Historic Preservation on Tuesday February 15, when they cleared the way for a clever developer to subdivide a property that the Committee had previously found to be historic and worthy of preservation. In addition to giving him permission to demolish the caretaker’s cottage and garage they also said it was okay to lop off a portion of the house that stood too close to the new property line to facilitate his proposed subdivision.
In April 2021, the Committee denied an application to demolish a 7,000 square foot 1916 Colonial Revival home, accessory buildings and pool at 40 Mamaroneck Road. The committee considered both the house and its site at the end of a long driveway on a 2.83 acre lot on a prominent street. Furthermore, the grounds include fruit trees and a rare 150 year old Chestnut tree.
The committee voted in favor of preserving it, finding it a, “strong example of a large home on a large property for wealthy merchants leaving the city for suburban life,” and said, “this is a home that contributes to the broad patterns of history.”
However, just a few months later, developer Shlomo Freidfertig filed an application to take down the accessory buildings and the small addition to the house to clear the way for a subdivision of the property that had been found to be historic and was to be. preserved intact. He simultaneously filed an application with the Planning Board to subdivide the property but noted on his application that there would be “no new house” on the new property.
But during the January 18, 2022 when he presented his plan he announced, surprise, surprise, his intention to build a second house on the subdivided property but did not show a plan of where it would be sited, and how it would affect the overall setting.
He returned to the CHP meeting February 15 with a blurry site plan showing what appears to be a massive house on what is now the front lawn of 40 Mamaroneck Road, coupled with an offer to waive his appeal to tear down the main house.
It was not clear why an application to demolish portions of a historic property had been put on the agenda in the first place. Why did the building department allow Freidfertig to apply to destroy what had been deemed worthy of preservation by the committee and the Village’s architectural expert, Andrew Dolkart? Do they ever say no? And if not, why not?
At the opening of the meeting on February 15, it appeared that the Committee for Historic Preservation was prepared to accept this horse trade or compromise to save the main house in exchange for allowing the destruction of the accessory buildings, the setting and even an addition to the house so that the developer could subdivide the property.
The Committee justified their decision by saying that since the accessory buildings were not historic and other large lots on Mamaroneck Road had been subdivided, they should permit the developer to move forward with the subdivision.
What was most puzzling is why they felt they needed to make a compromise on one of the few properties they had previously voted to preserve.
They had additional ammunition to consider as well.
The neighbor at 20 Mamaroneck Road Carol Wolchock shared the fact that her parents had purchased the lot that lies between 20 and 40 Mamaroneck Road so that it would not be developed. In a letter she wrote, “20 Mamaroneck Road and 40 Mamaroneck Road have been neighbors for over 100 years, and for almost sixty of those years the Wolchok and Rosenthal families have been neighbors. In fact, shortly after my parents purchased 20 Mamaroneck Road, my father approached the Rosenthals (the current owners of 40 Mamaroneck Road) about buying together the plot between their properties. That plot, identified as Plot 26 in Attachment A, was 1.133 acres and had been part of the impressive 20 Mamaroneck Rd estate but was not included in the parcel with the house purchased by parents in 1963.”
“The Wolchoks and the Rosenthals bought and divided Plot 26 soon thereafter: the Rosenthals acquired the eastern portion (outlined in bold in Attachment B) and the Wolchoks acquired the western portion. The intention was that the two families enjoy larger properties and that no new owner would purchase the land between the two homes to construct a third house. We believe this is what Mr. Freidfertig and Mr. Rosenthal intend to do.”
At the February meeting Wolchok said to the CHP, “You made a decision that the whole property had value and it surprises me that you’re reversing your decision. I see that you think this is a compromise. I don’t see anything that supports this reversal of your earlier decision.”
She continued, “Since the 2012 Cultural Resources survey came out, this property is now a decade older. There has been movement in historic preservation. There are untold stories and we are erasing those. There is a whole change in philosophy. What is outstanding about this property is that these buildings represent a period in the history of Scarsdale. It’s a shame to rip this down and put in another new building. There are still many historic homes on Mamaroneck Road. To me, putting up a massive new house among these stately properties surprises me. It saddens me that you would not find this worthy of preservation. If it is not, what is?”
About the developer she said, “Shlomo (Freidfertig) is charming and I think it would be a shame for you to do this.” (see her letter below.)
The Committee ultimately voted to approve the developer’s application to raze the shed and accessory buildings with a stipulation that the main house be preserved. Will that stipulation hold if Freidfertig sees an opportunity to raze the historic house and put a Mac Mansion in it’s place?
The decision demonstrates yet again that Scarsdale has little backbone when it comes to preservation and invites developers to continue their feeding frenzy on historic homes and landscapes.
The subdivision application will be considered by the Planning Board on February 23, 2022.
Here is the letter that neighbor Carol Leslie Wolchok of 20 Mamaroneck Road sent to the CHP on February 15, 2022
Dear Committee for Historic Preservation Members:
I am writing to reassert our family’s objections to the demolition of accessory structures at 40 Mamaroneck Rd. In addition to the comment submitted on January 18, 2022, I request your consideration of the following:
1.This Committee decided in April 2021 that this property is “associated with events that have made a significant contribution to broad patterns of Village, regional, state or national history” and “is an excellent example of a house from the peak years of Scarsdale’s suburbanization.” No evidence or information has been presented by the applicant to warrant a reconsideration or reversal of that decision.
2. This application presents an important opportunity for the CHP and Village to recognize the reliance on and vital role of domestic workers in Scarsdale households during the second and third decades of the twentieth century. In 1916, when the house and cottage were constructed, Scarsdale had barely 3000 residents. A decade later, one in five Scarsdale residents was a domestic servant. See Carol A. O’Connor, A Sort of Utopia: Scarsdale, 1891-1981 (Albany: State University of New York Press, 1983). These workers, primarily women, a substantial portion of whom were immigrant and African American, performed essential services but are largely forgotten.
The concept of historic preservation has evolved from protecting just the homes of important figures and landmark buildings to being more inclusive: telling a fuller story and the stories of underrepresented communities and people. In 1925, 501 Scarsdale households reported having 910 servants. I imagine that few original caretaker residences from this period survive today. This Committee should acknowledge these workers’ contributions and not allow evidence of their existence to be erased.
3. In addition to their historical importance, auxiliary dwelling units are “the rage” in communities across the United States today. The cottage at 40 Mamaroneck Road continues to be habitable and inhabited. Rather than being viewed as an undesirable feature, a historic home with an accessory dwelling in a park-like setting should be highly attractive to many families.
4. That particular stretch of Mamaroneck Road has layers of history. Mamaroneck Road was a major thoroughfare before and during the Revolutionary War. Opposite the site where Mr. Freidfertig proposes to build a new large house is the 1733 house that British General Howe used as his headquarters in 1776. When I gaze across our yard to the Rosenthals’, I often wonder if British troops camped there. And, if they did, what might they have left behind? On the next corner, at 2 Garden Road, is a house built in 1870 when Scarsdale had only a few hundred residents. The Wolchok (1904) and Rosenthal houses were built before 1920. Other nearby homes have similar ages (e.g., 54 Mamaroneck Road built in 1904 and 55 Mamaroneck Rd in 1890). These homes near the intersection of Garden and Mamaroneck Road are tied to significant periods in Scarsdale’s history. Certainly, that section of Mamaroneck Road is not appropriate for the new large construction that the applicant proposes (and that is pending before the Planning Board).
In closing, I want to reiterate that Mr. Freidfertig intends to build a new house on a parcel of land that was largely part of the original 20 Mamaroneck Rd estate (John Hancock’s “Home Port”). The Rosenthals and Wolchoks bought that parcel (“Plot 26”) in February 1965 to avert its sale to a third party for construction of a new house between their homes. For nearly 60 years, the Wolchoks and Rosenthals shared the mutual understanding that a third house should not be built there. The approval of this demolition application would not only pave the way for eventual partition and new construction there, but it would likely compromise the historic value of both properties.
For all of the foregoing reasons, we renew our opposition to the application to tear down the cottage, garage, and “shed” attached to the house as well as to demolish the main house.
Very truly yours,
Carol L Wolchok
Co-Owner of 20 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale
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Closing a Loophole in Our Historic Preservation Law
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- Category: Real Estate
In late October, residents were aghast to find that a developer had razed a significant portion of a historic home on Hampton Road in Scarsdale. The Committee for Historic Preservation had considered whether or not the home warranted preservation during the summer and an opinion from architectural historian Andrew Dolkart confirmed that it met several of the criteria for preservation.
But before the committee had the opportunity to vote, the developer who had purchased the property, filed a simultaneous application with the Board of Architectural Review to demolish what he claimed was 49% of the house. With approval from the BAR, the developer quickly took down half the house, the stone entry and all the stucco and brick on the remaining exterior, leaving a shell of the former home.
After this incident, trustees realized there was a gap in the building code that allowed the builder to “shop” his plans to several land use boards simultaneously, in an effort to get the answer he wanted.
After conferring with the Village Attorney, Dan Pozin, trustees are now considering an amendment to the building code to change the procedure for gaining approval for additions and alterations of homes built prior to January 1, 1940 that “substantially change the exterior character and appearance of the building.” For these properties, the applicant would need to also gain the approval of the Committee for Historic Preservation in addition to the Board of Architectural Review.
The intent of the code change is to close a gap or loophole between Village land use boards that allow applicants to gain approval for altering historic structures without approval of the Committee for Historic Preservation.
Trustees considered this potential code change at a work session on February 1, 2022. Both the Chair of the Board of Architectural Review and the Committee for Historic Preservation were present as well as Frank Diodati from the Scarsdale Building Department.
Discussing the need for this stop gap provision, Trustee Justin Arest said, “Historic preservation is much more complicated – we have been talking about it for years. The problem is that once these assets are gone, they are gone. This should not be overly burdensome to residents. We want to hear from everyone.”
He then raised the question of penalties or fines for those who violate the law. He said, “There is a fine for violating our laws – but some developers look at it as a cost of doing business. That needs to be addressed. I would propose that if a builder violates the code they will be required to build back what they demolished.”
Trustee Randall Whitestone expressed his support for preservation, saying, “A systematic classification of properties would be the best way to go about this.”
Trustee Jonathan Lewis also wanted to do more to preserve historic homes in the Village. He said, “I think we need to move forward though this is a modest way to close unintentional loopholes. We have not discussed the broader question of what tools are available to preserve the historic value, character and beauty of Scarsdale. Preservation is much more than a cutoff date. Contextual zoning, landscaping, the setting … the treescape. I am for this acknowledging that this is limited.”
He asked how many homes in the Village were built before this cutoff date and was told that 49% of homes in Scarsdale Village were built before 1940. Lewis asked Village Planner Greg Cutler to inform the Board about their options for preservation and Cutler recommended that the Village retain an expert who focuses on preservation to inform them.
Village Manager Rob Cole said, “I worked in Oak Park Ill. where there are many Frank Lloyd Wright homes. I will circulate a booklet of guidelines that will clarify terminology. It is complex but there are interim measures we can take to preserve assets that may be at risk.
The trustees then asked the two committee chairs if this proposal was practical. CHP Chair Adam Lindenbaum said, “I have been running the CHP for three years. A penalty and the provision to require the builder to build back what he destroyed would be important.” He said, “We also want to still have the power to evaluate homes that are built after 1940. We have preserved mid-century modern homes. I would argue that we should be able to see any demolition – as the façade can be so important. We need to be able to examine the character – and not just the square footage. Perhaps the BAR should be the lead agency.”
Brad Citron who heads the Board of Architectural Review said, “When an applicant comes to us it is after a subjective decision from the Village. At 41 Hampton – we decided we could live with the proposed renovation. What you need to do is provide the CHP with a way to weigh in for demolitions of less than 50%. This can only make the BAR and CHP workload more substantial. But this is a way for the CHP to weigh in earlier.”
Frank Diodati who heads the Scarsdale Building Department said, “ We have to think about how we submit the applications to the two boards. This could take several months. The BAR meets twice a month and considers 18 applications at each meeting and the agendas are often full. We could create a workload issue for the CHP – who only meets once per month.”
Lindenbaum said, “We vote 7-0 90% of the time. We get our work done quickly – I don’t think this would be an undue burden.”
Trustee Karen Brew said, “For those who demolish without permission, can we implement a process where 2 or 3 strikes and you’re out for multiple abuses.? You lose the right to work in our Village?”
Mayor Jane Veron suggest, “Should we do another draft that includes deterrents?
Jonathan Lewis said, “Let’s move forward with this stop gap measure while we look into larger solutions. Might we consider a moratorium until we can change this law to deter people from acting rashly if they think the law will be changed?”
At the conclusion of the meeting the Mayor asked the attorney to look into adding penalties, requested that the chairs of the BAR and CHP discuss process and following that, asked for the code change be put back on the calendar.
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178 Garth Road Unit TL
Scarsdale PO/Eastchester, NY
Completely renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom Co-Op with separate home office or potential to be a third bedroom is ready for you to just unpack your bags. This exceptional and spacious first floor unit is ideally located off the front courtyard. This unit with nine foot ceilings has been redesigned to provide an open kitchen layout for today's buyers, with beautiful custom white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops. The closets have been customized with great space and storage capacity. Located steps from Scarsdale Village and train while living near the beautiful trails and parks, you can have it all to enjoy! The maintenance includes all utilities and this is a non-smoking building. You will not want to miss out on this amazing home!
Learn more here.
Listing Price: $389,000
Steady Sales in February
- Details
- Category: Real Estate
It's not yet March, and home sales continue to be robust in Scarsdale. With inventory low, buyers are scooping up available homes. See what sold this week:
Sales
8 Fairway Drive
Exceptional sun-drenched colonial in quiet neighborhood in Scarsdale School District, perfect for everyday living and entertaining friends and family. This 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 5,300+ square foot home has a Gunite pool and is set on a gorgeous, park-like property that extends through to the next street, offering tons of privacy. Highlights include: bright and spacious 1st floor office; 1,000+ square foot chef’s eat-in kitchen and family room entertaining space with 10 foot ceilings with speakers, built-ins and 3 sets of French doors that open to expansive multi-tier mahogany deck overlooking pool and yard; large master bedroom w/ walk-in closet and en-suite; 2nd floor playroom/hangout space; expansive lower level with gym, mudroom, rec room, bedroom, and 2 full bathrooms (one designed as pool cabana); circular driveway and 8 heating zones (7 radiant).
Sale Price: $2,685,000
Assessed Value: $2,239,000
Real Estate Taxes: $59,593
96 Garden Road
Move right in to this newer construction classic colonial home, located in a highly desirable area of Scarsdale. The 6,000 square foot home has three floors, five bedrooms, and six bathrooms, plus an attached two-car garage. The jewel of this home is the open concept gourmet kitchen that spans the entire back of the home and is fitted with top-of-the-line appliances, large island, gas fireplace, dining nook and custom cabinets. Enjoy your morning coffee or dine alfresco outside on the oversized deck that overlooks a large, level, private back garden. The formal living room with wood burning fireplace and formal dining room with custom paneling make a perfect pair for entertaining. An office/den with gas fireplace is located at the front of the home for privacy. The primary bedroom suite with two walk in closets, gas fireplace and spa bathroom is the perfect place for relaxing and rejuvenation. Two sizable bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a laundry center and two additional bedrooms complete the second floor layout. The lower level has access to the garden and features a large family room, exercise room, full bathroom, mudroom, storage and a two car garage. This home offers an incredible combination of convenience and tranquility. It's just a 38-minute train to Grand Central Station.
Sale Price: $2,600,000
Assessed Value: $1,650,000
Real Estate Taxes: $49,500
1 Cushman Road
Perfectly situated on an incredible manicured private lot located in the Heathcote estate section, this stunning storybook Center Hall Colonial meets today's modern living with classic, chic and sophisticated style. As you enter this magnificent home you will find five-bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths that allows for over 4,300 square feet of gracious living. Natural oak floors run throughout, a modern gourmet chef's kitchen with a six-burner commercial Wolf range, SubZero, Marvel wine refrigerator and granite counters make this a dream to entertain in. The first-floor features two wood burning fireplaces, a home office/family room, dining room, living room, spacious center hall, and parlor that is a fabulous entertainment space that mimics a boutique hotel! The grand staircase leads you to the second floor living spaces where luxury abounds. The primary bedroom has a wood burning fireplace and stunning en-suite bath with a glass enclosed walk-in steam shower and soaking tub. Two additional bedrooms are perfectly appointed with a Jack and Jill bath. The third floor houses two additional bedrooms, a full bath, huge loft style living room perfect for out-of-town guests or a secluded home office. The finished basement complete with laundry room and full bath is currently a home gym but could be used as a rec room/playroom. For the wine enthusiast, there is a wine cellar that can house over 300 bottles! The front porch is the perfect place to unwind, listen to your favorite music and enjoy a glass of wine at the end of a long day. Close to village, train, shops and schools.
Sale Price: $2,500,000
Assessed Value: $1,750,000
Real Estate Taxes: $44,139
11 Overlook Road
Stunning red-brick Colonial home on a beautiful, private half-acre on one of the most desirable streets in the Fox Meadow neighborhood of Scarsdale. This home has been maintained by the current owners for more than 50 years and comes to market in excellent condition for new owners to make it their own. The first level features almost 9' ceilings, an entry foyer, large living room with fireplace and access to a lovely screened porch, perfect for outdoor dining, formal living room, paneled study with fireplace and bay window, eat-in kitchen, powder room and two maid's rooms/offices with a full bath. The second level includes a sunny primary bedroom with three exposures, two large closets and a full bath en-suite with tub and shower, one spacious bedroom with an en-suite bath and two additional large bedrooms with a hall bath. The lower level contained a large recreation room with a fireplace that was divided into two smaller rooms, laundry, utilities and attached two car garage. The yard is expansive, private and beautiful.
Sale Price: $1,868,888
Assessed Value: $1,574,500
Real Estate Taxes: $37,324
111 Evandale Road
Recently renovated, this chic Split Level home at the end of a very tranquil street features over half an acre of level, extensively landscaped property. Stunning open layout and large windows bring the outdoors in! The first level boasts a fantastic, expansive and sun-filled open-plan kitchen, dining, living room with a premium kitchen, ample space to enjoy everyday family living and gracious entertaining. The family room features a wall of modern, built-in storage, a large seating area and sliding doors leading to the patio and private yard. The second level includes three spacious family bedrooms with one en-suite full bath and one hall full bath, both renovated, and a laundry room, linen closet and utility closet. Up a short flight to a private primary bedroom with a luxurious en-suite bath with oversized shower and double vanity plus two walk-in closets. The lower level contains a bright playroom with sliders to an additional patio, powder room, mudroom and access to the two car garage. There is a clean sub-basement with a large storage room and utilities. The yard was recently planted with a significant number of new trees, large shrubs and perennial gardens and affords great privacy at the end of this street. This home also benefits from membership at the Scarsdale Farm Road private pool next door for an annual fee. Easy walking distance to the Greenville elementary school and the bus line to the Scarsdale Metro North train station.
Sale Price: $1,555,000
Assessed Value: $1,190,500
Real Estate Taxes: $41,504
Featured Listings
50 Greendale Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Stately brick Colonial in the Grange area of Greenacres. This sun-entrenched, architecturally significant Colonial has been meticulously restored and renovated with the finest craftsmanship and mill work to combine traditional charm with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Situated on .87 of perfectly manicured, private, level property. This home provides every amenity for intimate family living with fabulous entertaining flow. Entirely renovated down to the studs in 2006, the exterior is finely crafted with a 100 year blue slate roof, the façade is constructed of hand cut brick masonry made of Alabama hand crafted brick, blue slate patio, Copper leaders and gutters, natural oak car port and fabulous tree house! Expansive view of the George Field park and walking distance to the newly renovated Greenacres Elementary School. The interior boasts 9' ceilings on the first and second floor, 5" wide, 8' long wide plank floors throughout, six bedrooms, five-and-a-half bathrooms (all waterworks fixtures). Handsome study with mahogany built-ins, gourmet kitchen with maple cabinetry, fabulous walk-in pantry, warm family room with built-ins and stone fireplace, French doors to blue stone patio, Oversized formal dining room, butlers pantry, mud room with copper sink, first floor guest suite (the original primary bedroom), en-suite bedroom, wood hand milled mahogany and cherry doors throughout.
Learn more here.
Sale Price: $4,500,000
31 Old Army Road
Scarsdale PO/Edgemont, NY
Sophisticated and stylish Edgemont school district Cotswold Tudor renovated with gorgeous high end modern finishes. Private and conveniently located on a beautiful half acre property with stone and brick patios, specimen plantings and lush mature landscaping. You will love the renovated cook's kitchen with custom white cabinetry, marble counters, upscale Thermador appliances and a cool Ferrari red lacquered oversized door from Italy. The exquisite living room with large stone fireplace and high ceiling is perfect for relaxing and entertaining, while the multiple home offices provide a great place to work from home. Other highlights include the temperature controlled wine cellar, elegant primary suite with cathedral ceiling and luxurious spa bath, spacious butlers pantry with marble counters and coffee bar with wine fridge, grand foyer with special floor, fantastic recreation room/gym, upgraded baths, five bedrooms, two car garage and walk-up floored attic. Sauna not included. Come see this special home!
Learn more here.
Sale Price: $1,995,000
Want To Sell But Don't Know Where to Go? Consider a Luxury Condo
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Category: Real Estate
Who doesn’t follow the local real estate market? Everyone does! Because for most of us, our home represents one of the largest financial assets. So it’s no surprise that the buzz around town is all about the low inventory of homes on the local housing market. People are talking in the coffee shops, at school pick up, in Manhattan and around the country. High buyer demand has not slowed since the pandemic first hit. Young families are looking to move to the suburbs earlier than planned and seeking flexible and comfortable spaces. Local buyers are eager to upgrade for more space knowing that they can more easily sell their current homes. People continue to relocate from other areas to Scarsdale which further drives the market. This demand, coupled with the low inventory, is pushing prices higher than ever with bidding wars becoming the norm.
The takeaway is this –- now is the time to sell. But where to go? That is the dilemma! Many empty nesters would love to sell but do not feel they have a place to go. To gain in this market you have to get creative! Think outside the box. There are other options that might not be top of mind but are right here in your backyard.
The Heathcote is a wonderful example of a luxury boutique condo building with units ranging from 1-4 bedrooms that is located conveniently in the Five Corners. Custom kitchens, spa like bathrooms, wide plank oak flooring, soaring ceiling heights and private terraces with gas lines for barbeques are just a tease of what these units have to offer. Add in a 24 hour doorman, 2 parking spots per unit, electric car charging stations and a fitness center.
There couldn’t be a better time to sell your home, capitalize on the red hot real estate market, and stay local by upgrading to a hassle free luxury condo experience. See more at www.theheathcote.net.
-Contributed by Abby Sroka of William Raveis
Sales
15 Thomas Street
Gorgeous contemporary with soaring ceilings in a lush, private setting on a cul-de-sac in Edgemont School District. Enjoy coffee in the great room with fireplace and stunning kitchen with high-end fixtures - Sub-zero Refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, two disposals, Wolf stove with 6 burners, grill, double ovens. Entertain on the patio off the kitchen or in the formal living room or dining room with space for everyone. Perfect for work from home: the first floor study with full bath. Pamper yourself in the enormous primary bedroom with gorgeous fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and 2 walk-in closets. Three spacious additional bedrooms with tree-top views and a full bath round out the upper floor. Basement includes 800 square feet with two finished rooms for storage and additional unfinished storage. Hardwood floors throughout. Mudroom/laundry room with plenty of storage off the oversized two-car garage.
Sale Price: $1,295,000
Assessed Value: $1,262,900
Real Estate Taxes: $43,504
2 Overhill Road Unit#A
Modern Colonial with a very convenient downtown location just a short walk to Metro North trains and shopping. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers hardwood floors, an attached 2 car garage, sliding doors out to the rear yard from the kitchen, gas heating and central air conditioning. Highly desirable Scarsdale Village and schools.
Sale Price: $999,999
Assessed Value: $1,650,000
Real Estate Taxes: $41,155
33 Penny Lane
Spacious Ranch situated on a half-acre of land on a beautiful tree-lined street. A semicircular driveway welcomes you to a light and bright interior that boasts large open living spaces, tall ceilings, and great flow. The double-sided fireplace is a unique statement piece that separates the dining and living room areas while maintaining an open-concept feel. Make your way to the eat-in kitchen and family room which enjoys easy access to a stone patio and the backyard. French doors lead to the bedrooms where you'll find a primary suite complete with a walk-in closet and full bathroom. Three additional bedrooms share a hall bath. This home offers a 2 car garage, central air, and a convenient location for shopping and dining.
Sale Price: $872,000
Assessed Value: $1,183,000
Real Estate Taxes: $41,222
8 Barclay Road
Charming Tudor in prestigious and peaceful Old Edgemont. Have celebrations around the fireplace in the large living room with hardwood floors and built-in bookcases. Prepare meals in the updated kitchen with plenty of cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Gather together for holiday dinners in the formal dining room. Relax in your master bedroom with master bath. Watch TV, read a book or play a board game in the family room with fireplace and built-ins. Enjoy the level backyard and patio for summer barbecues and outdoor entertaining. There are new windows and refinished wood floors throughout. Located within walking distance to Scarsdale Village, Scarsdale Metro North Train and Edgemont schools.
Sale Price: $815,000
Assessed Value: $941,700
Real Estate Taxes: $33,96
Featured Listings
34 Springdale Road, Scarsdale
Luxury new construction with golf course views! The perfect opportunity to customize your new sophisticated home in Quaker Ridge and work along with Scarsdale's premier luxury builder. This custom designed open floor plan features ten foot ceilings on the first floor and nine foot ceilings on the second floor. The first floor entry hall opens to a living room, formal dining room, chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry, a family room with fireplace, first floor guest bedroom and bath, powder room and two car garage. The second floor features a luxurious master suite and spa bathroom, bedroom with en-suite bath, two bedrooms, hall bath and bedroom/office. The finished lower level has a recreation room, bedroom/office, full bath and laundry room. Bus to all schools. Buyer to pay NYS transfer tax. Learn more here:
List Price: $3,500,000
95 Brite Avenue, Scarsdale
Picturesque, sun-filled Colonial in prime Fox Meadow location. Set on .47 acres of professionally manicured property, this residence is an easy walk to Metro North, village shops, restaurants and elementary and high school. Free bus to the middle school. This beautiful home boasts fine architectural detail and has been impeccably renovated over time with the finest finishes. Enjoy spacious rooms: living room with access to the sun porch, formal dining room, office/den, gourmet chef's eat-in kitchen, amazing family room with access to the back deck. Upstairs find a primary bedroom suite, three additional bedrooms and hall bath. The finished lower level is ideal for multi-recreational use (446 square feet) and includes a full bath with shower. This is the perfection combination of stylish living and a great location! Learn more here:
List Price: $2,700,000
