Details

Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Real Estate

Published: 14 December 2017

What a December for Scarsdale real estate! The surge of sales continues this week with the sale of a 12,200 square foot home on 2.5 acres at 9 Heathcote Road and many more houses in Scarsdale and Edgemont. Check out the action below:

9 Heathcote Road: Unrivaled for its scale and artistry, the home captures the best of modern living with an inviting neutral palette, exceptional architectural detailing and an inviting light-filled ambiance perfect for the way we live today. Expansive formal and informal rooms, a heart-of-the-house new gourmet kitchen designed by renowned Julien Albertini, featuring Gaggenau appliances. A sprawling master suite spans the width of the entire house! Smart House technology count among the many special highlights. The same attention to detail found inside the home is on display outside where natural splendor and privacy envelop entertaining terraces for outdoor dining and a heated pool, spa and tennis court. Screened specimen landscaping for maximum privacy.

Sale Price: $6,900,000
Assessed Value: $8,775,000
Real Estate Taxes: $205,000

11 Windmill Lane: This home is super comfortable and is filled with many delightful touches. The centerpiece is the grand living room with a beamed cathedral ceiling and majestic fireplace. Overlooking the meticulously landscaped backyard is a grand three season room that is just perfect for any occasion. A two-car garage is adjacent to and provides easy access to the eat-in kitchen. Bedroom layout can be versatile with the master either on the first or second level.

Sale Price: $1,305,000
Assessed Value: $1,125,000
Real Estate Taxes: $25,961

87 Walworth Avenue: Center Hall brick Colonial, combining 21st Century comfort and interior modern design. The first level of this home features high ceilings and spacious rooms, including a bright and large living room with fireplace, sunroom/study, formal dining room, updated eat-in kitchen with desk area, powder room, and a huge deck overlooking the yard, perfect for outdoor dining and for large gatherings. The second level boasts four bedrooms, two updated full baths and a playroom/office. The third level includes two bedrooms, bonus space and a full bath. The lower level features a media room, playroom, exercise room full bath and laundry. The yard is well-landscaped affording great privacy.

Sale Price: $1,598,000
Assessed Value: $1,150,000
Real Estate Taxes: $27,925

11 Ridgecrest North: Light-filled brick Colonial with slate roof is ideally located within Ridgecrest circle. A welcoming foyer flows into the living room with fireplace, sunroom, dining room and kitchen. Gleaming hardwood floors, oversized windows, and French doors which open to a sweet patio and lush backyard. The second level features the master bedroom and bathroom, two more bedrooms and a bathroom. The attic is fully finished with a generously sized bedroom, lounge area, cedar closet, and full bath.

Sale Price: $1,117,500
Assessed Value: $1,275,000
Real Estate Taxes: $28,088

7 Dell Road: Sunny and picturesque home on a tranquil street. Beautifully updated and meticulously maintained, it offers perfect flexibility and room to grow. Enjoy the comfort of a 1st floor master bedroom or use as an additional family room. Prepare delicious meals in the gourmet eat-in kitchen with professional grade appliances, lots of cabinet space and ample granite counters. Wrap-around rear and side patios overlook a lush, private yard that is ideal for relaxing or as a play space. New energy-saving Pella windows and new Bryant high efficiency heating and AC systems ensure year-round comfort and low utility bills. This home also features an architectural shingle roof, new leaders and gutters, lawn sprinklers and an alarm system. Large sun-splashed rooms, Crown moldings, central air, gas BBQ, 2 car tandem garage and abundant storage.

Sale Price: $863,000
Real Estate Taxes: $18,467
Assessed Value: $848,000

10 Sheridan Road: Stylish Edgemont home is in move-in condition features a great room with a vaulted ceiling and skylights in an idyllic setting on a lush, .40 acre lot. Beautifully updated and impeccably maintained, this 3 bedroom, 2-½ bath Cape Colonial has plenty of room for expansion. First floor features include a sunny living room with fireplace, an elegant updated powder room, a great room with sliding glass doors to lovely patio with brick pavers, floor to ceiling stone fireplace and dining area, the bright eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and door to mudroom and 2 car garage, the master suite with his and hers closets and tastefully updated bath, and a highly functional office with built-ins. The second floor boasts two large bedrooms with walk-in closets, a computer alcove and upgraded full bath.

Sale Price: $950,000
Assessed Value: $892,200
Real Estate Taxes: $28,598

6 Clarendon Place: This home has been well maintained and offers the "open floor" plan buyers are searching for today. There is a large living room/dining room area and an additional full family room on the entry level. Greenville elementary school.

Sale Price: $741,500
Assessed Value: $728,000
Real Estate Taxes: $23,962

Featured Listings:

1 Brook Lane, East Hartsdale

Edgemont Country Colonial- Private Estate- 1.18 Acres of park-like property- Walk to train, village and junior/Senior High School. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,265,000

8 Sundale Place, Scarsdale
Exceptional young Edgemont Colonial built by established local builder in premier location at end of cul-de-sac. Learn more here:

List Price: $2,395,000

Open Houses

11 Continental Road Scarsdale
Open House Sunday 12/17 2:30 pm-4:00 pm

Learn more here:
List Price: $3,950,000

16 Clarendon Road Scarsdale $1,649,000
Open House Sunday 12/17 1 pm-3 pm

Learn more here:
List Price: $1,649,000

341 South Healy Avenue Scarsdale
Open House Sunday 12/17 1 pm-3 pm

Learn more here:
List Price: $749,000

914 Wynnewood Road #3D Pelham
Open House Sunday 12/17 2 pm- 4 pm

Learn more here:
List Price: $398,000

Details

Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Real Estate

Published: 07 December 2017

A surprising number of big home sales in Scarsdale as 2017 comes to a close. Perhaps buyers want to make their purchase before the tax code changes, or maybe political uncertainty is making sellers more flexible on price? Who knows? What's your theory? For whatever reason, here are this week's roster of nice home sales in Scarsdale and Edgemont:

Sales

20 Highland Way: Bright five-bedroom home in the heart of Fox Meadow with open floor plan on a level well landscaped .47 acres and a three car garage. There is a two story entrance reception area which opens to the living room with windows on three sides and a beautiful fireplace, library with fireplace, dining room and butler's pantry. Additionally, there is a chef's kitchen with large center island, big breakfast area which opens to the family room with prominent fireplace, powder room, a guest room and bath, mudroom and laundry open to the garage. Upstairs is a large master bedroom with three exposures, two walk-in closets and huge bath, two bedrooms, hall bath, and bedroom with its own bath. The lower level has a play room, full bath, wine cellar and storage room. The whole house was beautifully renovated in 1998 with a great flow for easy living.

Sale Price: $2,700,000
Assessed Value: $2,275,000
Real Estate Taxes: $58,024

15 Oak Lane: Magnificent Mediterranean Villa with stunning architectural details including a 2-story living room, four fireplaces, Juliet balcony, floor to ceiling windows and French doors to beautifully landscaped grounds. Outside find stonewalls surrounding a pool with hot tub and spa. Expansive kitchen, with expansive and exposed brick, huge center island, six-burner stove and sub-zero refrigerator. Family room, private guest and nanny wing, with two bedrooms and baths. Fabulous master suite with fireplace, master bath with tub and bidet. Master dressing room with sitting room (also extra bedroom) with full bath and balcony overlooking the living room. All bedrooms ensuite. Magnificent corner property with breathtaking colorful perennial gardens.

Sale Price: $2,180,400
Assessed Value: $2,348,066
Real Estate Taxes: $51,600

21 Castle Walk: Edgemont Colonial set on a gorgeous 1/2 acre of beautifully landscaped property with an 18 x 31' gunite pool with sliding cover. The first level features a two-story entry foyer, formal living room and dining room, a 2014 renovated eat-in kitchen with premium stainless appliances, walk-in pantry and quartz counters/island, fabulous family room with double-height ceiling and windows, study with gorgeous built-ins, powder room, guest room, full bath and two car garage with Tesla car charger. The second level boasts a stunning master suite with tray ceiling, two walk-in closets and a luxurious renovated master bath with double vanities, toilet room, soaking tub, shower and radiant heated floor, two bedrooms with hall bath, bedroom with en-suite bath, laundry and bonus room/6th bedroom.

Sale Price: $1,915,000
Assessed Value: $1,862,900
Real Estate Taxes: $62,000

24 Paddington Road: Mid-Century Modern home on sought after street delights with a great room with 9 foot ceilings encompassing eat-in-kitchen, dining area and living area with fireplace. Many original details have been preserved and others improved in this five bedroom, 4-½ bath home on a generous and level .44 acre lot. Ideal for living and entertaining, additional main level features include a stone terrace off the kitchen for BBQ, large master suite with dressing area and bank of closets and large bath with stone counters, whirlpool tub and separate shower and greenhouse room with view of garden, office, powder room, bedroom, hall bath, bedroom and a dramatic natural wood spiral staircase to lower level. Lower level boasts lounge/bar area with SGD to stone patio, family room with fireplace, playroom with bath, bedroom, bath, bedroom, sauna, generous two car garage and laundry.

Sale Price: $1,550,000
Assessed Value: $1,525,000
Real Estate Taxes: $41,597

9 Tyler Road: Updated, sunny and meticulously maintained 4 bedroom colonial. Eat in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, Viking stovetop and double Viking oven, opens to deck overlooking quiet yard. Open floor plan where the kitchen flows easily into dining room and large, bright family room, with sliding doors to the deck and yard. The second level features 4 bedrooms with plenty of closet space, and renovated baths finished with marble floors and countertops. Private master suite features his and hers walk in closets, and beautifully finished bathroom with oversized tub. The walk out lower level provides an additional 1,032 square foot included in the total square footage. Space offers office, large rec room, exercise room, arts and crafts nook, plenty of storage space, and a full bathroom.

Sale Price: $1,527,000
Assessed Value: $1,200,000
Real Estate Taxes: $27,591

2 Dunham Road: Unusually bright English Tudor with level private rear garden in desirable Sherbrooke Park. Entry hall, powder room, living room with fireplace, door to enclosed porch, formal dining room, modern eat-in kitchen with door to second patio, door to two car garage, den/maid's room with full bath. Second level: master bedroom/dressing room with built-ins, three additional bedrooms & full bath, hardwood floors, new bessler stairs. Lower level: office, playroom, laundry, utilities and ample storage.

Sale Price: $1,262,500
Assessed Value: $1,408,840
Real Estate Taxes: $31,103

144 Moorland Drive: Lovely sunny Colonial near Greenville Elementary School in Edgemont. This home sits on beautiful land .20 acres and 1,408 interior square feet, with 3 bedrooms with 1-½ baths. Many updates: Windows, Roof, Furnace, Siding, Kitchen, Bathroom. Large open unfinished lower level. Room for expansion

Sale Price: $675,000
Assessed Value: $601,300
Real Estate Taxes: $20,010

Featured Listings:

15 Richbell Road, Scarsdale
Extraordinary Georgian estate situated on 1.67 private acres in the heart of Murray Hill. Learn more here:

List Price: $7,750,000

9 Chedworth Road, Scarsdale
A cut above. This is a jewel of a home that provides comfort and pleasure. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,875,000

Open Houses:

60 Pinewood Road #TA, Hartsdale
Open House Sunday 12/10/2017 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Beautifully renovated and convenient three bedroom apartment with a one-step ground entry. Learn more here:

List Price: $370,000

173 Dorchester Road, Scarsdale
Open House Sunday 12/10/2017 12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Handsome English Tudor set on an extraordinary park-like .70 acre lot. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,345,00

Details

Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Real Estate

Published: 27 November 2017

Last week we reported that the Chairman and five members of the Committee for Historic Preservation had resigned. Today we learned that the two remaining members have now added their names to the list. Joyce Hirsch and Barbara Jaffe joined the rest of the committee in a mass resignation that leaves all the committee seats vacant. Here is the letter of resignation from the two remaining members:

Dear Mayor Hochvert and Trustees:

We concur with the rationale presented in the letter of Wednesday, Nov 23, 2017 and signed by the Committee on Historic Preservation Chair William Silverman and four other members of the Committee. One of us - Joyce Hirsch - is one of the longest serving members of the Committee on Historic Preservation with her term ending shortly, and the other of us is one of the newer members - Barbara Jaffe.

Each of us has a long history of community service. We respect the rights of property owners; we are both property owners ourselves. While the rights of property ownership have a high priority, the Village Trustees and Village management have long supported the historic preservation process. The implication is that in limited circumstances certain properties have a higher value than an owner's individual rights due to the importance these special properties provide to the community at large. The home at 12 Dolma is a prime example of this higher priority. The Committee, the Trustees, and very significantly, the Trustees' professional expert, Andrew Dolkart agreed that 12 Dolma should be preserved. That the Trustees reversed themselves on appeal, because the house has lesser economic value as an historic property indicates to the undersigned that the Trustees no longer value preserving homes that play a significant role in the Village's history. Accordingly, the undersigned no longer wish to serve on the Historic Preservation Committee.

Please accept this letter as our official resignation.

Respectfully,
Joyce Hirsch and Barbara Jaffe

Sales

28 Garden Road
Renovated Tudor home in the Grange combines the best of new construction while integrating original details of the 1926 home from the grand beams to a cathedral ceiling entrance which was taken from a battleship frigate used in the War of 1812. 13,185 square foot home on 1.5 acres with eight bedrooms twelve baths. Sold at auction.

Sale Price: $6,250,000
Real Estate Taxes: $122,000

1 Burgess Road: Classic, brick Colonial set on over 1/2 acre of gorgeous level property in Murray Hill estate section of Heathcote, with room for pool. The first level features 10 foot ceilings, chef's kitchen with premium appliances and quartz counters, walk-in pantry, spacious sun-filled breakfast room overlooking the well-screened yard, adjacent family room with gas fireplace, study with wet bar and sliders to yard, formal living with gas fireplace, dining room, butler's pantry, two powder rooms, mudroom and 3 car garage. The second level boasts 9.5 foot ceilings, a stunning master suite with tray ceiling and a luxe master bath with radiant marble floor, 2 walk-in closets and a covered balcony, 3 additional bedrooms with ensuite baths, large bonus room and stairs to attic. The lower level has 10 foot ceilings and includes a large recreation room with door to yard (and room for spa or changing area/bath if buyers add pool), media room/gym, bedroom and full bath.

Sale Price: $3,300,000
Real Estate Taxes: TBD
Assessed Value: $3,778,375

40 Cushman Road: This breathtaking and secluded one acre oasis will transport you from the travails of the work day to a home of total serenity. Enveloped in a wall of tall evergreens, this resort-inspired property features a stunning pool warmed by cascading water from a beautiful spa. Dine al fresco on the generous flagstone terrace. From the dramatic two story entry, view the magical English garden and fountain in the rear of this exceptionally lush and level property. A true Hamptons-inspired sanctuary.

Sale Price: $2,800,000
Real Estate Taxes: $78,400
Assessed Value: $2,825,000

26 Fox Meadow Road: Fox Meadow home with a wonderful layout conducive to all lifestyles! Enjoy your morning coffee or entertain friends and family on the lovely patio in your spacious and private backyard. The interior first level features a beautiful living room with fireplace, large eat in kitchen, formal dining room, family room and a quaint sunroom with sliding glass doors to patio. The master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, three additional bedrooms and a hall bathroom complete the second level. Full basement with ample storage capability.

 Sale Price: $1,300,000
Real Estate Taxes: $29,411
Assessed Value: $1,150,000

453 Fort Hill Road: Unique expanded Cape Cod in Edgemont. This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom house with central-air and hardwood floors, boasts a detached garage and a semi-circular driveway, private, beautiful landscape-enclosed backyard with adjoining step-down patios. A spacious, fully renovated modern open-kitchen, adjoins the light-soaked dining room and living room. A glass-paneled door privatizes the downstairs bedrooms (or bedroom/office combination) and 2 renovated bathrooms. The second floor has two bedrooms with storage space and a generous hall bath with Jacuzzi tub and separate shower.

Sale Price: $849,000
Real Estate Taxes: $22,145
Assessed Value: $710,900

204 Brewster Road: Calling all builders! Incredible opportunity to purchase a home in an incredibly desirable neighborhood. A perfect tear-down and rebuild.

Sale Price: $740,000
Real Estate Taxes: $23,285
Assessed Value: $1,077,348

Featured Listings:

116 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale
Privately set Fox Meadow Colonial offers open floor plan and brand new ultra-modern kitchen. Walk to train location on large, level property. This home has it all. Stunning entryway to greet your guests, wonderful flow for entertaining, high-end 2017 chef's kitchen. Lots of space with everything in the right place. Learn more here:


List Price: $2,750,000

799 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale
Amazing curb appeal. This inviting well maintained Colonial set on a 1/4 acre lot welcomes one and all. Thru Center Hall leads into a spacious living room with fireplace and door to screen porch, formal dining room, modern eat-in kitchen with door to breezeway and garage, and a guest powder room. Learn more here:

List Price: $689,000

Open House:

16 Clarendon Road, Scarsdale
Public Open House Sunday 12/03/17 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

New Construction in Edgemont! Great opportunity to own one of two custom built homes by premier Edgemont builder. Center Hall Colonial features a welcoming front porch, cedar shingle exterior, 9 foot ceilings on the first floor, hardwood flooring, and custom trim throughout. Energy Star home. Centrally located near bus, shops, restaurants, school. The perfect blend of quality and location! Learn more here:

List Price: $1,649,000

Details

Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Real Estate

Published: 22 November 2017

Last week, when the Scarsdale Board of Trustees approved a "hardship" application to allow the demolition of a noteworthy and historic home at 12 Dolma Road I was so disturbed that I actually emailed the Mayor.... not once, but twice.

After all, the home at 12 Dolma clearly met Scarsdale's extremely high standards for historic preservation, and an initial appeal to tear it down was turned down by the Board of Trustees in January 2017. At that time, Andrew Dolkart, a renowned architectural historian who conducted a 2012 survey of Scarsdale's historic properties, spoke in favor of preserving the home, which was built by Walter Collet and designed by architect Lewis Bowman.

In a decision, read by then Mayor Jon Mark the Board found that the home was associated with Lewis Bowman, whom they found to be a person of significance who designed 53 homes in Bronxville and whose work was frequently cited in architectural journals in the 1930's. According to the Mayor, "There was widespread recognition of Bowman's work." They said that 12 Dolma Road was the work of a master and had "high artistic value." Bowman was a prominent architect and the design of the house includes many sophisticated examples of English architecture.

So why, not less than a year later, did the Board reverse decisions by the Committee for Historic Preservation and a prior Board of Trustees to grant the homeowners permission to tear it down?

This time the owners clamed "hardship," saying that when they put the house on the market they only received one offer, which was contingent upon approval to tear it down. They claimed the home was "functionally obsolete" because of deficiencies in its siting, design and layout. They said that the house is sited too far back on the property so that any renovations would intrude into the backyard, which is too small. The home lacks an open plan layout, there is a deficiency of closet space, the bathrooms are too small, two of the five bedrooms are small servants quarters and there is only a 2-car garage. They claimed that remedying these issues would cost millions.

In short, the house is historic and required updating. But did they demonstrate "hardship? And by approving this application, would the BOT clear the way for the demolition any other old house?

It turns out I wasn't the only one who was deeply disturbed by this decision.

It appears that this decision was a turning point for the Committee for Historic Preservation (CHP), a committee that meets monthly to review applications to demolish Village homes. In an unprecedented move, at the conclusion of their November 22 meeting, Committee Chair William Silverman and five members of the committee announced their decision to resign from the CHP. In the nine years that I have been tracking Village business, no committee has ever resigned.

Why did they make this statement? They believe that the Board of Trustees' reversal of the decision on 12 Dolma Road "set a dangerous precedent because they have in effect, made preservation virtually impossible in Scarsdale."

The statement explains, "What the Trustees call a "hardship" here – given the absence of any true extenuating circumstances -- is simply the natural and expected result of historic designation itself. In showing virtually no interest in addressing the constant and unimpeded destruction of older homes, the Trustees have disregarded the very words of the preservation statute:"

Village code says, "It is hereby declared as a matter of public policy that the protection and preservation of historic buildings is desirable to promote the economic, cultural, educational and general welfare of the residents of the Village."

The committee's statement notes that the Village Code makes it difficult to preserve a home, as it imposes a "higher burden than the federal or state preservation standards. "

Here are the criteria for preservation:

In making a determination whether to grant an application for a certificate or to deny such application and require that the building in question be preserved, the Committee shall consider the level of significance in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering and culture present in the building, as well as the integrity of location, design, setting, materials and workmanship, and

(1) That the building is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to broad patterns of Village, regional, state or national history; or
(2) That the building is associated with the life of a person or persons of historical significance; or
(3) That the building is the work of a master and embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction that possess high artistic values; or
(4) That the building has yielded or may be likely to yield information important in prehistory or history.

What complicates many of these decisions is that for homes built prior to 1920, the name of the architect is not on the building plans, and therefore it's impossible to say if the home is the work of a master. Even when the Committee for Historic Preservation has good reason to believe the architect was notable, as in the case of another historic home at 26 Cooper Road, the BOT overruled a CHP decision to preserve it, saying they did not have proof to support that the home was the work of architect Frank J. Forster.

In their letter of resignation on Tuesday, the committee members said, "Tearing down and building new homes in Scarsdale is a lucrative business. The market favors large homes well-situated on their property with modern-day layouts and amenities. Historic homes very often do not measure up to current preferences. As a result, in many if not all cases, a home preserved as "historic" in Scarsdale is worth less than the same home without such designation. But the individual homeowner's economic position must not be the end of the analysis, as it was here."

It should be noted that the Board of Trustees is well aware of the limitations of the current preservation code but have not made any move to revise it this year. Current building code allows developers to reap profits by constructing very large homes on small lots, and the trustees have not reconsidered Village code regarding bulk, floor area ratio or lot coverage. The Village also frequently grants applications for subdivisions, giving builders the chance to tear down one house and build two in its place, or to demolish two and build three.

At the meeting on Tuesday night, the CHP did deny applications to demolish two homes, one at 3 Claremont Road and another at 6 Fenimore Road. Both applicants will need to appeal the Scarsdale Board of Trustees, and in both cases subdivisions would be required to facilitate the builders plans.

Commenting on their decisions to resign, committee member David Peck said, "This is the culmination of tremendous frustration. We are not preserving homes... we are doing just the opposite. I find it painful and I hate to contribute to it. The Board of Trustees decision was really wrong. The fact that it wasn't up to date made it hard to sell. Most historic homes are not up to date. I think Scarsdale is misguided. I find it difficult to serve on this committee. The few times we vote to preserve the Board of Trustees overturns it."

John Cromwell who serves as an alternate on the committee said, "It is frustrating to vote to knock down houses that I would like to see preserved. They contributes to the overall quality. It is painful for me to vote to demolish houses. I do it because we are following the law but I don't feel that I can do it anymore. Investing time to come to a meeting and then seeing the action of the BOT is very disheartening. I don't see the value of having this committee.

Alan Steinfeld said, "I will sign it."

Abigail Olson said, "I can't add too much more. In the five years since I have served, I can't think of one we have saved."

Barbara Jaffe did not resign at the meeting but said, "I agree. It is beyond frustrating to be on this committee. The last time they redid the law they made it more difficult to save a house. I don't know why they have this committee if you are not going to save any houses. I am not sure if I am ready to leave. This Dolma Road one is really insulting. They hired a pre-eminent scholar who supported the decision that this was an historic home. It's a treadmill. I appreciate exactly how you all feel."

Committee member Joyce Hirsch was out of town.

Concluding the meeting, Chair Bill Silverman said, "I will draft a report for 3 Claremont Road and 6 Fenimore Road. I want to thank the committee members. It has been a great experience. I think this is the responsible thing to do."

Now that the Committee for Historic Preservation lacks a quorum to hear applications, the Board of Trustees will need to make a decision on how these applications will be handled. Will they temporarily halt demolitions? Attempt to name a new committee? Or simply allow applicants to demolish homes without consideration of historic importance. This move certainly puts Village code and historic preservation to the test.

Here is a copy of the resignation letter: