Country Style 1917 Home and Studio at 26 Cooper Road to be Demolished -- Plus Sales, Featured Listings and Weekend Open Houses

It seems that there is almost nothing one can do to preserve a historic home in Scarsdale. On October 10, Mayor Dan Hochvert announced that the Scarsdale Board of Trustees overturned a July 11 decision by the Committee for Historic Preservation (CHP) to deny permission to demolish a 1917 country style house and companion studio or garage (1926) at 26 Cooper Road.

In July, with a vote of 5-2, the CHP found that that the "house and the garage behind it were of substantial historical importance based on criteria specified in Village Code." They found that the architect was a master and that the house and garage embody "the distinctive characteristic of a type, period or method of construction that possess high artistic values. The main House and Garage are excellent examples of Country style architecture. Both structures are dominated by a steeply pitched, cross-gabled roof with mock-sagging at the end of the roofline and dormers. The arrangement of windows of different sizes and shapes as well as the prominent chimneys and chimney pots on the main House are also classic traits of this style."

Explaining their conclusion that architect Frank J. Forster was a master, the CHP decision quotes a review of a book by Forster called "Country Houses, The Work of Frank J. Forster." The review said, "This is the architect whose work is the basis for the majority of French Normandy, French Provincial or Country French inspired architecture in the United States by other architects in the United State after World War II."

However the rub was that though Forster's name appears on the plans for the garage /studio, his name does not appear on the plans for the main house. Five members of the CHP said there was sufficient evidence to conclude that Forster did design the main house, due to similarities between the house and the garage and the house and other works of Forster. Also they said, "Moreover, it appears unlikely that an architect of Forster's stature would have undertaken the "garage" project, a small commission, unless he had designed the House."

Announcing their decision to overturn the CHP's ruling, Hochvert said that "the architect is unknown," and there was no proof to support the claim that he was the architect of the house. Hochvert said, "The record is legally insufficient to landmark the main building." About preserving the garage, he said it would be "senseless." He summed up by saying "there is a delicate balance between individual rights and the rights of the Village."

Sadly, the Scarsdale Village Trustees rarely exercises their rights to preserve historic homes. The research done by the CHP is laudable. However it seems that any developer or homeowner who is turned down by the CHP can almost be assured of winning an appeal to the Scarsdale Board of Trustees.

The Scarsdale Village Trustees have scheduled to meet with the land use boards to discuss current village code in November. But so many historic homes that gave Scarsdale its unique neighborhood character have already been razed. Undoubtedly the demolition will continue unless the trustees can toughen local laws and defend these laws when challenged.

Sales:
18 Claremont Road
Modern Colonial on .30 acres with level backyard and easy walk to all. This amazing home designed by award winning architect features a total of 5,463 square feet with open flow living space, high ceilings, stunning 20 foot high entry, cable railing and, a NYC feel. Enjoy up to 7 bedrooms and 5 1/2 baths with wide plank oak flooring, floating sinks and designer tiles. Chef's kitchen and Thermador appliances with cabinetry by JEM woodworking. Master bedroom with cathedral ceiling, his and hers walk-in closets, luxury bath, oversized shower, soaking tub and radiant heat flooring. Amenities include 9 foot ceilings, gas fireplace, two car garage, multi-zone HVAC, pre-wired for sound and upgrades for a "smart house." Lower level is 1,700 square foot with second family room, bedroom, bathroom and media room.

Sale Price: $2,250,000
Real Estate Taxes: TBD

14 Wildwood Road
Built 2012. This beautifully landscaped custom Colonial with a contemporary flair boasts high ceilings and hardwood floors through out. A dramatic 2 story entrance foyer leads you to an open floorplan, which includes a spacious informal family room featuring a welcoming fireplace. The chefs gourmet eat- in- kitchen with breakfast area has sliding glass doors leading to the deck and private yard. This airy bright kitchen has Granite countertops, Wolfs 6 burner stove, sub zero refrigerator, pantry, island and wine refrigerator. All appliances are stainless steel. All baths are custom designed and laundry room, located on the second floor for easy access. Walk out finished basement is zoned for 5th bedroom and 2 car garage completes this Scarsdale home.

Sale Price: $1,850,000
Real Estate Taxes: $40,685
Assessed Value: $1,875,000

19 Old Lyme Road
Located in sought-after Quaker Ridge, this spacious Split-level home is perfect for entertaining. This home features a large family room with wet bar and fireplace, a living room with vaulted ceiling, dining room, den with built-ins and a modern eat in kitchen. With four bedrooms and three full bathrooms, this home sits on .47 acre of level property with room for a pool.

Sale Price: $1,185,000
Real Estate Taxes: $31,500
Assessed Value: $1,264,000

77 Tunstall Road
A stunning entrance hall offers full view of the staircase and introduces the living room through exquisite French doors. This 3,500 square foot four-story residence features: six bedrooms; five baths; a beautiful screened stone terrace off the living room and dining room; a master suite with a striking en suite sun room vaulted beamed ceiling and triple exposure; a family room with a tray ceiling doubling as a private guest room (en suite bath); and an expansive lower level. Additional special features include: two fireplaces; built-ins; hardwood floors; extensive custom millwork; and a walk-out basement.

Sale Price: $996,000
Real Estate Taxes: $39,703
Assessed Value: $1,625,000

170 Inwood Road
Pristine 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath Edgemont home which was completely renovated in 2006. From the moment you enter this sun filled home, you will appreciate the open floor plan and gleaming hardwood floors throughout. Prepare meals in the large eat-in kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and sliding glass doors to deck. The second level details a lovely bedroom with en suite bathroom and skylight plus two additional bedrooms and a hall bath. Your own private oasis awaits you on the third level in the spacious master bedroom suite with Jacuzzi tub. Unwind during summer BBQs on the deck which leads to the serene level yard for all of your outdoor entertaining. The lower level family room has the convenience of a powder room and has access to the garage.

Sale Price: $950,626
Real Estate Taxes: $31,121
Assessed Value: $26,550

11 Kempster Road
Fabulous opportunity to renovate/expand this existing home or build a new one on this beautiful level half acre property. Ideally located close to Scarsdale village, train, bus, shops and schools in the Cotswold section of Edgemont.

Sale Price: $925,000
Real Estate Taxes: $35,036
Assessed Value: $1,251,500

Featured Listings

6 Murray Hill Road Scarsdale
Gracious Tudor with a French Provincial flair picturesquely set on a lush acre in the midst of one of Scarsdale's most prestigious and sought after areas. Above all a fine Opportunity for judicious renovating! Learn more here:

List Price: $1,475,000

14 Innes Road Scarsdale
Extraordinary lend of styles yields a classically modern 7,400 SF, 7 bedroom home, both luxurious and eminently livable. Ideally located near school, shops, restaurants and transportation. Learn more here:

List Price: $3,795,000

Open Houses

26 Hampton Road Scarsdale
Open House Sunday 10/15 2-4 PM

Classic Center Hall Colonial set on .54 acre in sought after Fox Meadow location. Learn more here:

List Price: $3,985,000

11 Continental Road Scarsdale
Open House Sunday 10/15 3:30-5 PM

Colonial of the finest quality and craftsmanship in a desirable, tranquil neighborhood. Learn more here:

List Price: $3,950,000

12 Wynmor Road Scarsdale
Open House Sunday 10/15 1-3 PM

6,160 square foot open floor plan Colonial includes seven bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths. Learn more here:

List Price: $2,499,000

74 Greenacres Avenue Scarsdale
Open House Sunday 10/15 1-3 PM

A sun-drenched Greenacres gem. Beautiful Tudor with slate roof of incomparable class. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,849,000

24 Paddington Road Scarsdale,
Open House Sunday 10/15 11 AM-1 PM

A rare find: Scarsdale Mid-Century Modern home on sought after street sure to delight. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,495,000

147 Bradley Road Scarsdale
Open House Saturday 1-3 PM, Sunday 12:30 PM-2:30 PM
Built in 2014, this Colonial has exceptional craftsmanship. Many upgrades throughout. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,450,000

120 Inverness Road Scarsdale
Open House Sunday 10/15 2-4 PM
This home has been loved, enjoyed, updated and meticulously maintained. A rare find. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,349,000