Care for a Country Pied A Terre? Sleek, Stylish Townhouse in “The Meadows” in Cross River, New York. Town of Lewisboro.

Nestled between North Salem and Bedford, NY, Cross River is a small community that is close to 684, the Saw Mill River Parkway, Metro North, great restaurants, Katonah Lewisboro/John Jay Schools, and the Lewisboro Town Park complete with day camps/pool and tennis. Mount Kisco NY, Ridgefield, CT, and Danbury are major shopping areas. Northern Westchester Hospital in nearby Mt. Kisco is well known and the area boasts a roster of fine doctors of every specialty. You are also just minutes away from the hamlets of Bedford Village and Katonah.

The Meadows town homes have that New England aura about them with white clapboard exteriors and black shutters. There is a club house for a great Party venue complete with masonry fireplace and kitchen. There is an Exercise Room upstairs. There are also baths and showers for pool use plus a sauna. Outside there is a pool, playground, tennis and basketball courts.

Upon entering the condo there is a custom-tiled entry which makes you realize that there will be finishes of note throughout the home. You are then dazzled by the stunning natural cherry and granite eat-in Kitchen with stainless appliances. There are gleaming wood floors in the expansive living and dining area, plus custom mill work in the crown moldings and the wood burning fireplace mantle. The cathedral ceiling in the living room creates the perfect setting which then sets the tone for the dining area.

The condo has a large Master Bedroom plus bath and an additional room on that floor that can be used as a Den or Nursery. The two baths of the home are outfitted with Kohler fixtures and Cherry and Granite surrounds.

The lower level sports a large finished space with an entertaining area complete with wet bar, utilities, laundry and cedar closet.

Come up for some apple picking and pumpkin patches after you view this wonderful home!

Contact me: Karen Benvin Ransom, Licensed Associate Broker at KBenvinRansom@HoulihanLawrence.com
Go to: HoulihanLawrence.com/2929465 for additional information, directions, plus 20 photos!

Enjoy my local website at KarenFromKatonah.com with many photos.

PLUS my Blog articles on local attractions: GuideMeHome2Westchester.com/Karen-Benvin-Ransom

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Let me start by saying that it has been many years since I was taken on a Field Trip! As a Docent at the Katonah Museum of Art, no sooner that you are fluent in the subject matter of the current show that you are given a schedule of events and lectures in order to immerse yourself in the upcoming show.

The new Show will be “Bold, Cautious & True - Walt Whitman & The Art of The Civil War Era” - October 18, 2009 - January 24, 2010

The Katonah Museum offered a Field Trip day. We started at the Horace Greeley Home in Chappaqua. Grey Williams, the Town Historian, led us through the home with a lively recounting of the life of Horace Greeley and his family. It was primarily their summer home, but then as years went by he may have become the first commuter to New York on a regular basis. We learned that Horace Greeley came from New Hampshire and apprenticed at a print shop when he was 14. He then worked his way to Vermont and then onto New York City where he was known for his typesetting skills. It was there that he started the “New York Tribune” which became the first national newspaper. He was against the expansion of slavery and was very vocal in his papers; some to which we were privy to in the archives held there. I noted that the font used was excruciatingly small. The answer was they used to read with a magnifying glass! Well, that is one way to save paper and trees - perhaps we should learn from that today.

After an enjoyable lunch at Jardin Du Roi Restaurant in Chappaqua, we hurried onto The John Jay Homestead in Katonah, NY where we were met by Bethany White, Educator for the Homestead.

The Houlihan Lawrence Autumn Tour of Open Houses was very successful. The Katonah office held 25 homes open for the public to see and each house had between 2 – 7 couples stop by, so there are buyers in the market.

I held an Open House at 56 Twin Lakes Road, with 70 feet of lakefront on Lake Oscaleta. Homes located on the other side of Twin Lakes Road are on Lake Rippowam. The two twin lakes are actually part of a three lake system linked together and are fed by springs and small streams from East Long Pond Mountain.

56 Twin Lakes Road is a 1950s expanded 3 bedroom, 3 bath home and is on one half acre of stunning lakefront property. The bathrooms have been renovated and the kitchen has granite and stainless steel appliances. There is 70 feet of lakefront with a private dock. This house offers lakefront living at its best! For a private showing, call Sonja Lovas HoulihanLawrence.com/SonjaLovas. For a view of the lake check out my video:

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

It’s that time of year again, when residents and businesses come together as one big happy community. It’s Community Day in the town of New Castle! Mark your calendars…Saturday, October 3rd at its usual location at the Chappaqua train station, from 11-4.

If you’ve ever participated with your business or with your families, you know how much fun this day is for all. I’ve been attending Community Day for years with my husband and children. Of course I’m always most excited about the hot dogs, but my kids love the rides and games. In the past I have assisted Houlihan Lawrence with monitoring the children or taking tickets for rides…bouncy castles are always crowd favorites! This year we will again hand out “green” shopping bags as in the photo above (pictured from left to right: Jill Thau, Justine Flanagan, Pat Rochford, Chris Cordani, Margaret Akinson), and mini green footballs. It’s a great way to get yourself out there and connect with friends, neighbors and past clients. I love seeing everybody in great spirits, smiling and happy. It’s all good.

Posted By: Suzette Kraus

If you want to add color and design to your home you need to meet Mary Ricci. Mary is a colorist and design specialist and works at The Katonah Paint and Hardware store in Katonah. In a previous post “Color Me Sold,” I talked about the importance color plays when selling your home.

I decided to follow my own advice and since my house fell into the drab and dull category, I started painting with color. I began with a small powder room and loved the change! The next room in need of paint was the exercise room. I was so excited until I started painting and then wondered what happened with my color choice. It was very difficult to determine what color it was because it was like a chameleon. Looking at the paint chip next to cream or white it was beige, next to wood, it had a green tint. Painting over the existing yellow on the wall made it look really ugly. I continued painting anyway and in the end it turned out alright, but I didn’t LOVE it. That’s when I decided I needed Mary Ricci.

I went to visit Mary at the Katonah Paint and Hardware Store and she was very helpful. I explained my woes of chameleon paint and that’s when she said I needed to have a home visit. We set up a time and she came to my house, wow was I impressed and excited after my consultation! Mary took me in an entirely different color direction than I originally thought and once the colors were selected, I loved it. Every room blends with the next, and she even gave me some pointers on re-arranging my furniture. That’s called staging when you’re trying to sell, and design when you’re not.

Before you start to change the color in your house, it would be well worth your while to meet Mary Ricci and let her guide you through the process.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Ten years ago, Pound Ridge Elementary School gave my son, Tyler, a very warm welcome! We moved from Oregon to New York with only 6 weeks of school remaining. Before deciding which community to live in we went to visit schools. There’s a lot to be learned by visiting a school and taking a tour that can’t be discovered by merely looking at and reading statistics on a web site. After deciding on a house in the Pound Ridge Elementary boundaries, I notified the school we would be arriving mid-April.

My son Tyler was assigned to Dr. Laura Sgroi’s classroom. As a creative writing assignment all the students in the class wrote a letter about their interests and the school. I can’t tell you how exciting it was for my son to receive a large envelope with letters from all his soon to be new classmates in New York (keep in mind, this was before Facebook, email, and MySpace). I thought my son should reply to their letters so I gave him small sheets of stationary and he began the task of answering each of their letters. When finished, we mailed them all together and proceeded with the move.

On the day he arrived at Pound Ridge Elementary School, he knew something about each of his new classmates, the only thing he had to do was put a name with a face. The end of his first week in school I received a phone call from his teacher and my heart skipped a beat, worried there might be a problem. Instead, she was calling to report how well he had adjusted in the new class, telling me it’s “as if he had known them all for years.” I thanked her for breaking the ice and allowing the transition to be so smooth and I know it was because of the letters exchanged between the students.

My son has maintained the friendships he made at Pound Ridge Elementary. Tyler is now a junior in college and before he left for college where he plays Lacrosse for Middlebury College, he was with his friends. One of them told him he still had the reply letter Tyler wrote 9 years ago. A warm welcome and friendships that began with a letter, continues to grow, and will be remembered for years as those friendships become stronger. What else can I say about, “how to select the best school?”

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Another option for fitness seekers in the Westchester area of Katonah, Pound Ridge, Mt. Kisco, Bedford Hills or North and South Salem is to hire a certified personal fitness trainer like Meg Coco. The nicest thing about working with Meg is that she comes to your home. You don’t need a home gym or special equipment for her to design a program, any room will work. Meg will review your overall fitness level, design a program specifically for you, then coach and motivate you to reach your goals. Meg is the perfect example of fitness and has always been active in tennis, biking, skiing, running, and weight training. Meg is very knowledgeable, motivating, and teaches by example.

Having a coach like Meg Coco come to your home will save you time and time is often the culprit and demise of well intended exercise programs. While the social aspect of attending a club may be appealing, the 15 – 20 minute drive to the club, 10 – 15 minute social chit chat at the club, and the 15 – 20 minute trip back home, all adds up. The extra hour added to your day might not allow your fitness plans to be successful or fit into a busy schedule. Meg has had numerous success stories she can share with you which is what makes her job very rewarding. You can find Meg on LinkedIn or contact her directly at: getfitwithmeg@aol.com or leave a comment on this post.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Although the ever dynamic and and exciting U.S.Tennis Open in N.Y. has drawn to a close, wonderful houses offering tennis courts are still available!

For instance my listing at #2923468 Rye, N.Y. boasts a Har-Tru court in a bucolic setting. The court surface is the gold standard in the sport. The clay is made from rocks that are crushed, screened and then mixed in precise proportions to provide a stable surface. The natural green color is easily recognizable as the stones found in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The Har-Tru surface is harder and faster giving the player opportunity to slide into a forehand or backhand shot quickly.

Fall in love with all the amenities this house offers: gorgeous swimming pool, exercise gym, solarium and sauna, covered porch barbeque area. For nesting in the house, or in the great outdoors, this home has it all.

Enjoy the video showing what fun and friendship recreation at home creates.

Posted By: Jan Vinikoor

The Women Promoting Women Art Show is a new event that celebrates and acknowledges extraordinary and talented women in Northern Westchester. It will be held Friday, September 25, 2009 at the Katonah Art and Frame Shop from 6 – 8 PM. This is the first show of its kind in Westchester and promises to be a special evening where a number of very talented female artists will display a selection of their work. There will also be groups of women displaying floral arrangements, makeovers, personal training, window treatments, hair color and styling, and other professions they represent in the community.

This event was conceived and organized by Mary Ricci, a color and design specialist. The art will be unique, interesting and compelling. The first 30 women who attend will receive gift bags with assorted discounts and “freebies” from the local women.

So considered yourself invited. An RSVP would be appreciated, as light refreshments will be served. If you would like to attend just post a comment that you and/or friends will join us and I’ll let Mary Ricci know.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

The Saw Mill Fitness Club located in Mt. Kisco is probably the most comprehensive fitness club in the area. It is truly a comprehensive club that provides options for every member of the family. There are personal trainers to assist with weight lifting and wellness coaching, tennis, swimming, dance, music, boxing, yoga, basketball, squash, and racquetball. They also provide daycare for young children so parents can drop them off for an enrichment program while they work out. They offer a great summer camp program which includes exercise, arts and crafts, cooking and science.

The club is also a great place to meet people and High School members especially like to work out there. So whether you are single, or a family, the Saw Mill Club has a lot to offer.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

The Mount Kisco Athletic Club, referred to by members as the “MAC,” is a fitness center for men and women. It is conveniently located in Mt. Kisco at 151 Mt. Kisco Ave. Their cardio equipment includes treadmills, elliptical gliders, stair masters, cardio theatre, and computerized bikes. There are two group studios where they offer over 65 classes every week with choices of: Zumba, Rebounding, Group Strength, Abs and Strength, Pilates, and yoga classes. There is also a large spinning studio with about 30 spin bikes and they offer AM and PM classes. It’s a great place to join if you want options and variety in your exercise routine. Mt. Kisco Athletic Club also offers personal training (additional fee) or you can work at your own pace. A colleague of mine invited me to attend an evening spin bike class and I found it very enjoyable, especially the Eucalyptus steam room after a good workout!

While taking photos of the building the general manager Tom Brady, came out to greet me. When I explained to him why I was taking photos he said I could offer a month free membership to anyone moving to the area. If you would like to enjoy this wonderful facility for a month, leave a comment, email or give me a call and I will make sure you receive a free complimentary month pass.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Last March I was prompted by a buyer client to analyze the relationship between asking prices and selling prices in two of the communities I cover, Briarcliff Manor and Croton-on-Hudson. A savvy Wall Streeter who followed market trends, this buyer was looking at houses in both places, and he told me flatly that he’d be a fool to pay any more than 75% of the asking price.

Sure enough, he liked a house I showed him and made an offer that took about a third, or almost 35%, off the asking price. When I told him he could not expect the seller to counter such a low-ball bid, he replied that given how the market was trending in Croton, especially for million-dollar-plus houses like this one, and given the history of this house which, although the price had come down from its original asking price, had been on the market for months at the same price, the seller should be happy with his offer.

The seller did not counter his offer.

Sorry that you missed the Summer Festival? Fear not! Activity at Caramoor will continue to swirl like the fallen leaves! Tours, Teas and Concerts will also continue. Go to Caramoor.org or call 914-232-0721.

Fall Festival
Oct 2 NY Philharmonic - Caramoor Debut! Alan Gilbert’s Inaugural Season as Conductor. Pianist Emanuel Ax in an all-Beethoven program.

Oct 3 Caramoor Cavalcade - three different events for Followers and Families of Caramoor:
1 pm - Polygraph Lounge - in the Spanish Courtyard
2:30 pm - Fun with Words and Music - on The Tapestry Hedge Lawn
4:00 pm - Chamber Music - in the Sunken Garden
8 pm Venetian Theater - Chick Corea

Oct 4 Sumi Jo - Opera Diva in the Music Room of the Rosen House

Great Artists - Fall 2009
Nov 1 - Trio Solisti
Nov 14 - The Sonatas
Nov 21 - Caramoor Virtuosi

Caramoor Classics - Fall 2009 Nov 7 - Rising Stars I
Nov 8 - Rising Stars II

PLUS

OCTOBER 29 Mozart: The Mind and Music of a Genius
11:00am - Rosen House Music Room
Tickets: Lecture & Lunch $33.00; Lecture only $18.00; Richard Kogan, M.D., lecturer & Pianist

Asperger’s Syndrome, Bipolar disorder or Tourette’s disorder - were these the psychological furies that powered Mozart? Come for a lecture and performance by Dr. Kogan. Then enjoy a Luncheon in the Summer Dining Room.

OCTOBER 30 Spooky & Ghostly (but not too scary) Halloween Tales
4:00pm
Tickets: Adults $13.00; Children $10.00
Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi, storyteller

Come meet the Good Witch that put The Happy in Halloween!

This is for children aged 3-8. Treats include Cider and Cookies (also known as witch’s brew and ghoulish dough). This will all take place in the magical Music Room of the Rosen House.

Please wear your costumes and know that there will be prizes for all!

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

APOGEE Pilates and Wellness Center is opening their second facility in Westchester, located at 170 Harris Road in Bedford Hills, NY, in the former Women for Fitness. The facilities have been updated with state of the art equipment, additional staff of professionals, innovative group classes in cardio and strength training, nutritional counseling, child care services, and Private Pilates Training with specialists Melanie Danza and Stacy Ciaravella.

APOGEE is more than just a place to workout, it’s a Lifestyle. Here the primary focus is on the Core and inspiring women to achieve healthy living by providing premium services and products. So ladies, if you are looking for a complete health facility with the staff and professionals that can help you achieve your wellness goals, then the APOGEE Lifestyle is for you! Their philosophy is Transform your body/Nourish your Spirit/Benefit your community.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

The Labor Day weekend was celebrated at Rye Playland with a fabulous fireworks finale. While for the past two months, every Wednesday and Friday evenings were marked with a fireworks display, nothing captures the end of the summer more than the Labor Day finale. Mark, Vicky, Zack and I (lifetime friends), were filled with emotion and awe as we witnessed the night sky.

The historical and magical background of the Playland Amusement Park dates back to 1928 and is still the only county government-owned park in the United States. In 1987 it was declared an historical landmark, saluting the art deco architecture and rich history that took place here. The boardwalk we strolled that evening overlooks the Long Island Sound and the fresh night air was the perfect antidote for the stresses of the day. Please sit back and share the beauty of the night with us:

Posted By: Jan Vinikoor

Summertime is already fast behind us, but reflecting on vacation time and the memories made there lasts forever. We left our footprints in the sand at the Jersey shore, an ideal place for fun and relaxation. As I laid on the beach towel I closed my eyes and contemplated contrasting experiences of ocean and urban surf, the very thing we encounter in marketing and selling real estate.

The Sound Shore communities where I live and work are endowed with the Long Island Sound shoreline. The grand homes backing up to the waterfront have a sound and vibe all their own. The rolling waves, at times dangerous, build from gentle to a force that crashes on the beach and sea walls. Ocean debris can wash up on shore but just as quickly it disappears. The echoes of the waves and rush of the wind become a backdrop for life by the sea.

In contrast, but not without its own mystique, is the sound of Urban Surf, better known as “parkway sounds.” There are definitely parallel features of this to the ocean sounds, such as the quiet steady flow of traffic, then getting heavier, and unfortunately an occasional crash. The modern day sound barrier, i.e. sea wall, helps muffle the hum of traffic and also acts as a cement boundary line. So much of the summer season is spent with central air conditioning on, that in the house, the buzz is hardly audible.

My point is that there is beauty and purpose for everything, we need to appreciate all that surrounds us on this planet!

Posted By: Jan Vinikoor

I’ve received updates and additional activities from this year’s Chairperson of the Fall Festival, Barbara Tremain. In addition to the Fashion Show, there will be magicians, and a balloon artist. Be sure to bring your dog and dress it up for the Dog Parade which will be held at the North end of town. You can watch three different martial arts demonstrations: Akido Martial Arts, Traditional Karate Martial Arts and DeVito’s Taekwando Martial Arts. The Pulse Dance Studio will be also be performing between 11:30 and Noon near the Center of town and is always fun to watch. There will be beach ball volleyball (without the sand) throughout the day. Don’t forget to mark your calendars and come to the Katonah Fall Festival September 26, 2009.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Houlihan Lawrence is having their Company Wide Autumn House Tour on Saturday and Sunday September 12th and 13th. There will be over 450 homes in three counties, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess, held open for you see. A list of all the homes on the Autumn Tour are available on the Houlihan Lawrence web site HoulihanLawrence.com where you can start shopping now for photos, directions and times.

If you are starting your home search this would be a great opportunity for you to see several houses in your price range in several locations. If you are living in a neighborhood with a lot of open houses, take advantage of seeing the homes as it will show you local market values. If you are thinking about buying or selling, Open Houses are a great way to interview prospective Realtors.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

While returning a book at the Bedford Free Library which is next to the Bedford Fire Department, I noticed the flyer for the Fire On the Green! The Bedford Fire department is having a family fun day on the grassy green with entertainment, demonstrations, games and fair activities September 12th between 3:00 - 8:00 PM.

Having just returned from attending a large State Fair in Minnesota with thousands of people, a small local event with friends and family will be refreshing.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

As I look from the second floor balcony (or the kitchen, music room, second and third bedrooms, office, family room or patio for that matter), I see an endless vista of water, sun and sky. The view is calming, yet dramatic, it reflects peace, tranquility and total luxury.

Where is this view? 29 Malysana Lane in New Rochelle - that’s where you can purchase a 5 bedroom 5459 square foot home that is just 3 years new with year-round water views! Elegant custom craftsmanship and detailing describe this simply stunning home overlooking the Long Island Sound.

It is being offered at a mere $2,499,000 and yet so much is included within. A radiant heated marble floor greets you as you enter this warm and inviting home that was designed and built for comfort, family, and grand entertaining if that is your desire.

When a realtor gets greeted with the question “How’s business?” it’s not the same as being asked “How are you?” People really want to know the answer. It’s not surprising. In a Westchester community like ours, most of us have some skin, one way or another, in the real estate game.

For this reason – and because big money is involved, and because it affects not just our personal fortune but those of our friends and neighbors – real estate is fertile ground for gossip and rumors.

Lately there has been buzz about a purported mini-surge in activity, that deals have picked up. People ask, “Is it true? Does it mean we may be coming to the end of this slumping market?”

Let’s start with what we know. Late in July, the Westchester-Putnam Multiple Listing Service (WPMLS) released its report* on residential sales for the second quarter of 2009, and it brought good news and bad. The good news was that home sales had picked up from the previous quarter. The bad news (unless you’re a buyer) was that prices continued to fall.

The rise in sales activity was substantial. Single family home sales, adjusted seasonally, showed a 19% increase over the first quarter, “the first significant break in the unrelenting decline in sales rates since the first quarter of 2007,” according to the WPMLS report.

On the pricing side, the median sale price of a single-family home in Westchester fell by 16.3% compared to 2nd-quarter sales in 2008. In the first quarter of 2009, the decline from 2008 had been 14.5%.

Unfortunately, I can not break down these county-wide figures by individual communities and get meaningful results because the volume of sales is not high enough. Croton-on-Hudson and Briarcliff Manor, for instance, each had only four sales in the first quarter of this year, too small a sample to derive valid statistics.

The problem with the numbers in the MLS report, revealing as they may be, is that they’re old. They mostly reflect sales activity from last winter. So a house that was listed in January, went into contract in February and closed in April would be counted in 2nd quarter statistics (and most home sellers today can only dream of a transaction that speedy). Similarly, a house that goes into contract in August and doesn’t close by September 30 will be reflected in 4th quarter figures, the report for which we can look forward to seeing next January!

So what’s happening right now? Real estate insiders see a softening in the hard-line positions on pricing both buyers and sellers took up earlier this year, resulting in many standoffs and few deals. Christopher Meyers, chief operating officer of Houlihan Lawrence, said recently, “I think we are now in an environment where the buyers and sellers are coming to some consensus on where values should be.” In other words, prices are coming down enough to begin to be persuasive to buyers. How far down? According to Mr. Meyers, “they are down typically by about 20% from where they were at the height of the market and at those levels they are trading again.”

Does this mean we have hit bottom? The bottom of the market, like the peak, is usually visible only through a rear-view mirror. Few thoughtful observers see the start of a turnaround in the near future. The realistic optimists hope that prices are at least stabilizing. Others, like Multiple Listing president Mark Boyland, expect prices to continue to fall this year. Bottom line: the encouraging signs of late give reason to hope but not enough reason to predict a recovery any time soon.

*Contact me at Bruce@BruceDollar.com if you would like a copy of this report. I also welcome any feedback or questions.

Posted By: Bruce Dollar

It is quite interesting to note that the “House of Tudor” which reigned England from 1485 to 1603 has, in a sense, become the “Tudor House” to many of us…of course, we all recall Henry the VIII and his 8 wives, but on an everyday occurrence, we see so many Tudor Homes and as a Realtor, I wanted to find out why the popularity?

As it happens, the Tudor style home became a sign of a man’s wealth. To own a Tudor home,and especially to have a well designed garden accompanying the Tudor home, was the epitome of elegance and wealth back in the good old days of the 15th and 16th Centuries in England.

People would compete with each other with regard to the size, and grandeur displayed. It is interesting to note that the Tudor homes in England are traditionally white with half timbers which means they were built with wooden frames, and wattle and daub (wet clay and sticks) were used to fill in the spaces between. The English Tudors are white with black painted half-timbers, and yet in America, we traditionally see white with brown painted timbers, and with stucco and perhaps some brick work. A Tudor home will traditionally feature dormers, a large fireplace, and some Tudors will have a “stepped” appearance by which the upper floor will overhand the lower level. This originated when, in the 15th century, the people would pour out their chamber pots onto the streets, and rather than throw the contents onto the passersby, it would be thrown into the center of the street hopefully avoiding them. Fortunately, a warning call would usually precipitate the casting of the contents of the pot! Some 500 year old Tudor homes are still remaining in England. However, having grown up on an Island in the English Thames Estuary where we had original 17th Century Dutch cottages with thatched roofs (and tiny, tiny rooms), Tudor-style homes were an everyday occurrence to me.

Perhaps because the Tudor home signified wealth, luxury, etc…it is no surprise that Tudor homes are still very popular to many people. As a Realtor, I have two lovely yet different homes currently available on the market. One is located at 51 Old Orchard Road in New Rochelle and this 4 bedroom, charming and pristine home is available for just $678,000. Over 2000 square feet, and located close to shops, transportation and fine dining. The owners have lovingly maintained this home and it shows! The fenced-in backyard is perfect for Fido.

Click here for a virtual tour.

The second Tudor home is being offered at $1,690,000 and is a spectacular home overlooking the Pelham Golf Course. 4 bedrooms, with radiant heated floors in the lower level (a stunning room with a spa for 2, steam shower, and beautiful wet bar), as well as a gourmet kitchen, open layout with new floors, windows, and so many new updates - it must be seen to be appreciated.

Click here for a virtual tour.

If you would like to see either of these 2 homes, please call me. It would be my pleasure to show one or both to you!

Posted By: Gay Rosen

Year round water views from this simply spectacular 5459 square foot 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home located at 29 Malysana Lane, New Rochelle, with gated entry and private beach made me look to the surrounding history of the area. After all, I am British, was brought up surrounded by historical facts, what of this area?

As I sat reflecting on the quiet solitude of the wondrous water views from the home, I saw Davids Island, Glen Island and then the large Mediterranean home to my far right…I was seated in a wonderful home with all of the modern conveniences, radiant heated floors, custom designed throughout with no expense spared, but what of the view…was the view worthy?

Well, the Astors thought so. “The Paddocks” was a mansion built by Colonel Delancey Astor Kane and his wife, Eleanor Iselin on the Davenport neck of New Rochelle. They had a panoramic view of the Long Island Sound, Fort Slocum on Davids Island, and a few of their siblings also purchased in the area. Kane, the great-grandson of John Jacob Astor inherited some ten million dollars, and his wife, Eleanor, daughter of Adrian Iselin, Sr. was also quite wealthy. Kane invented the stage coach for pleasure riding and called it the “Tally Ho Stage coach.” Their home became the Colony Club which was torn down in the 1980s, and is now the site of the Surf Club on Davenport Avenue. So, it would appear that the tradition of enjoyment and luxury has been passed on to another generation albeit in club fashion.

What is this? An auction, an estate sale, a foreclosure? NO, it isn’t. It is simply GREAT value for just $399,000. Where? 120 Texas Avenue in the Bronxville Post Office, Yonkers City. Located very close to both the Fleetwood and Bronxville Train Stations, with easy access to Bronxville Village, this 1400 square foot, 3 bedroom, 1.5 Bath duplex style condo townhouse simply offers great value.

The current owner who is both artistic and creative, designed the kitchen. Great care was taken in choosing the cabinetry, dark green granite counters with gold flecks, and accent tiling in the back splash. The marble floor is sure to please as well as having the washer/dryer in the kitchen - and do not forget the dishwasher!

Watch a virtual tour here.

The Master Bedroom has a separate doorway to the hall bathroom, and the hardwood floors are perfect for anyone suffering from allergies! The attic space is perfect for storage, and also houses the hot water heater.

A deeded parking spot in front of the townhouse rounds out this ideal home. The taxes, which do include the STAR rebate of $1750 are $5541, with STAR $3791.

Please contact me for more information.

Posted By: Gay Rosen

Goldens Bridge New York, in Northern Westchester, offers Townhouses at affordable prices. If you are a first-time home buyer, or looking to move up to a 2 bedroom unit, you should consider this Townhouse priced at, $379,000!

This unit is sun-filled and has been updated with granite counters, new maple cabinets and a new powder room. The living room has cathedral ceilings and a sliding glass door that leads to a private, beautifully landscaped patio garden area. As you go upstairs there is a small landing that is perfect for reading or a computer desk. The master bedroom has double closets and a dressing area. Both the master and additional bedroom have French doors that open to a glassed-in sitting room or office, unique to this unit. There is also an attached garage right off the kitchen with extra room for storage.

The townhouse is located minutes from the Metro North train station, shopping, and I-684. If you are looking for Townhouses contact me, Sonja Lovas, HoulihanLawrence.com/SonjaLovas because you won’t be disappointed.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

It is always interesting to learn about a community, its history, and I think it also helps to understand the naming of streets, parks and the essence of a city. New Rochelle, home of the Huguenots (French Protestants) after they fled France is no different.

Imagine a water-fronted area (Davenport Neck), where glacial grooves can still be seen on the rocks, part of the Manhattan Schist formation. The grooves used to be horizontal, but now pitch almost vertically to the south. You will find pegmatite (a coarse kind of granite), quartz and feldspar which indicates that the rock cooled slowly. As a point of interest, the New Rochelle rowing club utilizes a dyke made of the same rock material on Pine Island which is just off the shore of Davenport Park. The rock formations in this area are so interesting that to the expert eye, one can see how the glaciers coursed through the area north to south many millions of years ago.

Did you know that Colonel Lathers - who was born in Ireland on Christmas Day 1821 - came over when he was just 6 months old, later became Colonel of the thirty-first Regiment of South Carolina in 1841 under a commission from Gov. Pierce Butler, at about the same time was chosen Senior Warden of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Parish Prince George Winyah, from which he took the name Winyah Park for his beautiful estate in New Rochelle?

He came to New Rochelle in 1843 as an agent of cotton manufacturers, and in a short period of time built the largest cotton export and domestic business in the city.

In December, 1860, in connection with 17 other prominent figures (Washington Hunt, William B. Astor, James W. Beekman), he called a peace meeting at his office, 33/35 Pine Street. 300 men responded. He then went south with General Dix who presented his famous address on anti-secession resolutions adopted. Colonel Lathers spoke abroad in his defense of the Union. At the close of the war, his home in Charleston was the scene of the first friendly union of high officers from both sides, among them General McDowell and General Barnum. His parlours at Winyah Park and his country seat, Abbey Lodge, located in Pittsfield, MA became the scenes of many friendly meetings of those who had been extreme on both sides.

Col. Lathers had six children, and was an honorary member of Flandreau Post, No. 509 in New Rochelle. He died on September 17th, 1903 in New York City, as his mansion in New Rochelle, a notable landmark, was burnt down on May 5th, 1897. Many paintings and antiques were lost in this 35 room mansion. The fire was thought to have been caused by a turpentine soaked rag left in the lamp-room.

Now for my segue! I recently sold a wonderful 3 bedroom town-house located in Lathers Park, New Rochelle… If you are seeking a townhouse, single family house, or any property, please feel free to contact me with your real estate needs!

www.GayRosen.com

Posted By: Gay Rosen