Guide Me Home 2 Westchester, NY - Home

THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO CONSIDER BUYING A HOME

2010-09-01T22:25:00Z

One: Mortgage payments are a forced way of saving. If you are employed, or have an income, you might be spending that money on other things.

Two: Mortgage rates are at a starkly low rate. Some payments might be less than paying rent.

Three: Sellers are more negotiable than in past years.

Four: As a homeowner, you can do as you wish as far as kitchens, bathrooms, color of walls if you are given a chance to buy a home.

Five: A sense of privacy, your own backyard and garden.

Six: The New York Times says that the NY area is recovering faster than the rest of the country.

Seven: You will be enriching your lifestyle and life.

Posted by: Barbara Eisert

What To Expect From A Home Inspection

2010-08-24T17:38:00Z

New York State Real Property Law 462(2) entitles all buyers by law to receive from the seller a signed Property Condition Disclosure Statement. In my market area of Northern Westchester, this rarely happens, and the seller has to give the buyer a $500.00 credit at closing.

Are you wondering what that has to do with a home inspection? Without a property disclosure statement, the buyer has full responsibility to determine the condition of the property. Even if the property disclosure is completed, a full home inspection would still need to be performed, but there would at least be a starting point and some history about the house and property. When purchasing a house it is good to remember,” buyers beware.”

The purpose of the home inspection is to discover “hidden defects” and discovery of things you may not see or notice while looking at the house and deciding to make an offer.

Follow along with me on my recent home inspection and you’ll get an idea of what to expect. This inspection lasted about 2 hours and went very well. There were only a few minor issues, which were remedied, and the sale proceeded to signed contracts and is now waiting for the final mortgage commitment.

For additional advice and information on what to expect on a home inspection, please feel free to contact me by cell, email, or leave a comment.

Posted by: Sonja Lovas

Historic Local Homes: The Great and the Anonymous

2010-08-24T04:21:00Z

Westchester County has a wealth of vintage homes. In my part of the county – the northern and western portions along the Hudson River – roughly 20% of the houses offered for sale and sold in the last year pre-dated the Second World War, and a significant portion of those were more than 100 years old.

I’ve always been drawn to old, historic homes, an affinity my work as a realtor allows me to indulge. In recent years I’ve sold houses dating from the 1700s, 1800s and early 1900s. Some belonged to notable historical figures like Mabel Dodge, Floyd Dell and Gloria Swanson; others were owned by regular citizens, not well known beyond their time or locality. Whatever the case, their houses offer both a glimpse and a reminder of the county’s rich history going back to colonial times.

Sometimes these antiques come with some local lore or limited records of their history. A renovated brick colonial that recently sold on Dutch Street in Montrose, for example, was “known” by long-time neighbors (my wife grew up next door) to have served as a tavern and a brothel in the 19th Century, and a speakeasy during Prohibition in the 1920s. Iron bars on windows in the lower level seemed to confirm other tales that the place had also been used as a jail.

Too often, however, there is nothing to speak of the past of these houses but the “old bones” of the house itself, and the imagination of the modern visitor. The current residents know only what the previous owners told them, and that could be limited to “We think it was once a farm and an orchard.”

In May of this year I listed a house built in the 1700s in Croton-on-Hudson. What realtors like to call a classic rocking-chair front-porch colonial, this house has all the character and charm coveted by devotees of the genre – multiple working fireplaces, wide-plank or random-width wood floors, built-ins, window seats, a big screened porch, lots of nooks and crannies, even an old brick smokehouse outside. But it also comes with a trove of original documents from the distant past, notably a series of “Indentures,” or deeds recording early sales of the property. Written longhand in a penmanship reminiscent of the Declaration of Independence, the earliest of these noted “This Indenture made the Twenty-first Day of January in the Ninth Year of the Independence of the State of New York, and in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Five.”

It revealed that the original 84-acre property had been confiscated from its owner, one William Bayard, by Isaac Stoutenburgh and Philip van Cortlandt, Commissioners of Forfeiture, “appointed in pursuance of an Act of the Legislature of the said State, entitled ‘An Act for the Speedy Sale of the confiscated and forfeited Estates within the State.’” In other words, the unfortunate William Bayard had been on the losing side of the recently fought American Revolutionary War. The sale was recorded “In Consideration of the Sum of One Hundred and Twenty Pounds Lawful Money of the Said State,” less than a pound and a half an acre. (New York State was issuing its own money at the time.) The new owner was Peter Goetschius, a physician, who sold it 45 years later to James Goetschius, who sold it in turn in 1837 to John Goetschius for $573.20 (U.S. money).

For those sales within the Goetschius family and subsequent sales recorded in these documents right into the 20th Century, the boundaries of the three parcels comprising the property were described in language like the following: “Beginning at the highway and running northwesterly to a heap of stones in the line of the lot now owned by Brazilla Dusenberry; thence northeasterly along said Dusenberry’s land to a heap of stones; thence southeasterly along David Ferris’s land to the highway; thence southerly as the road runs to the place of beginning, containing twenty-two acres, two roods, thirty-four rods; be the same more or less.”

The “heap of stones,” like the “certain cherry tree” of another parcel’s description, or such measurements of distance as “eight chains and seventy-one links,” have been replaced in our era by surveys and coordinates of latitude and longitude. But they are preserved in these precious documents, the more picturesque of which are framed on the living room walls of the original house. We have no record of when the house itself was built, and town records are no help. A photograph of the house in the local Citizen Register newspaper almost fifty years ago states that it was built “prior to 1730,” but with no further information.

For much of the 19th Century, the farm belonged to the Odell family. Isaac and Benjamin Odell were identified as owners of adjacent property early in the century, and John Goetschius sold the farm to Betsy & William Odell and their children in 1860. The widow of Jackson Odell sold it to Maurice & Anna Bigelow of the Bronx in 1905. And in a fascinating sidelight, a strip of land was deeded to the Town of Cortlandt around the turn of the century for the purpose of widening Rose Ave., as Watch Hill Road was known at the time. (Rose Ave. was still the street’s official name in the 1995 edition of Hagstrom’s Westchester County Atlas, with Watch Hill Rd. appearing in parentheses.)

Also interesting, a 1916 “Abstract of Title” recording the history of this strip of land places it “at Boscobel, in the Town of Cortlandt, Westchester County, New York.”

From 1857 to 1883, it turns out, Boscobel was the name of the post office at Crugers. To locals, Boscobel is the name of the elegant mansion built overlooking the Hudson River in the early 1800s by States Morris Dyckman and later dismantled to make way for the F.D.R. Veterans Hospital in nearby Montrose. Reconstructed fifteen miles north in Garrison in the 1950s, today Boscobel House is one of the great historical attractions of the Lower Hudson Valley. Another, of course, is Croton’s Van Cortlandt Manor, the restored family estate of Philip van Cortlandt, the Commissioner of Forfeiture who confiscated and sold the house on Watch Hill Road.

Meanwhile, in utter defiance of today’s staggering housing market, that living antique on Watch Hill Road brought eager buyers out of the proverbial woodwork. The old farmhouse, its property now reduced to an acre and a quarter, was listed for sale in May. It drew multiple offers and sold within the first week, well over the asking price of $545,000.

Posted by: Bruce Dollar

Would YOU Buy Your Own Home?

2010-08-23T22:27:08Z

When people think about putting their home on the market their primary focus is on the inside, when it should begin with the outside. As outlined in a previous post about first impressions you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. That impression starts with the drive up to the house, not when they open the front door.

Start creating the impression you want buyers to feel by paying attention to the front and back yard, making sure the lawn is well manicured, add flowers to provide a focal point, and keep the weeds pulled. You can also create a good impression by taking care of the trees and shrubs.

It is important to provide an inviting atmosphere by paying attention to first impressions, or curb appeal, because it will indicate the house has been well maintained and taken care of. Pride of ownership goes a long way with buyers. If your yard and home are messy and uncared for prospective buyers will conclude the entire house has been neglected and has other hidden defects. That kind of negative impression will result in a less-than-generous offer, or possibly no offer at all. In today’s market with the beautiful photography available on the internet, if you don’t have curb appeal you may not even get any showings.

The key is to view your home through a potential buyer’s eyes. I recommend sellers drive by all the homes on the market that are in competition with theirs before they put their house on the market. When arriving back at their home, they need to honestly evaluate whether their home creates a good impression and more importantly, if you were the buyer, would you buy your own home?

I would be happy to offer more comprehensive suggestions and tips on how to best market your home so please don’t hesitate to call, email or post a comment.

Posted by: Sonja Lovas

Trail Race at Muscoot Farm

2010-08-23T17:58:03Z

The organizers of the Leatherman’s Loop have put together another trail run race. This race will be held at Muscoot Farm in Katonah, NY on October 24, 2010. The organizers have been working and planning this event for years. Tony, Dave and Mike sent out a survey to the Leatherman’s Loop participants to determine the level of interest in a fall race and the response was overwhelming.

The registration is now open and there are a few spots left.

Run the Farm is a 5-mile trail run. The fall leaves will be beautiful by October 24 and it is the perfect time to enjoy the trail run and the Muscoot Farmer’s market. The concept for the race was to bring more awareness to the local farmer’s market, which is open every Sunday from May through October. Run the Farm will have a race for kids 12 and under that is 1 mile long and that starts at 8:30. The race for all others will begin at 9:00.

Head on over to the registration, and I’ll see you on the trails at Muscoot Farm!

Posted by: Sonja Lovas

74 Forest Avenue

2010-08-20T00:00:00Z

One of the reasons I love living in New Rochelle are the undulating hills and long meandering streets, making it perfect for walking, speed walking and running. For a few years, the local mini-marathon would go past our home in Paine Heights, and it was always a fun event. New Rochelle was recognized in 2008 as being one of the best Walking Cities in America by the American Podiatric Medical Association. As an aside, New York City was voted number one in New York State and New Rochelle Number 2.. Not bad for a city that had a population in 2007 of 73,260.

The neighborhoods all seem to have their very own special names too, like Bonnie Crest, Larchmont Woods, Beechmont, Wykagyl Estates, Wykagyl Park, Rochelle Park, Paine Heights and Forest Heights amongst others.

One such beautiful home that will enchant and please is a Georgian Colonial in the exclusive Forest Heights area, and is located at 74 Forest Avenue. Exquisitely renovated, it is priced at $1,375,000, and features 5 bedrooms and four and half (a powder room) baths. The open floor plan leads to a living room with a fireplace , formal dining room, ,stunning new kitchen with Viking, Sub-Zero and Miehle appliances, an office, breakfast room w a fireplace , large family room that leads to a heated 4 Seasons room with marble tiling, and a new powder room. The master bedroom offers a nursery/walk-in closet, fireplace & bath. Four additional bedrooms (one with its own bathroom) and a hall bath compliment this lovely second floor beautifully. New windows, an attic space that is huge, offering many possibilities as does the huge marble tiled basement with its entertainment center. There is room for a pool , and the heated 2 car garage is also tiled with great attic space! Located on 0.39 of an acre and close to transportation and shops, it is just 35 minutes from NYC.

For more information on this lovely home, please feel free to contact me.

Posted by: Gay E. Rosen

Fun Planned on The Bedford Village Green Saturday, September 11

2010-08-19T00:00:00Z

Not to be outdone by the Hamlet of Katonah, the sister hamlet of Bedford Village in the town of Bedford, New York will enjoy their Indian Summer Days with a Historic Village Treasure Hunt sponsored by the Bedford Historical Society.

Planned for Saturday, September 11 with a rain date for Sunday the 12th, it will be from 11am-3pm.

It will help children re-sharpen their skills in the early days of the fall semester! There will be Treasure Hunt bags, maps and tricorner hats! The family walking tour along the Village Green will include historic buildings and landmarks with treasures to collect along the way.

To give it true revolutionary flair, there will be a re-enactment of musket drills on the Green and colonial games. Did you know that the current library was the school house? Well, you will be able to ring the bell atop the building the way they used to call the children to school!

The fire department will have an antique truck on display and will host a cookout. Pony rides and children’s music by “Music Together” will further enhance the day. For more information call 914-234-9751 or go to their website www.bedfordhistoricalsociety.com

Posted by: Karen Benvin Ransom

Late Summer & Fall Events Along Museum Mile in Katonah, Town of Bedford, New York

2010-08-18T09:02:00Z

No need to despair the waning days of summer. There are major events planned along fabled Museum Mile along Jay Street in Katonah, Town of Bedford, New York.

The Katonah Museum of Art has its exhibit “Cuba Avant Guard” until the 19th of September. Along with the pieces from the Farber Collection with tours every day at 2:30, there are also the Edel Rodriquez book illustrations in the Children’s Wing and the Charles Johnstone photos of Havana to enjoy. “Woozy Blossom” 2010 by Matthew Geller of NYC will continue to refresh us out in the Sculpture Garden until the end of October!

The John Jay Homestead:

Saturday 9/18/2010 - The Barn Dance will be held on Saturday, September 18. It is for children as well as adults from 5-9 pm. There will be live entertainment by musicians of all ages. My son had friends who played with their bands at the Homestead event. There will be swimming pig races and crafts for the children. There is a country barbecue to be enjoyed and ice cream sundaes to polish off the meal! RSVP by September 14.

Sunday 9/19/2010 - from 11-4. The day after the Barn Dance is the Annual Country Fair complete with pony rides, old fashioned games and farm animals. One favorite that we used to enjoy was the Story Teller in the huge teepee. Lots of food, music and performers!

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts:

Friday the 24th at 8pm is the Bill Frisell Trio.

Saturday the 25th at 8 pm is a concert with Patti Lupone!

On Sunday the 26th, there is a family concert at 1 pm with The Knights and a guest appearance by Yo Yo Ma!

Yo Yo Ma is then featured with The Knights at 4:30.

Saturday, October 2 from 7pm-midnight is a Fundraising Soiree at the Rosen House.

Sunday, October 3 at 7pm - The Future is Now - Caramoor’s Rising Stars and Young Artists.

Posted by: Karen Benvin Ransom

Pumping Your Septic

2010-08-13T13:08:21Z

Septic systems seem to be something of a mystery for most people coming from an area where there have always been sewers. Prior to purchasing a home with a septic you need to have an inspection. There are a number of ways to do this, but since septic system failures can be very costly, this inspection should not be overlooked or minimized. A great website to learn about septic systems is the EPA’s guide to Septic systems.

It was time to pump our septic so I decided to show you the process. I find it interesting to talk to the guy who pumps it as he has seen thousands of tanks and has so much experience and knowledge about septic systems, how they work and I always learn something new.

When you have your septic system pumped, the top of the tank is located and they dig up the grass (or weeds) and take the top off. Next they run a hose about 6 inches in diameter into the tank and started pumping. While the hose was sucking out the solids, the guy was stirring and scraping the bottom of the tank to break up all the solids. It was interesting to note there wasn’t an odor, and that is because the hose is vented at the truck.

A visual inspection of the overall condition of the tank was made, everything was in order and “looking good”. I have been curious for a long time how many loads of laundry you should do in a day so I asked. The answer is two. We didn’t think of it at the time we bought our front-end washing machine, but they are actually the best type of washer to have when you are on a septic because of the reduced water usage and type of soap they use. Most tanks need to be pumped every 2 – 3 years and believe it or not, winter is actually the best time to have that done because the ground never freezes over the tank and the septic pumping companies aren’t a busy. The process took about 45 minutes and we are all set for another 3 years, only I’ll extend it a few months and see my septic guy in the winter.

Posted by: Sonja Lovas

"Move On Without Me" - A Book by Bedford's Susan C. Beer

2010-08-10T00:00:00Z

“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face…”

Why do the words of “The Irish Blessing” come to mind each time I picked up the book “Move on Without Me” by Bedford resident, Susan C. Beer?

It started out as a book about her new journey after the loss of Andrew, her husband of 28 years. His parting words, “move on without me,” both encouraged and empowered her to move on with her life. Begun 2 days after his passing, it became a book that reflected her growth and her empowerment, and the power of positive thinking.

It is not a book about grief or bereavement but one of the steps and lessons to self recovery and discovery, clarity of self, and an appreciation of how the Universe provides.

There are many times in our lives that we experience great loss. Our marriages and our jobs do not last the traditional twenty five or thirty years. For most of us, there are no gold watches or gold anniversaries. There are times of financial loss: shrinking investments, nest eggs and home values. There are major times of reevaluation, self doubt, loneliness and even fear that can have you in its grip. This is a book about starting over. She also has a gentle sense of humor - especially when she throws off the Hood of widowhood.

Her journey over this first year was a time of keen observation. Outside her bedroom window, a Paloma Picassoesque heart appeared in the overlapping of trees’ boughs and branches. Was it a symbol of her husband’s love for her or an evolving love and appreciation of one’s self. Or is it “All you need is Love?” And, then, shortly before year’s end, there appeared a second smaller heart above the original. They remain there today.

Her format is divided into the Four Seasons, the heart photographed in each season by her business partner, the artist, Henry Bismuth. Winter, when she lost her beloved husband, with its heavy cloak of snow and ice which freezes us in our steps. Then we realize that the dormancy leads to growth and the coming of Spring when the branches and buds begin to appear. Then comes the Summer in full blossom with its occasional bee bites and the unexpected thorn which then leads to the richness and harvest of Fall. Friends, too, have their seasons - those that will go by the wayside, those that will remain, and the delight of the new.

There is the mystery of the universe and the rhythm of life which runs through all of the seasons. When she needed a writing desk, Susan found a neighbor putting one out on the road for pick up. She offered to buy it, but was told to enjoy it and then pass it on to someone else that will have the same need. Once home, the desk fit perfectly! She deals with each topic with such grace and style. Each entry holds a nugget of truth and strong encouragement.

Just this morning I would have loved to have just stayed in my room puttering around and taking time to read, but I had to get on with the day. Surface from my room, put the coffee on, take the dog out. It begins as simply as that. Feet on the floor. Then I review the outline of my day and relish my minor victories through the day as it progresses. We have to keep moving on!

What do I have to add to my list of “things to do?” Get to know her dog, Monty!

The book is available on Amazon.com, and at Barnes & Noble and Borders & Books.

Posted by: Karen Benvin Ransom

Delicious Surprises in Mt. Kisco, NY

2010-08-09T14:51:00Z

Mt. Kisco is full of surprises. It has been voted the #1 town in Westchester. As a Realtor I also tell young families that Mt. Kisco has some of the lowest property taxes around due to its business base pitching into the Tax Rolls. The school District is Bedford Central. It is also a great transitional town for those singles and families making the change from life in Manhattan to the Country/Suburbs. There are shops, Starbucks, two Movie Theatres in the area and restaurants galore. Metro North has a station in Town as well as the adjacent stops in Bedford - Bedford Hills and Katonah.

It has been called “The Hub of Northern Westchester” - a term coined about thirty years ago when I moved from smoking trout in the backyard in Purchase to a facility in Mt. Kisco. I did it to draw people to my then new Saturday Sales. It worked! So, Mt. Kisco got a smokehouse, Homarus Inc. Yes, another surprise, Mt. Kisco is still called the Hub of Northern Westchester!

Over the years the major chains such as The Gap, Banana Republic, Borders Books and even Target have come to Mt. Kisco - some knocking out privately owned companies yet welcome nonetheless. I always regretted that they turned away The American Doll Co. and their pursuit of the Ragtime House on Captain Merrit’s Hill for their first retail store, (the model for Samantha’s House in Mt. Bedford). Yet it proved to be a wonderful educational trip out to Chicago when their first store opened.

There is an area in Mt. Kisco on one end of Lexington Avenue that is full of surprises and privately owned businesses. An offshoot of my company is there and known as “Mt. Kisco Smokehouse,” where William still produces all of the items which became a household staple for the area. I have met young adults that have told me “I grew up on your smoked trout and salmon.” Boy, want to feel old! So, let’s feed the new generations! Their retail is open every day of the week - not just on Saturday. People still love visiting a true smokehouse and also enjoying freshly smoked sturgeon, whitefish, eel, baked salmon and even shrimp that we developed with Chef Larry Forgione of the River Cafe years ago.

There is also an exquisite French Bakery called “La Tulipe Desserts,” run by second generation Pastry Chef Maarten Steenman and his wife Frances. They were honored with the recent task of making Chelsea Clinton’s wedding cake!

There is the area’s top fresh Fish and Seafood Market - “Mt. Kisco Seafood.” Looking for a great restaurant? There is the Cuban Restaurant “Coco Rumbas,” the Soho Chic establishment “Lexington Square Cafe” and long time Italian comfort food spot -“Mardino’s.” Another couple of blocks away is another local favorite - “The Flying Pig,” known for local, natural, farm-to-table foods.

So, come and enjoy Mt. Kisco!

Coco Rumba’s - 443 Lexington Avenue, 914-241-2299
The Flying Pig Restaurant - 251 Lexington Avenue, 914-666-7445
Lexington Square Cafe - 510 Lexington Avenue, 914-244-3663
La Tulipe Desserts - 455 Lexington Avenue, 914-242-0694
Mardino’s Italian Restaurant - 473 Lexington Avenue, 914-666-9861
Mt. Kisco Seafood - 477 Lexington Avenue, 914-241-3113
Mt. Kisco Smokehouse - 520 Lexington Avenue, 914-244-0702

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR HOME?

2010-08-02T00:00:00Z

For some buyers identifying the perfect place to call home is fraught with anxiety. Relatives and friends do not shy from making suggestions, but don’t always agree. Quite the contrary. So how do you find the right place for you? One couple I worked with, clients buying their first home, devised a scheme for sampling daily life. After obtaining a pre-approval for a mortgage and deciding on a comfortable price range, they identified a geographic area that offered a good commute. We spent some time together touring neighborhoods, viewing houses and evaluating the market history for each. They then selected several communities that fit their key criteria: affordability, convenient commute, services and amenities, attractive housing stock.

Now came the more difficult part – which town was best? These were neighboring communities, all shared the criteria they had identified, yet each had a slightly different character. The buyers developed a plan and over a couple of weeks they visited and conducted daily business in each community being considered. Stopping for a cup of coffee enroute to work, dropping off dry cleaning, shopping at local stores, buying gas, etc. – to see where they felt most at home. 15 years later they remain active participants of the community they chose. Finding the right house was the easy part. Summer makes it easy to sample living in Westchester while experiencing a delightful mini vacation. Throughout the County there are sports, art, and entertainment events at a variety of venues. This weekend for example is the 10th annual Peekskill Celebration. Music, food, fireworks and Dragon Boat races are just a few of the pleasures planned. Experience life in my favorite Hudson River town and while here take time to visit a museum or art gallery and perhaps check out a residential neighborhood and view some homes on the market. You might just find your Home.

Posted by: Liz Pereira

A Saturday Walk in Katonah - It's Like a Walk in The Park!

2010-07-29T00:00:00Z

Short and Simple - a quick walk around Katonah on a Saturday has its special delights. I first stopped into the Katonah Village Library to see the endeavors of Bedford’s Hopp Garden Club and pick out a new Summer book having finished the Katonah Museum of Art Selection. I was astounded at the creativity and the work that was put into the installation - for only two days of exhibition time!

Then around the corner I found a sign attached to the venerable sign of Kelloggs & Lawrence Hardware Store which was quite techy for a hardware store that also features an old fashioned barrel of peanuts for your enjoyment!! “Visitor ‘i’ Information Center - The Katonah Chamber of Commerce” was the sign. I popped in and found proprietress Diana Tyler at the counter and she was pleased to show me a rack which holds the various brochures about Katonah and our local institutions such as The Katonah Museum, Caramoor and a historic village walking tour. The Katonah Chamber of Commerce has deemed it a central location for visitors and residents alike for info regarding new exhibits, locations and events.

So pop into Katonah, enjoy the sites, the Victorians that were moved into the green space created over one hundred years ago and have some fun, enjoy the unique shops and some great food at our many eating spots. The village is right at the train station so a ride from the City or other points is very easy!

Posted by: Karen Benvin Ransom

Did You Know? Fun Facts About the Town of Bedford - Famous Broadway Star Original Resident of Lake Marie!

2010-07-28T00:00:00Z

Live Like A Star!

Yes, indeed, about a hundred years ago Broadway Actress Bessie Tyree had married James S. Metcalfe, theater critic for “LIFE” Magazine, and they had an estate in the early 1900s on the current site of the Bedford Hills Memorial Park and the luxury condos of “Lakeside at Bedford.”

Bessie Tyree was one of the Founding Members of the American Theater Wing. A group of seven prominent Broadway Actresses met when the first storm clouds were gathering for what became known as The Great War - WWI. They formed to aid in the war effort. They enlisted help from all of Broadway – from actors to stagehands to wardrobe mistresses. Stage Women’s War Relief provided free meals and entertainment to soldiers in the heart of Broadway. These venues became known as The Stage Door Canteens. They also travelled to entertain the troops. They used their public speaking abilities and star power to raise seven million dollars in War Bonds - a tidy sum at the time.

Bessie summered with her husband on Lake Marie. She also was one of the first members of the Bedford Garden Club. She used her talents and organizational skills to raise money for the building of the Bedford Hills Community House. She organized plays as fundraisers and her two-day Harvest Fairs became an annual tradition to maintain and support programs at the Community House.

You can live today on this beautiful spot overlooking Lake Marie in the condos of Lakeside at Bedford. This small complex of Condos on Lake Marie Lane are walking distance to the Bedford Hills Train, Town and the Bedford Hills Memorial Park which provides swimming, tennis and day camps. It is a minute away from the Saw Mill River Parkway and 684. The hamlet of Bedford Hills has a Post Office and many chic shops, eateries and services. I love to get off the Train and tuck into a table for a great meal at Nino’s Restaurant which is just steps away. Bedford Hills is in between the other local attractions of Katonah and Mt. Kisco. A ride across Bedford Center Road takes you into Bedford Village which also has the makings of a great Movie Night - Meetinghouse Restaurant and The Bedford Playhouse. The precursor to the station car was the stagecoach route that carried residents to and from the new train line. The Katonah Museum and Caramoor are also close - home of The International Music Festival – which provides concerts, lectures, exhibits and activities for all ages…

My Listing on Lake Marie Lane, one of the largest units with over 3000 sq ft., is at the best location, boasts a two-car garage, is an end unit with a private entrance, has gleaming hardwood floors, 3 bedrooms and four baths. It has 4 levels of living space. Each level has a view of Lake Marie including 2 decks. The eat-in kitchen offers a charming spot for meals. There is a large formal dining room and living room complete with a marble fireplace. The master suite with luxury bath, has a large finished loft that can serve as an ideal home office. There is a large family room with sliders out to a patio area on the lower level with a half bath and laundry. There is a great deal of storage space.

This is a great transitional home from city to suburb for young couples, plus an alternative for an empty nester/down-sizer with great quality of life and space without having to leave the area. Easy Condo Living with low taxes. Once again - walk to train, town and park!

If you have any further questions please contact me at or 914-232-1212 x342

Posted by: Karen Benvin Ransom

Riding In the Rain!

2010-07-27T18:07:04Z

Sunday was the second of the summer series of trail rides sponsored by the North Salem Bridle Trails Association (NSBTA). In spite of the light rain, about 20 riders enjoyed the 1 1/2 hour rides: “fast pace with jumping,” “medium pace with jumping optional,” and “walk & talk.” I led the Medium ride, which was the most popular!

The riders met on Baxter Road in North Salem, at The Old Race Track. This is a most gorgeous area of open meadows, stone walls and a lake that is surrounded by what used to be an unofficial horse racing track. Today it is one of the most popular of the North Salem Open Land Foundation properties. From the Race Track, one can ride on trails for miles in all directions! This treasure of days gone by is part of what makes North Salem such a beautiful and enjoyable place to live, whether one is interested in horses and horse properties or not.

Also on Baxter Road (one of several dirt roads in the town) are the kennels and clubhouse of the Goldens Bridge Hounds. Yes, it’s a real foxhunting club, but all the members are quick to say that the fox is NOT killed as it is in England and Ireland. GBH meets from mid-August until April 1, weather permitting.

Upcoming events for NSBTA and GBH are the North Country GBH Hunter Pace in Amenia, NY, on August 15. The third of the NSBTA trail rides in North Salem is Sunday, August 29, location to be announced. On September 12, GBH will hold their annual Hunter Trials at The Old Race Track. This is a fabulous event to watch as well as to ride in…riders dressed in formal attire jumping the stone walls and man-made fences, and also riding on the flat, with a great Luncheon under the tent…featuring a Puppy Auction!!

For more information about any of these great activities and organizations, please feel free to contact me…914-282-2548 Cell or

Posted by: Anita Zander