Time For A Change

I had driven by the gate at the newly developed Greens at Cherry Lawn many times before curiosity got the best of me. When two friends, both recent empty nesters from Scarsdale, announced they were moving to the development, which is located on Weaver Street, just across the border in New Rochelle, I asked Leslie Dorf of Houlihan Lawrence if she could show me around, so that I could see what was behind the gate and give readers a glimpse of another lifestyle.

Accustomed to living in an “historic home,” I wasn’t quite sure of what to make of this planned development. Dorf explained that there are a total of 26 homes planned for the project, with just four left to be sold. The Cottage, Colonial or Courtyard models range from 3,600 to 4,500 square feet and are designed around a large, square green that is nicely landscaped with flowering trees.

She took me into a Cottage-style model that is currently for sale, and I have to admit I was impressed. The kitchen, with marble countertops, Waterworks tile, two dishwashers and top of the line appliances was adjacent to a large family room with a cathedral ceiling. The first-floor master bedroom was large and the master bath felt even grander. There were ample closets, a lovely first floor powder room, and a two car garage. Upstairs were three additional bedrooms and two nicely designed baths.

In the model I saw, the owners went to town and finished the basement, providing them with an additional 850 square feet of space which was partially above grade. There was a good-sized bedroom, a big cedar closet and even a home theatre.

The house was smartly laid out and felt well-built. With hardwood floors though-out, nice moldings and lots of light, it was very inviting. Homeowners also have use of a new clubhouse with a pool and tennis court on the property. Plus, the guard at the gate is on call 12 hours a day and provides security and service.

And what does all of this cost, I asked? Homes are listed from $1.8 to $1.95mm, with $775 per month in common charges and real estate taxes of $35,000 per year. For many in Scarsdale, the move would not be a cost saver, but would provide comfort, convenience and relief from costly repairs on aging homes.

This Week’s Sales:

7 Shaw Road

The six bedroom, six and a half bath home has a long private driveway leading to a magnificent setting, with patio, landscaping, pool and a three-car garage, Inside, there’s a living room with fireplace, formal dining room with wet bar, library, and dramatic family room, exercise room, and maids quarters with laundry. The master bedroom has a terrace and ultimate bath. Downstairs, there’s a home theater, and two playrooms.

Sale Price: $4,450,000
Real Estate Taxes: $98, 809

6 Horseguard Lane: Sun-filled, pristine stone and shingle four bedroom Colonial with slate room on 1/3 acre in Fox Meadow. Den and family room on first floor. Additional 875 square feet in potentially finished basement.

Sale Price: $1,480,000
Real Estate Taxes: $28,857

32 Crane Road: Charming home with modern amenities. Tastefully renovated/expanded: new kitchen, mudroom, side entry, powder room, closet and roof. Kitchen has Thermador oven and refrgierator, 2 dishwashers and disposals, warming oven, Marvin windows, fabulous view to the serene large yard. Bright, sunny home, large leaded glass windows, 6 bedrooms, 3.1 baths

Sale Price: $1,225,000
Real Estate Taxes: $32,713

12 Fairview Road: Charming English style, brick home on over 1/3 level acre. Private yard with great expansion possibilities.

Sale Price: $1,128,000
Real Estate Taxes: $18,559

16 Tanglewood Road, Edgemont: Sunlit split on quiet street in Edgemont boasts dramatic soaring ceilings, large windows, great flow for entertaining and easy living. Recent updated features: refinished hardwood floors, new A/C compressor and stainless steel kitchen appliances. Good closets. Large bi-level deck overlooks the back property with nice vistas.

Sale Price: $610,000
Real Estate Taxes: $20,404

6 Underhill Road: Ranch style home on private one plus acre in a quiet, convenient location. Eat in kitchen, screened porch. Spacious living room and dining room. Private master bedroom suite with vaulted beam ceiling opens to a sitting porch. Large master bath, three additional bedrooms, one with private bath. Finished lower level with playroom and changing area for the pool. Swimming pool works but needs TLC.

Sale Price: $580,000
Real Estate Taxes: $36,000

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Featured Listing: 44 Axtell Drive

Classic six bedroom Fox Meadow Center-Hall Colonial situated in the heart of Crane Berkley. The home boasts a living room with fireplace that opens to a covered veranda which can also be accessed from the generously sized dining room. Updated kitchen, family room with quality built-ins plus lower level playroom. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,839,000

Featured Listing: 203 Ardsley Road:
This extraordinary Cotswold stone and stucco Colonia, totally re-built in 2006, is sited on a level and private .72 acre property. The 6470 square feet of living space includes a spectacular gourmet kitchen, two-room master suite with Jacuzzi bath and a custom elevator. Learn more here:

List Price: $2,499,000