Trustees Debate Demolition of 24 Morris Lane Plus Featured Listings and Open Houses

Should 24 Morris Lane be preserved or demolished to make way for a new house? That was the subject at a special meeting of the whole of the Scarsdale Board of Trustees on June 27th at Village Hall. An application to demolish the house had been considered at a May 15 meeting of the Committee for Historic Preservation but only five of the seven members were present and four "yes" votes were needed to grant the application. The committee voted 3 in favor and 2 against and therefore could not approve the demolition.

The house sits on 1.83 acres of prime real estate in Murray Hill and is 8,050 square feet with 8-bedrooms, 10-bathrooms, an indoor pool, tennis court and a greenhouse.

In order for the house to be saved, it must meet at least one of the four criteria set by Village Code for Historic Preservation. The criteria include:

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.

Representing the property's owners David and Courtney Peretz, attorney Zachary Mintz of Zarin and Steinmetz argued that the house failed each of the criteria. Mintz did not discuss the first and fourth criteria in depth, as he noted that house is not associated with any events of great significance or is likely to yield any notable historical information. The questionof whether or not the house met the second and third criteria, however, was deliberated about for some time.

Two people of interest are associated with the house: Everit J. Sadler and Norman Alexander. From 1903 to 1942, Sadler was the Vice-President and Director of Standard Oil. He was also a navy veteran, having served on the Oregon in the Battle of Santiago. Alexander was the CEO of Sequa Corp and a philanthropist. Mintz acknowledged that while both men were successful, they were not significant enough to allow the house to meet the second criteria.

Mintz claimed that the home did not meet the third criteria as well. Although previously believed to be the work of noted architects Hiss and Weekes, it turns out that they only designed about 19% of the home for a renovation 1924. The original architects of the home are unknown. The attorney also argued that 24 Morris Lane does not represent any particular architectural style but is instead an amalgamation of different styles, as it has colonial, Mediterranean, and modern elements.

Members of the Board of Trustees questioned the attorneys and said they listened to the transcript of the meeting of the Committee for Historic Preservation as well. Trustee Roth asked whether this amalgamation of styles could be considered an architectural style itself. The attorney responded that the architects had no intention of emulating any one architectural period or style.

According to Village Attorney Wayne Esannason, the board has 60 days to deliberate and would therefore announce their decision at the next meeting that followed the 60 day period.

Since the Peretz's contract expires on July 11, they asked if the Board could hold a special meeting to consider the issue and draft a resolution for passage at an earlier meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Sales:

Edgemont

5 Clubway Lane, Edgemont
Elegant French Normandy Tudor on a private cul-de-sac in Edgemont School system has beautiful golf course views. This home has been updated and maintained while enhancing the charm and character of its architecture -- perfect for entertaining and easy living. The first floor has wide-plank oak floors, an entry foyer with steps down to a grand living room with fireplace and a dining room. The chef's eat-in-kitchen opens to stone terrace and has custom cabinets, top of the line appliances and granite counters. There is a stunning family room with built-ins, a wet bar, a library with a fireplace, an office and a powder room. Second floor boasts a master bedroom with bath, a bedroom with an en-suite bath, and two more bedrooms with a bath. Third floor has 2 bedrooms. Many upgrades include professionally landscaped gardens, copper gutters, bluestone entry, 4-zone audio system and boiler.

Sale Price: $1,570,000
Real Estate Taxes: $45,027

15 Cherry Lane, Edgemont
First time on the market in 50 years. Beautiful setting on almost a half-acre of level, park-like property. Quiet cul-de-sac, close to schools, highways and shopping. Great flow, both inside and out, for easy entertaining and comfortable living. Formal living room with vaulted ceiling, dining room with sliding glass door to a spacious deck overlooking lush landscaping, eat-in kitchen with its own deck. Family Room with brick fireplace and slider to another large deck. Master bedroom is ensuite and has a dressing area. Lower level with workshop, utilities, playroom, door to yard and 2 car garage.

Sale Price: $999,000
Real Estate Taxes: $29,079

4 Leone Close, Edgemont
This bright and sunny home has been lovingly maintained and features 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths with many special features including large picture windows in the living room, dining room and kitchen, and an open concept entry. The EIK has new stainless steel appliances and a door to the back patio and yard. Walk up a few steps to the 2nd level with a master bed/bath and 3 additional family bedrooms and a hall bath. Down a few steps from the main level is a spacious walk-out family room with wood-burning fireplace and a 5th bed with ensuite bath also accessible from the hallway. Step down from the family room and you will find access to the 2-car garage, a large playroom, laundry and storage room. Additional updates include a new roof, boiler, hot water heater, and a new air handler. This beautiful home sits on .48 acres. All offers will be reviewed after Sunday 4/23.

Sale Price: $875,000
Real Estate Taxes: $27,828

6 Highview Drive, Edgemont
Set on a level .23 acres of tranquil desirable street, this Edgemont Split Level home offers comfortable living. Living room with bay window opens to dining room with sliding door to deck overlooking fabulous yard. Perfect for entertaining. Newly renovated modern eat-in kitchen, beautiful wood floors in all the living space including all three bedrooms. Lower level family room has walk-out door to level backyard plus uncounted ample space in the basement for versatile use. Central air conditioning. Above ground oil tank (gas line on the street).

Sale Price: $730,000
Real Estate Taxes: $18,101

 Scarsdale

16 Fenimore Road, Scarsdale
This impressive Colonial is set on a park-like 0.57 acre of flat land. Over 8,450 square feet of living space crafted with the highest end finishes by one of Scarsdale's most experienced and respected builders. Sought after center hall layout with two story entrance and 10 foot ceilings on first floor. Living room with fireplace, library with coffered ceilings, formal dining room with butler's pantry, spectacular eat-in kitchen with center island, breakfast room and adjoining large family room. First level bedroom with full bath, large mudroom and 3 car attached garage. Second level features 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, large playroom and laundry room. The luxurious master suite boasts a tray ceiling, his and hers walk-in closets, sitting room & bathroom with soaking tub and separate shower. The basement features a recreation room, gym, bedroom, and 2 baths. Taxes reflect partial assesment.

Sale Price: $3,665,000
Real Estate Taxes: $37,318 

4 Mohican Trail, Scarsdale
Spectacular custom contemporary with exciting architectural details, sited on a private cul-de-sac on beautifully landscaped 1.06 acres. Located in one of Heathcote's prime neighborhoods, this meticulously renovated 6,000 sqare feet residence with 8 skylights and walls of glass showcases an open, bright and expansive flow of rooms. Dramatic cathedral ceiling in living and family room with glass doors to the deck. Fabulous oversized chef's kitchen with sky light, Tech designers lighting, custom cabinetry, Subzero refrigerator and freezer, Wolf cooking center, glass doors to deck. Exquisite master suite, slate shower with stone pebble floor, Oceania air jets bath tub, dressing room, radiant heat, sliding glass door to private deck. Hall bath, frame-less shower doors, glazed porcelain floor, Caesar stone vanity counter, Graff sink faucets. New windows, sliding glass doors, central vac, Geothermal heat, CAC 3 zones, radiant heat, and interior/exterior freshly painted.

Sale Price: $2,425,000
Real Estate Taxes: $64,140

Featured Listings:

48 Harvest Drive, Scarsdale
Sophistication and superior craftsmanship is the hallmark of this impeccably designed 5 bed, 5.2 bath home custom built and expanded in 2004 using only the finest materials. Perfect for today's lifestyle, the unique open layout of the kitchen, dining and family room will beckon you to linger as overlook the lush .60 acres. Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877.

 Learn more here. 

List Price: $2,685,000 

77 Tunstall Road, Scarsdale
A one of a kind, this gem is rare in both flow, scale, and level of detail. 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. Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877.    Learn more here

List Price: $1,200,000

Open Houses

44 Franklin Road: Scarsdale
Open House, Saturday July 8, 3-5 PM

Park Avenue meets Scarsdale in this exquisite 5 bedroom, 5.1 bath center hall Colonial completely renovated and expanded in 2007 with finest craftsmanship. Clean design, well-proportioned rooms, idyllic pJuliaFeeLogoroperty and best location. This home was professionally designed by Nicole Kuckly, high-end designer and decorator. Highest quality finishes, custom closets, generator panel, Niles audio/Cat5,and Baldwin hardware. Listing Agents: Anne Dowd Moretti 914-825-0057 and Cindy Rafeld (917) 202-6039. Learn more here:

List Price: $2,488,000

2 Woods Lane, Scarsdale
Open House Sunday 2-4 PM

Elegant stone and shingle staggered Tudor with slate roof on highly sought after Edgewood Street is close to elementary school. This grand home has big rooms and is fully updated for easy living. Great entertaining flow and level property! The chef's kitchen boasts top of the line appliances, and a large center island.

Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877.Learn more here

List Price: $1,895,000

2 Fountain Lane #1J, Scarsdale
Open House Saturday July 8 12-2 PM

Resort living at its best! Come see this fabulous complex called the Fountainhead! Built in 1981 offering a full time doorman, outdoor pool, clubhouse with a full kitchen, exercise room, billiards room, library, laundry on every floor and always kept immaculate! This updated 2-bedroom duplex offers hardwood floors, a new kitchen, and a beautiful private terrace overlooking trees; a quiet location in the rear of the complex. 2 indoor garage spots come with this unit #32 and #74. Walk to public transportation, you can also walk to shops and banks. Conveniently located off Central Park Avenue. Maintenance includes heat, hot water, taxes, and use of all the amenities! Best deal in all of Edgemont! 20% down payment required by the Board. Board application attached to listing. Contact Julia Ricciuti at (914) 391-6994 or (914) 723-1212. Learn more here

List Price: $339,000

3 Campus Place #1A, Edgemont
Open House Saturday July 8 and Sunday July 9 12- 2 PM

Your pet, dog or cat is so very welcomed here! No elevator, just 2 steps into your apartment! This sundrenched unit located on the first floor with southeastern exposure has hardwood floors and an updated kitchen and bath! #65 bus on the corner of Underhill and Central will take you to the Scarsdale train station, express bus straight down into NYC is also available. Basic Star Discount is $130 per month, bringing the maintenance to $655 per month, unless you qualify for the Enhanced Star which is a greater discount. Garages are $50 per month but there is a wait list for these. You can park in the circle on a first-come-first-serve basis for free. You will need to fill out a questionnaire upon an accepted offer, due to co-op application. Edgemont schools and Greenburgh Recreation. Contact Julia Ricciuti at (914) 391-6994 or (914) 723-1212.  Learn more here

List Price: $189,000