Historic Home For Sale on Heathcote Road
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The Beyonce story alerted the world to the wonders of Heathcote Road in Scarsdale. Now another elegant home is for sale on the street at 18 Heathcote Road. The 9,200+ square foot house sits on 5.39 acres and has 17 rooms, a tennis court and a pool. The listing says, “One of the most exceptional and gracious Murray Hill properties ever offered on exquisite 5.39 acres with pool and tennis court. Meticulously renovated and expanded with state of the art systems throughout. Magnificent Clive Christian kitchen and master bath. Attached guest townhouse with private entrance.”
We went to the library to see what we could learn about the history of the house that was built in 1907 and the people who lived there. Shown below is a historic photo of 18 Heathcote Road that does not look at all like the current home on the property. In the historic photo shown below, the home is Tudor-style and called “The Hedges” and is said to be the residence of Mark Eisner.
A look back through archives of the Scarsdale Inquirer shows that Eisner was a prominent man in the community and in New York. In 1929 he joined the board of a new
Scarsdale bank and trust and in 1930 he was re-elected to the Caleb Heathcote Trust and chosen to serve as treasurer. In 1931 he was among a group of lawyers at the Town Club who fought equalization rates and in 1933 he announced that he was not a candidate for Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. He also served on the Board of Higher Education of New York City and headed the American Association for Jewish Education. His wife won honors at a local flower show in March 1933 and in March 1944 she called the Spring Flower Show, “the best ever.”
His son, Mark Eisner Jr., enlisted and was stationed at boot camp in Sampson on Seneca Lake in New York in 1945. In 1948 Eisner Jr. graduated from George Washington University. An article from November 18, 1932 says that an intruder entered the home but ran out as the maid called out!
The house was later purchased by Leonard and Virginia Marx. Marx was a developer and manager of real estate properties and chairman and chief executive of Merchants National Properties. In 1985 he was on the Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans with a net worth of $300 million. The Marx’s were active philanthropists who endowed professorships at Columbia University and built a daycare center at Westchester Community College called the Virginia Marx Children’s Center. Leonard Marx served as a trustee of the Scarsdale Foundation from 1953-1974. Virginia Marx died in 1999 and Leonard Marx died in 2002 at the age of 97 at the house on Heathcote Road. One of their daughters still lives in town and in 2007 the Virginia and Leonard Marx Foundation donated $300,000 to renovate the reference room at the Scarsdale Public Library.
18 Heathcote Road is now listed by Coldwell Banker for $12,995,000 with real estate taxes of $175,390.
If anyone can explain the disparity between the current and historic photos, please do so in the comments section below.
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Featured Listing: 33 Cushman Road
Magnificent center Hall colonial situated on a tree lined street located in the heart of the Heathcote Estate section. Wonderful architectural details with the finest finishes. First floor boasts an open floor plan with a fabulous gourmet kitchen and adjoining family room that opens to a flagstone patio. Living room with gas fireplace. Six bedrooms, 5.5 bath. Large master bedroom suite with sitting area and deluxe master bath. Four additional family bedrooms, two with en suite baths.List Price: $2,199,000
Learn more here:
Featured Listing: 30 Hadden Road 
Nestled on a private park-like 1/2 acre in Cotswold section of Edgemont, this custom Nantucket colonial offers an ideal flow and sun-filled spacious rooms for gracious living. With the highest level of design, quality and detail, this distinctive home's special details include 9 foot ceilings, wide planked floors, oversized windows, elegant custom cabinetry, exquisite cook's kitchen,mudroom, screened porch, den, family room, home office and abundant storage. A unique home for the discerning buyer.
List Price: $1,995,000
Learn more here:
Before and After
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Despite economic woes, increased flooding and Village regulations, Scarsdale homes continue to get bigger and bigger. Here are two before and after photos of homes that have grown on their lots. Do you have new construction sprouting on your street? Take a photo and share it with our readers:
140 Saxon Woods Road: A group of residents argued that the original home on the site had historic importance as it was one of the last relics of a community of freed slaves who moved to Scarsdale in the mid 19th century. However, the Committee on Historic Preservation did not find it historically significant and the demolition of the original home was allowed to go through. Take a look at the size of the house (above) that is now going up on this .19 acre lot, wedged between two existing homes.
Recent Sales: 7 Wayside Lane: Remodeled Fox Meadow home with hardwood flooring, top of the line finishes and built-ins. Professional Viking kitchen and custom marble master bath. Quiet tree-lined Scarsdale street.
Sale Price: $1,355,000
R.E. Taxes: $27,048
33 Barry Road: English brick Colonial with sunny, expansive floor plan smartly designed for easy living and entertaining. Fabulous great room adjacent to 
kitchen and many improvements. Gourmet kitchen with Wolf range and new appliances, granite counters. New baths and new 2-zone central air. New roof in 2005, upgraded electric, gas heat. Romantic detailing includes two separate fireplaces, crown moldings, chair rails, window flower boxes, arched doorways. Private yard with terrace.
Sale Price: $1,250,000
R.E. Taxes: $25,700
10 Overhill Road: Arts and Crafts style Colonial in Fox Meadow, a block from Scarsdale's Village Center. Recently painted, floors refinished. Lovely details including bay windows, a grand staircase and two fireplaces. Five bedrooms, two full baths and a powder room. 624 more square feet on the third floor.
Sale Price: $744,600
R.E. Taxes: $17,891
124 Ferndale Road: Stone front three bedroom Colonial conveniently located on a quiet dead end street with a short walk to Greenville Elementary 
School. House has new boiler and is nicely maintained. Great value in the sought after Edgemont school district.
Sale Price: $455,000
R.E. Taxes: $15,741
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Featured Listing: 32 School Lane, Scarsdale 
Scarsdale: Classic brick Center Hall Colonial set on private landscaped .29 acre property. Beautifully maintained home with grace and detail within a short walk to village and train. Highlights include an entry Hall with circular staircase, library and separate guest wing with private entrance. Many updates throughout.
List Price: $1,499,000
Learn more here:
Featurd Listing: 57 Midvale Road , Hartsdale: 
Gorgeous four bedroom Colonial totally renovated and expanded in 2005 on a beautiful half acre property overlooking Scarsdale Golf Course. This home has a fabulous high-end kitchen, living room with fireplace and dining room opening to yard plus two family rooms. Wonderful master suite with tray ceiling and luxurious bath.
List Price: $1,595,000
Learn more here:
Sales for the New Year
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Since we lasted reported on area home sales before Christmas, there has been a flurry of activity in both Scarsdale and Edgemont. Perhaps buyers have been spurred by low mortgage rates that are below 4%. Here are this month’s sales:
2 Lakin Road: Set on more than two acres of quiet, private and pristine property in Murray Hill estate area, this center hall colonial offers 7000+ square feet of living space. Features dramatic step-down living room, spacious dining room, library, romantic master bedroom with fireplace, charming porches and open kitchen with large eating area and family room. Shoreline pool with jacuzzi. Home boasts architectural moldings, solid plaster walls, multi-zone central air, 3-car garage, security alarm and generator. Exercise room, large playroom and maids room with bath.
Sale Price: $2,450,000
Real Estate Taxes: $73,549
20 Hadden Road, Edgemont: Sophisticated and stunning 1920's Cotswold tudor, meticulously restored to its original beauty and brilliantly updated for today's modern living. 6 bedrooms/4.1 baths. Sweeping circular driveway. Dramatic foyer welcomes visitors with curved staircase, soaring ceilings, archways, intricate leaded glasswork and romantic Old World details. Expansive Living Room with fireplace, formal Dining Room and stunning Gourmet Eat-in-Kitchen. Family Room overlooks pool and gardens.
Sale Price: $1,660,000
Real Estate Taxes: $36,115
7 Campden Road, Edgemont: Cotswold Norman Tudor location nestled on a secluded street within close proximity to train and schools. Filled with sunlight, completely rejuvenated for modern living, featuring classic old world details including dramatic leaded windows and hardwood floors blended perfectly with luxurious amenities such as an expansive modern eat in kitchen with a fabulous adjoining family room. Flat yard with stone patio and hot tub.
Sale Price: $1,550,000
Real Estate Taxes: $32,861
17 Church Lane: Collet built Colonial in the desirable Crane Berkeley section of Scarsdale. Exquisite architectural details. This home has four family bedrooms and 3 1/2 new baths, new kitchen with granite counter tops and tumbled marble backsplash. Six minute walk to Scarsdale train and shops.
Sale Price: $1,295,000
Real Estate Taxes: $38,716
110 Fox Meadow Road: Three Bedroom Ranch set back on almost 1/2 acre in Fox Meadow. Great Space with incredible potential; Formal living room and family room with fireplace and hardwood floors throughout. Level back yard with slate patio offer wonderful privacy.
Sale Price: $1,050,000
Real Estate Taxes: $30,739
95 Edgemont Road: Classic Old Edgemont Colonial completely renovated with great quality. Sun-filled, spacious and airy home with custom Borano front door, beautiful arched doorways, stately crown moldings and hardwood floors, Living room with fireplace, Family Room, Formal Dining Room and Eat In Kitchen with granite countertops that opens onto backyard patio. Finished heated basement with bedroom/recreation room and door to outside yard.
Sale Price: $900,000
Real Estate Taxes: $23,507
23 Fox Meadow Road: Quality built No Step Ranch with stone exterior and slate roof. This charming Fox Meadow home is conveniently located on .65 acre. With 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a large private yard, this comfortable home is close to Scarsdale Village, shops, restaurants and train.
Sale Price: $887,500
Real Estate Taxes: $29,776
276 Old Army Road: Country manor living in the heart of Old Edgemont. Elegant brick Colonial with premium upgrades. Fine architectural details, hardwood floors, crown molding, newly painted, new Marvin windows, all baths fully renovated, New gourmet kitchen with custom cherry cabinets, granite, quality designer appliances including Sub Zero refrigerator. Walkout lower level with 500+ square feet of comfortable space including guest or au pair suite. Private grounds.
Sale Price: $935,000
Real Estate Taxes: $25,589
4 Colonial Road: Lovely, level.45 acre in Colonial Acres close to pool, golf, tennis and playground. Expanded ranch with building potential. Invisible fence. Fabulous family room and master suite. Taxes being grieved. New roof.
Sale Price: $875,00
Real Estate Taxes: $21,787
141 Johnson Road: Lots of charm and brightness plus the quality of plaster walls and hardwood floors throughout. This newly painted four-bedroom colonial on a quiet Scarsdale street boasts central A/C and updated windows throughout.
Sale Price: $575,000
Real Estate Taxes: $12,926
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Featured Listing: 15 Secor Road
New construction:6 BR/ 4.5 BTH stone and shingle, 5,500 square foot center hall Colonial. Now ready. Close to schools, playground, shops and transportation. Nine foot ceilings on first and second floors. Includes library, family room with fireplace, luxury kitchen, breakfast room with doors to large deck and a laundry room near the back stairs. Five generous bedrooms on second floor with lots of closet space. Grand master suite with two walk-in closets and luxury bath.Finished lower level with media room, playroom, maids room and bath.
List Price: $2,495,000. Learn more here: Featured Listing: 34 Hadden Road 
Exquisite four bedroom english country residence situated in sought after Cotswold. Elegant living room with fireplace, new kitchen with breakfast area, spacious family room with built ins plus screened porch and patio. Four gracious bedrooms. Walk to village and school.
List Price: $2,295,000. Learn more here:
Trustees Consider Pending Lawsuits Regarding Scarsdale Properties
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The Scarsdale Board of Trustees are in discussion about two lawsuits that have been filed pertaining to Scarsdale real estate. The first involves the original home on the former Marx Estate at 15 Gatehouse Road, now owned by Anthony Scarcella. The mansion was built in 1904 and has nine fireplaces and 14 bathrooms. The property was owned by Louis Marx, sometimes called “The Toy King of America,” who died in 1982 at the age of 85. Upon Marx’s death, Anthony Scarcella, a New Rochelle developer, bought the original estate and subdivided the property to build 29 homes on the land. He built the development and in 1985 he sold the large brick mansion and 1.75 acres of property to Alexander Raydon, who kept it until October 2007. When Raydon died, Scarcella re-purchased the house, for $2,500,000, which was more than the sale price of the entire estate in 1982. Scarcella then attempted to gain approval to tear down the mansion and build three more new homes on the property. However, this time he received far more resistance from the Board of Architectural Review and ultimately the Scarsdale Board of Trustees. He was denied a demolition permit to tear down the home because it was found to be a structure of substantial historic importance. The Village found that the mansion met three of the four criteria for preservation and that its demolition would be detrimental to the public interest.
Unhappy with that decision, Scarcella spent the next three years trying to appeal it. In June, 2009, the case was heard in State Supreme Court and Scarcella challenged the Village on two counts: one for denying him the certificate of appropriateness to demolish the home and another for their rejection of his plea of hardship. At that time, Judge Rory Bellantoni returned the case to the Village and ordered the Scarsdale Board of Trustees to hold a de novo hearing on the hardship issue only.
Rather than return to Village Hall for the hearing, Scarcella spent two years challenging the de novo order, but his request to appeal to the Appelate Division and the Court of Appeals were rejected. Now, two and a half years later, having exhausted all avenues for appeal, Scarcella has filed a request for a de novo hearing on the hardship claim.
He contends that for a multitude of reasons he cannot make a reasonable return by renovating and selling the home:
Among his claims are:
- It is structurally unsound and the building is not stable
- It has been on the market for years and he has not received a reasonable offer
- No one is interested in buying it and preserving it or for another use
- The cost of renovations are excessive
The Scarsdale Board of Trustees and the Village Attorney are now evaluating the data Scarcella has provided and doing due diligence on the matter.
Boulder Brook Riding Academy
In addition, the Board is considering a matter involving the Boulder Brook Riding Academy on Mamaroneck Road. The current owners of the property, 291 Mamaroneck Road Realty, are seeking to declare certain restrictive covenants on the property null and void to allow them to modernize the stables and improve the property. At the time they purchased the property the deed restricted use to an equestrian facility and named a “strike price” or a value for the property at that time. According to the deed, if the covenant was breached, the Village could repurchase the property at that value.
Since that time, real estate values have escalated dramatically. The property owners wish to borrow funds to improve the property, but the reduced “strike price” is preventing them from getting financing. Therefore, the Village is in negotiation with the owners to alter the deed, while still reserving the right of first refusal if the current owners ever wish to sell the property.
The current owners will continue to lease the property to the riding academy. Though the Boulder Brook property is in a residential zone, it cannot be developed for residential homes because it has no street frontage.Featured Listing: 27 Cooper Road
Total elegance and exquisite charm radiate from every room in this beautiful home. Situated on 1.57 acres in the heart of Murray Hill Estate Area..this home has it all. High ceilings, leaded glass doors, oak floors, paneled foyer, 3 fireplaces,a heated pool,a two story pool house and stellar landscaping. Luxury and warmth are evident in every detail of this Scarsdale gem...a truly spectacular residence. List Price: $5,690,000 Learn more here.Featured Listing: 2 Campden Road
Located in the heart of Cotswold this premier Tudor boasts incomparable beauty, quality and size, classic proportions and exquisite architectural detail. Exquisite appointments include extra large granite cook's kitchen, leaded and stained glass windows, stunning master suite, four fireplaces and professional landscaping. List Price: $2,999,999. Learn more here.
Scarsdale Broker Sells Brooke Astor’s Estate
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Tracy Isaacs, an associate broker in Coldwell Banker’s Scarsdale office recently completed the sale of Holly Hill, the country estate of the late Brooke Astor. Astor was a prominent philanthropist and socialite who was often referred to as the Queen of New York. She died in 2007 at the age of 105. The selling price of the estate was $6,450,000 and Isaacs represented the buyer in the transaction.
The 64.5-acre estate in Briarcliff Manor features a spacious 1927 stone mansion that overlooks formal English gardens and lush green lawns. The 10,888-square-foot home, designed by noted architect William Adams Delano, includes 13 bedrooms, 9 full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, six marble fireplaces and indoor and outdoor pools.
The home has an elegant marble foyer, 42-foot-long parquet-floored drawing room, a sunroom, and a beautiful library. 
Other rooms include the photograph-covered Memory Room; the Cardinal's Room with telegrams from the Vatican on the wall and a huge master suite.
Additional property features include a four-bedroom gardener's cottage, a chauffeur's apartment atop a five-bay carriage house, an ancient pump house, barn with a three-car garage, a small museum, greenhouse, root cellar, pet cemetery, cutting gardens and something called the Love Temple.
According to Isaacs, “This is truly a magnificent estate and it has been my honor to represent my buyer-clients in this transaction. My clients appreciate the unique opportunity of owning this exceptional property. I know they will be very happy in this extraordinary home.”
Isaacs is a top-producing associate broker who has consistently been recognized over the years with the following awards: Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle, Coldwell Banker® International Diamond Society, and Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society. These distinguished honors have put Isaacs in the top tier of approximately 90,000 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker® system. Tracy attributes her sales success to her follow up skills, determination and enthusiasm. A savvy communicator and tough negotiator she always works hard on behalf of her clients and posses an intimate knowledge of the local real estate market.
Tracy and her husband have been residents of Westchester since 1998. She is the proud mother of boy/girl twins. As a parent, she is very active in the local schools whether chairing fundraising committees or running district wide programs. Philanthropically, Tracy is a member of the committee for the Wines of the World event that raises money for the Maria Ferrari Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center.
“This notable sale is a reflection of Tracy’s skills and dedication to her clients,” said Linda Roth, managing broker of the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Scarsdale office, which has been recognized as a top office nationally, regionally and locally. “This is a significant achievement for Tracy, and we are so proud that she is a part of the Coldwell Banker team.”
Tracy Isaacs
Cell: 914 462-1027
Office: 914 723-3340 X 333
Tracy.Isaacs@cbmoves.com
www.TracyIsaacs.com
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Featured Listing: 71 Round Hill Road
Country Colonial with inviting front porch welcomes you into this special home. Elegant family room with fireplace, built-ins and door to deck, leads into the new kitchen with generous work, storage and dining areas, top-of-the-line appliances, granite counters and mudroom. Luxury master suite with office. Edgemont. List Price: $1,595,000. Learn more here :
Featured Listing: 19 Innes Road
Elegant and impeccable five bedroom Colonial on tranquil half acre with in-ground Gunite pool with new retractable pool cover. Finely appointed living room and dining room. Renovated kitchen/family room addition with French door to patio and pool, first floor bedroom/bath. Master suite with marble bath, large lower level playroom. Exquisitely appointed throughout. List Price: $1,795,000. Learn more here:
