Getting to Know Scarsdale’s Master Architect Julius Gregory

Dunmovin at 19 Cotswold Way was designed by Julius Gregory for the scion of the Underwood-Sunstrand typewriter empire.Granddaughter Ann Cefola reflects on the work of Julius Gregory and recent preservation ruling.

I want to thank Scarsdale10583 for publicizing the effort to destroy 11 Dolma Road. If I had not happened upon an article in July, I would never have known it was at risk. Editor Joanne Wallenstein provided such salient research on the architect, my grandfather Julius Gregory, that the Committee for Historic Preservation quoted her findings. I thought, “Now this is a community website that people rely upon!”

“We don’t have a Frank Lloyd Wright in Scarsdale,” Ms. Wallenstein said in the public comment section at the second CHP meeting in late September. “We have Julius Gregory.”

Growing up here, I always admired his designs. One Chase Road, the southeast corner of Scarsdale Village, looks like it could easily have been some medieval guild, what with its aged slate roof and artful timbering. For years, I drove by 125 Stratton Road in New Rochelle, thinking the gorgeous stone home had been built in the 18th century. Imagine my surprise to find out my grandfather designed it! It had won a 1932 American Architect gold medal and was recognized as one of the ten most beautiful homes at the time in the United States.

Angela Retelny, a realtor who additionally endorsed my grandfather’s work at the CHP meeting, had sold 19 Cotswold Way—described here by North of NYC—a year or two earlier:

Dubbed Dunmovin, the elegantly English residence was completed in 1928 for Matthew S. Eylar, marketing master for what would become the Underwood-Sunstrand typewriter empire. Every block of its robust masonry was sourced on-site, either salvaged from an old farmhouse on the property, or granite blasted to lay the manor's foundation. Restored leaded glass windows, terracotta and antique limestone flooring and a Ludowici tile roof provide timeless period elegance, juxtaposing the modernity of the more recent Christopher Peacock kitchen. 125 Stratton Road in New Rochelle won a 1932 American Architect gold medal and was recognized as one of the ten most beautiful homes at the time in the United States.

This exemplifies what Columbia Professor Andrew Dolkart refers to as “transitional”: My grandfather’s ability to reproduce historic revival designs and yet seamlessly incorporate contemporary features—from elevators and garages back then to accommodating the newest kitchens now. Professor Dolkart, co-author of the 2012 Scarsdale Cultural Resource Reconnaissance Survey which identifies architectural treasures such as 11 Dolma Road, successfully defended Julius Gregory by detailing his skilled artistry and mapping out his key role in shaping the village we know today. The Brantly House, a Tudor Cottage at 32 Hampton Road

Another home, the Georgian Revival at the corner of Ogden and Kent Roads, was the 1937 Ideal Home furnished by Macy’s and open to the public. Until recently, it featured a copper roof aged to a perfect turquoise, and high brick walls painted white. Some days after high school, my neighbor Frederick Cox and I would visit what we dubbed “The Myrna Loy-William Powell House.” It had such classic 1930s movie appeal that we expected them to emerge at any moment. Inspired by my grandfather’s work, Fred went on to become an outstanding architect specializing in historic renovation.

In 2017 the CHP voted to preserve 53 Old Orchard Lane, designed by Julius Gregory.There are many more Julius Gregory homes to discover and each adds to the historic character of our village. The campaign to save 11 Dolma Road helped preserve leading Scarsdale builder Walter Collet’s vision of a pastoral, English-inspired landscape that anyone would want to call home. Many long-time residents participated in an email campaign to save 11 Dolma Road. I am grateful to these neighbors as well as the mayor, the Board of Trustees, the CHP, Professor Dolkart, Village Attorney James Staudt, and Scarsdale 10583 for declaring Julius Gregory a master architect here in Scarsdale and nationwide, and affirming his contribution to broad, historic patterns of early 20th century suburbanization.

Sales
73 Huntington Avenue
Beautiful colonial with fabulous curb appeal. New construction feel. Located less than a block from the elementary school, playground and playing fields. Recent renovations include a stunning kitchen with custom cabinetry, 6-burner wolf stove, dacor convection oven, Subzero fridge/freezer, Miele dishwasher and instant hot/filtered water. Bright and spacious breakfast area with home office/desk with filing cabinets. Beautiful mahogany floors extend to the adjoining family room with wood-burning fireplace, built-in bookshelves, sound system and wet bar with hammered copper bar sink and Subzero bar fridge. French doors lead to a lovely stone patio and private yard. First level laundry room with pantry, mudroom and garage access. The tranquil master bedroom features high ceilings, a charming balcony, 2 wic's, marble bath with radiant heated floors, Toto Commode/Sep water closet, rainhead shower, double and sink vanity with recessed steam free med cabinets.
Sale Price: $2,2225,000
Assessed Value: $1,425,000
Real Estate Taxes: $35,619

8 Carriage House Lane
Great location, golfer's paradise, located across the street from Winged Foot golf course, with a choice of Mamaroneck or Scarsdale Schools. This home's open concept kitchen and family room leads to an oversized dining room and is adjacent to a large living room with a wood burning fireplace. Each room overlooks the yard and the generously sized stone patio via a wall of sliding glass doors. With 5 additional bedrooms and two bathrooms on the second level, there's plenty of room to create a second Master, work from home or to host family/friends. The lower level is an additional approximately 1400 square feet of finished space. Close to Scarsdale pool, golf courses, Mamaroneck village, train and easy access to the Hutchinson parkway and highway 95. Two car attached garage.
Sale Price: $1,575,000
Assessed Value: $1,086,000
Real Estate Taxes: $25,575

28 Montrose Road
Sunny Center Hall Colonial with huge chef's kitchen built for entertaining, overlooking big newly landscaped backyard with deck and 2 car garage. House has great flow with spacious den off living room/fireplace, sliding doors to deck, French doors from hallway to deck. Master bedroom with wall of closets, luxurious master bath with double sinks. The exterior has been recently painted, with new front door and garage doors. There is a ductless split air conditioning system throughout the house that is virtually silent. Waterproof basement with lifetime warranty. This 5 bedroom beauty is steps from the newly finished Greenacres Elementary School and playground.
Sale Price: $1,350,000
Assessed Value: $1,025,000
Real Estate Taxes: $25,621

11 Black Birch Lane
Perfectly private, this five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath staggered Colonial is set on an enchanted third of an acre. This 2,664 square foot home is nestled in an idyllic setting with a huge deck overlooking mature trees and a sweetly winding brook. The main level features a foyer with formal powder room, living room with bow window and wood burning fireplace, formal dining room with sliding glass doors to a huge deck, eat-in-kitchen with custom cabinets and granite counters and additional access to deck and yard. The sunny family room is a few steps up and a few more steps take you to the main bedroom level with master bedroom with ensuite bath, two more spacious bedrooms and hall bath. Two more bedrooms/offices and hall bath await on the next level. The lower levels feature a two car attached garage, play area with access to yard, laundry, mechanicals and storage.
Sale Price: $1,170,000
Assessed Value: $987,000
Real Estate Taxes: $25,124

339 Old Colony Road
Sun-filled beautifully renovated home with open floor plan sited on private picturesque professionally landscaped property. Features gorgeous cook’s kitchen with large garden window/Wolf 6-burner cooktop, Viking hood, Bosch dishwasher, SubZero refrigerator and two Thermador ovens. New windows, three updated full baths - 2004: roof, gutters and leaders replaced, two remote control skylights, custom recessed lighting throughout, lower level is handicap accessible, multi-tiered slate patio and large Trek deck, new driveway, beautiful stone wall surround private second slate patio off dramatic lower level family room with fabulous sun-lit office. Wonderful light-filled space for living and entertaining inside and out.
Sale Price: $988,000
Assessed Value: $827,900
Real Estate Taxes: $28,520

180 Fox Meadow Road
A beautiful three-bedroom, two full bathroom Ranch on a level lot in the heart of Fox Meadow. This house has a beautiful, updated kitchen with quartz countertops and a bright white backsplash. This home boasts an oversized living room with panoramic windows, a spacious light-filled dining room with french doors to the bluestone patio ideal for grilling. A large screened-in porch will be the family favorite. Extremely close to the train and 32 minutes to Grand Central Terminal.
Sale Price: $900,000
Assessed Value: $1,025,000
Real Estate Taxes: $25,718

9 Campus Place Unit#1C
Charm and convenience in a perfect package. Central location minutes from Scarsdale Village, near shopping, parks, transportation (express/commuter bus and Scarsdale train) and in the Edgemont School District, this spectacular pet friendly one bedroom pre war home checks every boxt. The open concept large turn key home features a spacious foyer, separate dining area, oversized windows, hardwood floors, tons of closet space and many upgrades such as new hardware throughout and custom shades. No detail was overlooked in the newly renovated bathroom featuring a marble floor and updated kitchen. A separate storage space is also included. Amenities include 24 hour surveillance, courtyard, playground, laundry and storage. Enjoy this sundrenched home at Scarsdale Country Estates.
Sale Price: $240,000

Featured Listings

30 Springdale Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Listing Price: $2,495,000
Stately brick colonial located in the Quaker Ridge section of Scarsdale. Bright, spacious rooms with lovely updates throughout including a fabulous eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, 6-burner Viking stovetop, convection oven, warming drawer, refrigerator/freezer with ice/water feature on door, Miele dishwasher, center island with seating, breakfast area with French doors to a lovely bluestone patio/direct gas line for barbeque and beautifully landscaped (stunning perennials) level yard.
Learn more here.

11 Kingston Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Listing Price: $2,150,000
Move right in to this beautifully updated, classic red brick Colonial on a deep, level .30 acre lot, ideally located just a short walk to the recently renovated Greenacres Elementary School and the Hartsdale shops and express train to Grand Central! Professionally designed and decorated, this home is warm, inviting and in mint condition. The first level features a fabulous eat-in kitchen with a view of the yard, premium appliances, a cozy window seat and large dining area, stunning formal living room with fireplace, gorgeous formal dining room with original built-ins, great family room with built-ins and four sets of French doors, powder room and mudroom. The kitchen and family room both lead out to a bi-level bluestone patio with a built-in grill, perfect for outdoor dining, and a fantastic landscaped, private yard. The second level includes a luxurious master suite with a private study, large walk-in closet and full bath with a double sink vanity, three spacious family bedrooms, an oversized hall bath with separate soaking tub, walk-in shower, private water closet and two sink vanity, plus a second office /den so two can work from home with peace and privacy. The lower level offers a large and bright recreation room that has been freshly painted and carpeted, gym area, full bath, large storage closet with a window, laundry room and utility room. Charm and curb appeal abound in this fully renovated and updated Greenacres home!
Learn more here.

2 Windsor Lane
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Listing Price: $1,815,000
Better than new Edgewood Colonial ideally located on two cul-de-sacs in Crane Berkley (known for its picturesque pond, underline power and internet/phone lines) and walking distance to Metro North train, village shops, restaurants, elementary and high school. Free bus to middle school. The newly renovated Hyatt Field playground is just steps away! Fully renovated starting in 2013 with a major addition in 2018, resulting in an expanded kitchen with custom Brooks woodwork kitchen island and prep sink, ground floor playroom, office space for two, new master bedroom and master bath. The versatile floor plan is conducive for today's living including working and remote learning from home. The .23 acres of manicured property has a backyard patio - perfect for barbecues and entertaining. Beautiful custom millwork and built-ins are showcased in the home office and playroom. Lower level (827 square feet) includes a sixth bedroom, full bath and home gym. This home has it all!
Learn more here.