Why So Many Colonials?
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- Category: Real Estate
One of the features that originally gave Scarsdale its pleasing neighborhood character was the variation in design of the original homes. Tudor, Dutch Colonial, English Cottage and Mediterranean homes were all in the mix when Scarsdale was first planned in the early 1900's. However today, as I peruse the neighborhoods and see the homes that are for sale each week, I am struck with the similarity of design of many of the new offerings. Colonials dominate the market. On both large and small lots Colonials are replacing splits, ranches, Cape Cods and whatever else is available to be torn down.
Why is there so little design innovation? Why don't people hire innovative architects to design custom homes? It turns out it's all in the numbers. We asked a local architect who's familiar with the landscape to tell us why developers almost exclusively build Colonials and here is what she shared:
1. Developers favor them because they have the most popular appeal and are the most economical to build.
2. Colonials are more economical to build than a home with complex volumes and picturesque rooflines.
3. Colonials generate the classic center-hall floor plans which have the most popular appeal.
4. The structural design is economical because framing is repetitive and foundations are rectilinear.
5. Colonials are best suited for simple rectilinear floor-plans with tall interior spaces with flat ceilings which are economical and most popular with buyers.
6. Colonials can render the largest interior floor area within the smallest exterior surface area.
7. Exterior detailing can be executed simply and economically because standard building components can be employed (uniform windows, gutters, shutters, trim-boards, etc)
8. Colonial roof lines perform well in Northeast climate -- as opposed to flat roofs.
9. Colonials are easier to render energy efficient than a house with walls of glass.
10. Most other styles require custom detailing or unique building components that may drive up the cost of construction.
There's your answer! If you see examples of new design approaches in your neighborhood, send photos and details to [email protected] and we'll feature them on the site.
Sales:
63 Griffen Ave: New construction colonial on majestic, park like 1.18 acre in Quaker Ridge. Spacious rooms, finest materials and exquisite details abound. The home features 6 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. Room for pool and cabana.
Sale Price: $4,027,000
Real Estate Taxes: TBD
26 Cayuga Road: Newly constructed 7,500 square foot home on a cul-de-sac in Heathcote. The home is located on a half an acre lot and includes 15 rooms, 6 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. Built by KOS Building Group.
Sale Price: $3,450,000
Real Estate Taxes: $83,330
33 Cushman Road: Center hall colonial on tree-lined street in Heathcote. Renovated with quality materials and fine finishes. First floor boasts an open floor plan with a new gourmet kitchen, adjoining family room with fireplace that opens to a blue stone patio. Living room with fireplace, dining room, library and powder room. Six bedrooms and 5.5 baths. Large Master Bedroom Suite and deluxe master bath.
Sale Price: $2,437,500
Real Estate Taxes: $42,095
305 Heathcote Road: Beautiful 3,519 square foot Heathcote Colonial expanded & renovated on private .43 landscaped acres. This home features 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a finished basement.
Sale Price: $1,300,000
Real Estate Tax: $29,676
108 Lee Road: Fabulous renovated Fox Meadow Colonial with open front porch, gracious rooms and quality architecture throughout. The home features a kitchen with stainless appliances, a large family room with a fireplace, a flat fenced yard, and a finished basement with a playroom.
Sale Price:$1,123,000
Real Estate Taxes: $19,423
31 Wynmor Road: This classic red brick colonial has a sunroom, living room, dining room, working fireplace, and an updated kitchen. The home also includes four bedrooms, a rooftop balcony, 1.5 baths, and hardwood floors throughout.
Sale Price: $950,000
Real Estate Taxes: $17,800
170 Bradley Road: Edgewood Tudor with classic layout. Special features include an eat-in kitchen, bright sunroom and two bedrooms on the third floor with a full bathroom. Wood deck off the eat in kitchen commands a view of the beautifully landscaped backyard. Home includes 5 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.
Sale Price: $686,000
Real Estate Taxes: $15,677
3 Clarendon Place, Edgemont: Spacious Split style home on quiet cul-de-sac. In ground swimming pool with large deck, 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 3 family rooms. .35 acres in Edgemont School District.
Sale Price: $607,500
Real Estate Taxes: $25,508
Featured Listing: 19 Penny Lane, Edgemont
Fabulous value in prime Edgemont on.45acres with gorgeous fenced in-ground 
heated pool and cabana with tons of room for play and gardens. In addition to living room, dining room and dine-in-kitchen, enjoy a lovely family room/library with built-ins, library ladder and beamed vaulted ceiling. Huge lower level with 2nd family room with fireplace and wet bar opens to patio, pool, recreation, exercise room, laundry room/mudroom and tons of storage. Built for comfortable entertaining and living. Click here to learn more
List Price: $999,000
Village Fights Developers Move to Subdivide Lot on Ogden Road and this Week's Sales
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Eilon Amidor, the Fox Meadow Resident who successfully fought for permission to build three houses in place of one on Brewster Road is now at it again. Under the name "Ogden Land Development" Amidor purchased almost a half acre at 10 Ogden Road the corner of Ogden and Fox Meadow Roads and applied to subdivide the lot and build two houses on the parcel. However when Scarsdale's Building Inspector determined that the subdivision would create two non-conforming lots Amidor filed with the Board of Appeals in July, 2012. They upheld the decision of the Building Department and did not grant permission for the subdivision. Next, Amidor took his case to the NYS Supreme Court who actually overturned the ruling in Scarsdale. However, according to Scarsdale Village Attorney Wayne Essanason Scarsdale is filing an appeal and until there is a ruling, all development at the site has been halted.
Several residents who neighbor the property were on hand at Village Hall on Tuesday night April 23 when Essanason made his 
announcement at the Village Board meeting. They appeared relieved that the Village had decided to pursue the appeal. The property originally included a ranch that sold for $1,311,000 in July 2012. Here was the description at the time of the sale: Secluded ranch home set on .49 acres in Fox Meadow. Features include spacious rooms, walls of glass, patio. Pictured here, it has now been torn down.
Sales:
97 Secor Road: Well maintained home with gourmet kitchen with skylights, door to deck, 2 sinks. Large living room, sunroom with doors to new deck and electric awning. Family room beautiful built-ins and bar. Study on the first floor. Guest suite and laundry on the first. Very large Master suite with fireplace, spa bathroom, 3 bedrooms, playroom, media room, sauna and wine cellar.
Sale Price: $1,495,000
Real Estate Taxes: $27,438
150 Edgemont Road: Spacious center hall Colonial with state of the art kitchen and large family room addition. Bathrooms updated, new powder room.
Sale Price: $1,150,000
real Estate Taxes: $28,882
72 Walworth: Classic Federal Colonial, featuring updated details and custom moldings designed to preserve its original architectural integrity and old world charm; 5 bedroom, 3.1 bath home boasts a spacious floor plan with an ideal flow for entertaining; Sun-drenched, open kitchen/family room with professional appliances; dramatic French doors throughout first floor that opens to charming covered porch and brick patio; Private,level fenced in yard with exquisite landscaping.
Sale Price: $1,330,000
Real Estate Taxes: $28,717
4 Paradise Drive: Fabulous new construction by area's premier builder - No expense will be spared in this custom built home. With only the finest materials and amenities available, this outstanding new property is situated on a flat and appealing lot in Edgemont offers a fabulous opportunity to purchase new construction in an outstanding School District.
Sale Price: $1,150,000
Real Estate Taxes: $27,300
44 Drake Road: Warm and inviting Colonial with gracious floor plan and well proportioned rooms. Features a large kitchen with granite counters, valuted ceiling and sunny breakfast room. Master Suite with tray ceiling, dressing room and master bath with marble counters and jet tub. Landscaped gardens.Sale price: $1,080,000
Real Estate Taxes: $28,326
122 Popham Road: One floor ranch style home with open floor plan, easy access to rear fenced in backyard and private front yard. Updates includes: new heating system, new insulation, electric heat, new hot H2O heater, new sprinkler system in backyard, 2 new skylights, new dryer, recessed lighting, wood floor in storage attic, skylights, and lots of windows.
Sale Price: $995,000
Real Estate Taxes: $21,335
11 Old Lane: Edgemont: Dramatic, sun-filledfour bedroom Colonial. Features: Large kitchen/family room with stone fireplace, elegant open staircase, 2 story Entrance Hall, gorgeous living room, grand master suite and ultra bath, laundry and garage off kitchen, huge finished lower level.
Sale Price: $948,500
Real Estate Taxes: $33,848
Featured Listing: 15 Sycamore Road Scarsdale
Handsome stone English Tudor set on .34 acre with level private back and side garden. Modern dine-in-kitchen with custom cabinetry, wine fridge and two dishwashers. Beautiful living room with beamed cathedral ceiling and fireplace. Spacious lower level with fireplace, playroom and custom wine cellar. Sliding glass doors to stone patio overlooking gorgeous property. Fabulous curb appeal. Learn more here:
List Price: $2,495,000Featured Listing:: 72 Stratton Road: Scarsdale
Spacious Quaker Ridge home with generous room sizes and wonderful flow. This home has a generous 1/2 acre of exquisite property. There are new windows, surround sound system in and out, newer bathrooms, updated kitchen with granite counters, lots of closet space, 600 sq. ft. master suite. Lower level includes a playroom, office and new bath. Close to Scarsdale pool, tennis, playground, golf course, Kid's Base, horse stable, Bus stops outside house for school bus. Ten minutes to Scarsdale or Mamaroneck train. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,485,000
A Big Week for Big Home Sales in Scarsdale
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It was a big week for sales of some of Scarsdale's larger homes, with newly constructed houses bringing in premium prices. Topping the list was the sale of 5 Sherbrooke Road, a 6,64 square foot house on 5.31 acres in Heathcote. This home was named in the Cultural Resources Survey Report by Li/Saltzman Architects and Professor Andrew M. Dolkart. According to the report, the original owner of the 1902 home was probably W.C. White. The architectural historians find the house notable due to the following features:
"This large, 2.5-story wood Colonial Revival house has two impressive elevations. The entrance front, facing away from Sherbrooke Road has a doorway set beneath a modest pedimented portico. The façade is articulated with multi-pane windows and has shallow projecting side pavilions. To the right of the entrance is a large window, probably lighting the stair. The garden front, facing the road, has a trio of arched French doors on the first story. The house is crowned by a sloping roof with large pedimented dormers on each slope."
Recent Sales:
5 Sherbrooke Road:
One of the most glorious properties in Scarsdale. Classic 6,364 square foot residence, situated on 5.31 acres in the Heathcote Estate area. Expansive fields of green, mature trees, total privacy, tennis court. Ample room for expansion and swimming pool. Property is non-divisable.
Sale Price: $6,850,000
Real Estate Taxes: $79,463
15 Seneca Road: New Constructions: Architectural master piece with exceptional craftsmanship throughout, 9' ceiling on all floors and breath taking golf course views. Built by one of Westchester finest builders. 7,500 square feet of interior space with 6 bedrooms and 6 baths on almost ½ acre in Heathcote with golf course views.
Sale Price: $3,500,000
Real Estate Taxes: TBD
75 Hampton Road: Beautiful Tudor new construction Fox Meadow. Meticulous attention to detail built by renowned local builder. Top of the line appliances and fixtures. Radiant heat floors in mast bath. Generous size rooms, pre-wired for audio system in main areas, 9' ceilings. Two fireplaces on ground floor in living room and family room. Large eat in kitchen open to spacious family room. Lovely level property on quiet neighborhood street.
Sale Price: $2,850,000
Real Estate Taxes: TBD
254 Fox Meadow Road:
Classic Stone Colonial with 2002 addition and renovation for this 5 bedroom, 3.1 bath home. New Gourmet kitchen with high end stainless appliances, family room, master bath, hall bath, and many new Anderson wood windows. Beautifully landscaped private level yard with patio. A wonderful mix of charm and details: archways, stone and moldings, and todays desired features and flow. Also for rent.
Sale Price: $1,478,000
Real Estate Taxes: $30,136
19 Kingston Road:
Very pretty English Colonial with large, sunny rooms in prime location on level landscaped property. Private yard near Greenacres School. First time on market in 50 years. Two first floor family rooms, 4 Bedrooms on second level, and a 2 car garage. Solidly constructed with stucco and wood exterior, stucco walls inside. Well maintained.
Sale Price: $1,200,000
Real Estate Taxes: $26,758
Featured Listing: 50 Brookby Road, Scarsdale
In the heart of Heathcote, this elegant 6,000 square foot home will be built by outstanding established builder on a private landscaped level 1/2 acre with room for a pool. Features include seven bedrooms, circular driveway and an additional 2,700 square feet on lower level. Option to finish third floor and garage loft. Learn more here:
List Price: $3,995,000
Featured Listing: 108 Carstensen Drive, Scarsdale
Young Colonial in prime Fox Meadow: last house on cul de sac, walk to train and village; circular drive and complete privacy with sprawling exterior space and landscaping with recent plantings and multi zoned sprinkler. Desirable interior offers updated kitchen with blue pearl granite tops and custom red birch cabinets. Dining room and family room both access rear patio and yard. 900 square foot lower level with high ceilings. New A/C; Boiler 1yr old. Learn more here:
Scarsdale Real Estate: Hot, Hot, Hot
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Scarsdale Real Estate Attorney Keith Schutzman is a busy man these days. He reports that the home sales market in Scarsdale "is bordering on out of control." According to Schutzman, "There seem to be multiple bids on every property immediately as they come to market. The pressure on agents and lawyers to get contracts signed and delivered by both parties before the weekend (when most showings occur) is just enormous. Every Friday afternoon there has been furious activity of emails of contracts, substitution pages, communications and wire transfers at 5pm to solidify contracts."
Here's what sold this week:
Sales:
8 Hampton Road: Large sunny home in prime Fox Meadow location has an excellent flow. Spacious rooms that feature an oversized living room, well proportioned dining room, large eat-in kitchen all overlooking a expansive, private backyard. Lower level includes au pair suite and large family room.
Sale Price: $1,286,000
Real Estate Taxes: $32,164
2 Bradford Road: (pictured at top) Spacious and elegant custom built stone Center Hall Colonial w/beautiful details including archways, mouldings, Palladian windows, and peg oak floors. This special home features a huge living room w/fireplace, family room and FDR, oversized bedrooms with great closets and storage. Additional amenities include a full walk-out basement, wine cellar and 3-car garage. Level .5 acre with specimen plantings.
Sale Price: $1,246,000
Real Estate Taxes: $35,059
29 Pheasant Run: Edgemont: Dramatic contemporary with curved walls inside and out. Two story entry foyer illuminated by a gallery of skylights. Sunken living room with soaring ceiling. Enormous 1st floor master bedroom with curved wall, sitting area, 2 walk-in closets and bath with tub and shower. You'll love the kitchen-great room combo with magnificent 2-story stone fireplace.
Sale Price:: $1,050,000
Real Estate Taxes: $33,535
11 Putnam Road: Lovely Colonial next to the Elementary School. Great layout. Living room with fireplace, formal dining room, sunroom, eat-in kitchen. Large family room, full bath all on the first floor. Second Floor: Large Master BR,walk-in closet, Bathroom,2 additional Bedrooms with bath. Third Floor: Bedroom and bath.
Sale Price: $950,000
Real Estate Taxes: $23,953
244 Madison Road: Bright, well maintained center hall colonial in Edgewood with many updates. 2-zone CAC. Walk to school, park and RR. Hardwood floors throughout. Large eat in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite, skylight, 6 burner stove, warming drawer. Private yard with patio. Large lliving room with fireplace, and dining room. Spacious master bedroom with bath.
Sale Price: $940,000
Real Estate Taxes: $16,520
5 Theresa Lane, Edgemont: This beautifully renovated home offers cherry & granite kitchen, viking appliances, hardwood floors throughout, and lawn irrigation. Completely updated with generous sized rooms. Located on a cul-de-sac.
Sale Price: $820,000
Real Estate Taxes: $24,602
47 Palmer Road: Picture-perfect, pristine and sun-filled, this 5 bedroom/3 bath home in the heart of Heathcote in Scarsdale offers generous proportions and versatile floor plan. Features living room with fireplace, updated kitchen and baths, hardwood floors, and so much more. Lower level offers family room, 5th bedroom/office, and bath. Oversized, level backyard with patio.
Sale Price: $819,500
Real Estate Taxes: $15,955
200 Glendale Road: Edgemont: Ranch type home with three bedrooms, New full bath and l/2 bath, Living room with fireplace. Ultra Modern EIK with decorative molding, 14 x 21 Combination family/dining room with high ceiling, 2 sky lites. Side entrance to patio, yard and stairs to Lower level featuring playroom, new wood floors and hi hats, large laundry room utility room and new bathroom with shower.
Sale Price: $799,000
Real Estate Taxes: $20,840
234 Nelson Road: Walk to schools, playground, and shops. Hardwood Floors,updated EIK with Granite counter tops.
Sale Price: $710,000
Real Estate Taxes: $19,055
Featured Listing: 30 Kent Road Scarsdale
Exquisite center hall Colonial located in desirable Fox Meadow. Many updates throughout, including crown moldings, entire interior painted, oak floors refinished and new windows. Beautiful kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms. Sun-filled family room has doors leading to slate patio and large private yard. Wonderful 1st floor office/den. Square footage includes basement. Great location, convenient to Scarsdale or Hartsdale railroad stations. Ideal for living and entertaining. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,640,000
Featured Listing: 126 Edgemont Road, Edgemont
Sun drenched Classic Old Edgemont Colonial with gorgeous tree top views, hardwood floors and the graceful elegance of 1910 offers walk to all locations with selective updates like the lovely dine-in-kitchen with granite counter tops and gas fireplace which adjoins family room, dining room and study all enjoying spectacular views. With five bedrooms including two master sized with private updated baths, a walk out lower level and wooded back yard this home is gift for those who appreciate the best of Old Edgemont. Learn more here:
List Price:: $989,00
Demolition Derby Continues In Scarsdale
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While the Village ponders new historic preservation laws, the demolition derby continues. At the April 16 meeting of the Committee for Historic Preservation, applications have been filed to clear the way to tear down five more homes in Scarsdale. If the committee fails to find that these homes have historic merit, these homes could be torn down:
- 190 Brewster Road built in 1935
- 25 Innes Road built in 1939
- 23 Broadmoor Road built in 1930
- 18 Drake Road Built in 1921
- 45 Cushman Road Built in 1906
- 31 Wynmor Road built in 1927
Typically smaller homes are torn down and replaced with larger, more elaborate homes that utilize far more of the available lot. Trees are often sacrificed in the process.
Here are before and after photos:
11 Dickel Road, a modest 2,192 square foot home built on a half acre in 1921, recently sold for $1,010,000 and has now been torn down. It is being replaced with a 7,293 square foot home on the market for $2,895,000.
On Normandy Lane, a home built in 1928 was set far back on a 3 acre property surrounded by trees that blocked the view of the house from the street. Neighbors report that when the property was cleared to make way for a large new contemporary house under construction, over 100 trees were taken down. Here are photos of both the old and the new house.
This Week's Sales:
36 Garden Road: Rare opportunity to own 1.32 acre of level, private property in the Grange. This grand colonial features a gracious entry foyer with circular staircase and spacious rooms throughout. Kitchen and family room open to lovely sun-filled patio overlooking the pool. Custom indoor/outdoor sound system.
Sale Price: $1,875,000
Real Estate Taxes: $52,629
1255 Post Road: Contractor's delight! Lots of tender loving care. Priced for quick sale!
Sale Price: $495,000
Real Estate Taxes: $11,253
Featured Listing: 23 Carriage House Lane, Scarsdale
Lovely, pristine home on .46 acres with room for pool offers absolutely the most gorgeous golf course views from the minute you enter. Every inch of this home feels warm, bright and wonderfully inviting. First level master bedroom with luxurious spa bath, family room shares a two sided fireplace with the living room and has access to the stone patio and yard, as does the dining room. The second level offers three generous sized bedrooms and a new Waterworks bath. Easy expansion possibilities. Learn more here: List Price: $1,349,000
Featured Listing: 15 Roxbury Road, Edgemont
The perfect center hall colonial in close proximity to schools, train, village and duck pond. Completely renovated from top to bottom with beautiful wood floors, new windows, top-of-the-line kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters, new bathrooms, master bedroom with built-ins. Playroom/den off 2nd floor bedrooms. Charming architectural details include columns, French doors, and covered porch. Great yard with swing set. Gardener included. Furnished but may consider unfurnished. Learn more here: Monthly Rental: $8,150
