Details

Written by Lori Gertzog

Category: Real Estate

Published: 01 December 2015

The Real Estate Survey conducted on Scarsdale10583 indicates that respondents are looking to Village Trustees to re-examine our laws to limit the size of new homes, protect trees and preserve open space. 75% of respondents believe that the new homes being built in Scarsdale are too large and 4 out of 5 respondents agree that trustees should re-examine code on floor area ratio, lot coverage, and the preservation of trees and open space. However, respondents are divided on the effect of home demolitions and new construction.

Though the survey size was small – there were only 113 respondents, here are their views on demolitions, construction and what trustees might do to preserve neighborhood character in Scarsdale.

Survey Response:

What do you think about the demolition of homes in Scarsdale?

-Negatively impacts the character of the neighborhood:  46%
-Positively impacts the character of the neighborhood:   26.5%
Does not impact the character of the neighborhood:       24.7%

What do you think about the number of homes being demolished in Scarsdale?

There are too many homes being demolished:                48.6%
There are the right amount of homes being demolished: 47.7%

What do you think about the number of new homes being built in Scarsdale?

-There are too many new homes being built.
We are losing the character of the village:                       46.9%
-There are the right amount of new homes being built:    39.8%

What do you think about the size of new homes being built?

They are generally too large: 75.2%
They seem to be the right size for the neighborhood and property: 21.2%

However over 80% of residents are looking to our government to address the issues. Here is what you said:

So though readers are split on the number of new homes going up, they are overwhelming opposed to the size of these new homes. Readers also had lots to say about the current landscape and what should be done. Here are just a few of your comments:

Comment #1:
The vast majority of teardowns are exactly that-teardowns, never having been updated or maintained. The FAR regulations have encouraged oversized and quite frankly unappealing homes that over time will be expensive to maintain and repair. The dormers and multiple rooflines are sometimes done simply and well and other times-bizarre and unattractive. A walk around the Crossway area reveals a dozen cheesy and unattractive homes built over the past 3-5 years. How they were approved by the BAR stuns me and nearly all that know of them. Several have a mish mash of window styles and rooflines that defy taste- 4 to 7 styles on one front. Who approves this? These are the ones that need give new development a bad name. Others are done tastefully or innocuously. Clearly the FAR needs a reval and the BAR needs to establish better standards and apply them equally to all homes, not just the ones that neighbors put up a fuss over.

Comment #2:
I live on a street that is one very short, steep block long and previously had 8 houses. It now has 10 houses and one monstrous renovation. The street it now congested with large houses on relatively very small lots. Because the builders have no property to work with, they have destroyed the contours of the land and created walls and terraces. In addition, the close proximity of the houses has led to uniform, unattractive "stockades" of arbor vitae in an attempt to regain the privacy that existed when the houses were not one on top of another. What's sad is that the people who pay for these ridiculous abodes could have more square feet on larger properties in houses with some character, for basically the same outrageous prices they've paid.

Comment #3
I purchased my home in Fox Meadow 25 years ago. I was attracted to Scarsdale primarily because of the "look" of an established town with gracious old homes. All that has changed now, the overwhelming majority of builders crap that is going up looks the same. It combines clapboard and feature stone along with a hodgepodge of "feature windows" and it is called a Colonial. All this on a too small lot and too close to the neighbors. And how about height? The majority of the new houses dwarf their older neighbors in height, completely out of character.

The BAR should be charged with the responsibility/guidelines to help ensure/create a varied neighborhood of Tudors, colonials and Mediterranean's. The building materials should be diverse and of high quality. Regulation of landscaping should be taken seriously. For each knockdown/new home, there should be a minimum established for new shade trees. The newly planted trees should be a minimum size as well when planted.

Sales:

Edgemont:

39 High Point Road

This ranch home is on almost an acre (.8388) of secluded park-like property with flowers, lush greenery, vegetable gardens and colorful mature plantings. Relax in the expansive private yard or by the in-ground swimming pool. Both the dining and family rooms open to the patio. There are three bedrooms off the family room with a full bath nearby. The master bedroom with bath is located near the entry hall.

Sale Price: $935,000
Taxes: $29,420

220 Ardsley Road

This home is on nearly half acre of property with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. There is a fireplace in the living room and in the family room. There is a path adjacent to the property that leads to the Seely Place elementary school. There are new windows, furnace and roof. The laundry room is on the first level. There is a back-up, hard-wired generator in the basement. The home was recently painted. There is a new, wrought iron fence around the level yard and a detached one car garage with a side door for workshop potential.

Sale Price: $850,000
Taxes: $25,599

Featured Listings:

17 Harvest Drive, Scarsdale

Elegant and stately new custom built colonial on almost 3/4 of an acre of incredible land with room for a pool. Over 9000 square feet of an amazing floor plan ideal for entertaining indoor and outdoors. There are three patios including a covered porch with outdoor fireplace and a three car garage that enters into a gracious mud room. There is also a library and second butler's pantry on the first floor. The second floor has five bedrooms all en suite and a huge playroom with back staircase and laundry. The lower level can be anything you want with potential for a game room, wine storage, gym, playroom, maids' room and full bath. This home is being built by one of Scarsdale's finest custom home builders who will work with a
buyer to make this home truly unique by customizing all interior finishes. This home is also ideally located close to five corners shopping, recreational facilities and houses of worship. For more information, click here. 

List Price: $4,995,000

20 Meadow Road, Scarsdale
Open House Sunday December 6: 1-3 PM

Enjoy beautiful views from this stunning new colonial! Impressive circular driveway leads to this grand custom built home on expansive .61 acre lot with potential room for a pool. Over 8000 square feet of ideal living space including grand foyer, open kitchen with double island, family room, dining room, living room, plus 1st floor guest suite, study and dream mudroom with custom built cubbies that accesses the three car garage. The second floor boasts well proportioned rooms including a Master Suite with 2 over-sized walk in closets, 4 additional family bedrooms each with en suite bath, and a separate laundry room. The lower level
includes an aupair suite with full bathroom and large rec room with 9 foot ceilings. Built by local builder with an exceptional attention to detail and finishes. Ideally located within walking distance to Quaker Ridge Elementary school and houses of worship! Home has a built in natural gas back up generator and comes pre wired for camera/security system and surround sound. For more information, click here.  

List Price:  $4,295,000

19 Griffen Avenue, Scarsdale
Open House: Sunday December 6, 1- 3PM

Spectacular views of the Long Island Sound from this unique property. This home is majestically set on 3.235 acres and is sub dividable. There are an additional 2 half acre lots at the rear of the property with frontage on Cornell. Those two lots will be offered for $995,000 each. This unique home's layout is perfect for one floor easy living. The open floor plan has fabulous views of the property from the living room, dining room, master bedroom and master study. The pool is uniquely constructed on the first and highest level so you can see the Long Island Sound from its deck and has easy access from the kitchen, living room and dining room. There are high quality built-ins thoughtfully installed throughout the home. Every bedroom has its own bathroom. This is a must see property.  For more information, click here. 

List Price:  $3,995,000

5 Cornell Street, Scarsdale

Very rare opportunity to own over 2 acres of park like property with magnificent golf course views in the award-winning Scarsdale school district! This spectacular property features a heated gunite pool (renovated in 2003), Hard Tru tennis court (2003), circular driveway, fabulous landscaping and phenomenal property. The home has been meticulously updated over the years and has a bright, spacious layout ideal for today's buyer. Breathtaking views greet you as you enter the grand open foyer. Enjoy the updated gourmet eat-in-kitchen kitchen and baths, sunroom, multi-level deck, built in sound system, living room with coffered ceiling and
fireplace, hardwood floors, custom moldings and large master bedroom suite with walk-in closet. The perfect blend of natural beauty, luxury, and elegance located close to school, shopping, and some of the world's top golf courses. Possible subdivision. A truly one-of-a-kind property that's not to be missed! For more information, click here.

List Price: $3,100,000

2 Harvest Drive, Scarsdale

Exquisite custom home to be built with exceptional architectural details and ideal floor plan in convenient location. Grand two story entry hall with formal living room with fireplace, dining room, Huge eat-in-kitchen with breakfast area and family room with french doors to patio. There is also a mudroom and access to two car garage from first floor. The master bedroom suite has his and her walk in closets, there are 4 additional bedrooms all with their own en suite bathrooms. The laundry room is also on the second floor. The lower level is an additional 1966 square feet that will be
finished and customized with potential for a playroom, gym, office bedroom, and a full bath. This is an opportunity to work with a local builder who lives in the community and will work with a potential buyer on every detail of customizing this home in an ideal location.
For more information, click here.

List Price: $2,995,000

9 Wakefield Road, Scarsdale

Brand new construction in the heart of Heathcote. This is the one you have been waiting for! Idyllic layout for modern living on a wide level property by a well-known local builder. Over 5000 square feet of ultra high-end craftsmanship and architectural details including large entry foyer, powder room, Dining room with butlers pantry and pass-through to a remarkably large kitchen with breakfast area that opens into family room, living room and study. The two-car garage enters into the first floor with mudroom, second powder room and back staircase. The master suite has tray ceilings and a sitting area and his and her walk-in closets.
There are three additional family bedrooms with one en suite and Jack and Jill bathrooms. A separate laundry room completes the second floor. The lower level is over 1,500 square feet of anything you can imagine including a great room, Bedroom and full bathroom. Walk to shops, elementary school, recreational facilities and houses of worship. For more information, click here.

List Price: $2,899,000

28 Heathcote Road, Scarsdale

Impressive Collette built Georgian brick Colonial located in Murray Hill with incredible curb appeal and extraordinary landscaping with beautiful up lighting for grand nighttime presence. Stunning architectural details throughout including custom built ins, detailed moldings and archways, and beautiful hardwood floors. Ideal layout for gracious entertaining. There is a 3 car garage, a
mudroom, back staircase, and perfectly level property with room
for expansion. Upgraded mechanicals include new lower level AC/Heat (3 years old) and Hot water tank (2 years old). For more information, click here.

List Price: $2,795,000

25 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale

This grand and bright Scarsdale Colonial is the perfect blend of elegance, luxury and beauty. Located on 1.52 acres of spectacular property, this home features a large circular driveway and beautiful pool surrounded by gorgeous landscaping. The 1st floor offers ample space perfect for entertaining and everyday gatherings, including a dramatic foyer, 9-ft high ceilings and huge Eat-In-Kitchen that opens to the family room. Enjoy the superb living room, formal dining room, private library, open sunroom, and large deck off the kitchen, which provides breathtaking views. The sweeping staircase to the 2nd floor takes you to a large Master Bedroom Suite with 2 large walk in closets and a luxurious master bath, plus a 2nd floor family room/office.
There are 7 spacious bedrooms, plus 5.5 baths, and 4 fireplaces. The lower level features a playroom area and cabana bath. Move right in and enjoy the ultimate in privacy and serenity in this magnificent home ideally located within walking distance to the train, schools, and town! Click here for more information.

List Price: $ 2,499,800

9 Birch Lane, Scarsdale

Phenomenal opportunity to purchase a picturesque 1/2 acre property on a cul-de-sac in Scarsdale's exclusive Murray Hill Estates neighborhood. The ideal location to build your own custom estate: extremely quiet and private, yet convenient to all. 5 bedroom/3 bath Ranch home with plenty of expansion potential. Walking distance to school, bus, library and close to Scarsdale Village shopping and train. Located in nationally ranked Scarsdale school district and only 30 minutes to NYC via Metro North. Room to build over 9,500 square feet with pool. For more information, click here. 

List Price: $1,995,000

74 Anderson Avenue Scarsdale PO, Eastchester

Have it all in this renovated and expanded 4 bedroom Colonial located a short walk from the Scarsdale RR station. Large front entry with tiled flooring and closets. To the left is a family room w/ vaulted ceiling, new gas fireplace and doors to private patio. Step up into an inviting and open living room with wood burning fireplace and fine mill work. The new expansion to the rear and sunset side are home to a formal dining room, office and library. There is plenty of room to mingle in the EIK w/ top of the line appliances and doors to the patio. A baby grand piano now sits in the former dining room. Upstairs you will find a new master bedroom suite, high end bathroom and large walk in closet. Three other bedrooms and roomy hall bath round out this level. Below is a partially finished walk out basement and mudroom. Thermal windows and doors, gas heat, central air and special lighting make for comfortable living. Private backyard. Wide 1 car garage.  New Generator included.  For more information, click here. 

List Price:  $1,115,000

Details

Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Real Estate

Published: 09 December 2015

Sales as of the end of November 2015 in Scarsdale are down 10.7% from the same period last year. In 2015 there were 218 sales versus 244 last year accompanied by a 27.6% increase in active inventory, with 111 listings versus 87 at this time last year.

The upsurge in inventory is most pronounced at the high end of the market, where there is a 90% increase in listings in the $3-5MM range and a 37.5% increase in inventory of homes priced over $5MM. The biggest change in sales was in the $3-5MM range which dropped 31.8%. There is a nice selection of homes priced above $3 million available in prime locations in Scarsdale. Demand for homes priced below $3mm remains strong.

For the first eleven months of the year, sales in Edgemont increased 8.8% increase over last year with 99 sales this year versus 91 last year. There is also a 16% increase in inventory with 36 active listings versus 31 last year. The $500,000-700,000 market saw a 33.3% increase in sales and the $700-1MM market saw a 34.5% increase. All other price ranges were slightly down in number of sales. The market below $1.5 continues to be in high demand in Edgemont.

Realtors are anticipating an influx of inventory early in the New Year and hope for an influx of buyers, as well. Many sellers are waiting to list their homes until spring when new buyers are scouting the market to learn more about prices and value, and to line up pre-approvals for mortgages.

Market Summary:

Scarsdale: January 1 – November 30, 2015:

• Up to $1MM: 9 active listings, 56 in contract or sold
• $1-1.5MM range: 11 active listings, 77 in contract or sold
• $1.5-2MM range 23 active listings, 55 in contract or sold
• $2-3MM range: 19 active listings, 52 in contract or sold
• $3-5MM range: 38 active listings, 24 in contract or sold
• $5MM and up: 11 active listings, 5 in contract or sold

Edgemont: January 1 – November 30, 2015:

• Up to $1MM: 8 active listings, 58 in contract or sold
• $1-2MM range: 21 active listings, 54 in contract or sold
• $2-3MM range: 8 active listings, 4 in contract or sold
• $3MM+ range: 2 active listing, 3 in contract or sold

-This information was provided by Laura Miller and Elise Flagg of Houlihan Lawrence Scarsdale.

Sales:

14 Reimer Road

This center hall Colonial sits on a level, private, 1.32 acres in Murray Hill and features hardwood floors, fireplaces in both the living room and dining room, and a lovely paneled study.

Sale Price: $3,000,000
Taxes: $60,777

361 Heathcote Road

This colonial has a covered porch, eat-in-kitchen with center island and breakfast area open to a (16x19) family room with a fireplace and french doors to the library. There is a formal living room (13.4x19.4) and dining room (14x15.9). The mudroom and laundry room are off the kitchen that leads to a two-car garage. The master bedroom suite has a tray ceilings, his and her walk-in closets (26x19) and a separate sitting room (11x12). There are three additional bedrooms and two full baths. There is also an area that could be customized as an open study loft. The lower level boasts an additional 1600 square feet that will be finished with a playroom, bedroom and full bath.

Sale Price: $2,627,500
Taxes: TBD

22 South Church Lane

This colonial is located in the Crane-Berkley neighborhood of Fox Meadow. Set on .41 acres of lush property, this home has been renovated over time. There is a living room with high ceilings and a gas fireplace, an eat-in-kitchen with hi-end appliances, family room with built-ins and random width peg oak floors, master bedroom with tray ceiling, cedar walk-in-closet, juliet balcony with an awning, skylight and master bath. Hi-lights include oak trimmed Marvin windows through-out, oak hardwood flooring, all cedar closets, multiple built-ins, and three zone central air/two zone heat. The yard features a bi-level stone patio with a gas barbecue and is surrounded by mature evergreens and a high stone wall, offering great privacy.

Sale Price: $1,844,000
Taxes: $33,848

28 Crossway 

This four bedroom colonial has a two car attached garage, hardwood floors throughout, stone patio, a fenced in level backyard, entry foyer, living room with fireplace, formal dining room with picture window, family room with door to patio, powder room, gourmet eat-in kitchen with Viking/Miele appliances, new cabinets, limestone backsplash and granite counters, master bedroom with walk-in closets and updated master bath, three additional bedrooms and updated hall bath with dual vanity. Square footage includes 792 square foot legalized finished lower level with versatile playroom area, full bath, laundry room, pantry room, utilities and extra storage.

Sale Price: $1,410,000

Taxes: $25,980

148 Lyons Road

This colonial home has a fireplace in the living room and master bedroom.

Sale Price: $645,000
Taxes: $13,207.29

Edgemont:

79 Inverness Road

 This Cotswold area house has a California feel on a private setting on .48 acres. There is a private bedroom wing and a redone kitchen with storage, counter space, breakfast area, office space and laundry area. There are four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, two fireplaces, a two-car garage, and central air conditioning.

Sale Price: $1,256,000
Taxes: $32,328

5 Robin Hill Road

This house is on top of Robin Hill with a half acre of two sub-dividable lots. The lower level has a family room/in-law suite with bathroom and a separate entrance to the patio and backyard. There are new lighting fixtures added throughout, as well as dual-zone central heating/air conditioning. There is a lighted Bessler attic and a crawl space. Many landscaping additions throughout including eight mature Crabapple and Dogwood trees and a mini irrigation system installed for shrubs and flower beds. There are newly stained, polished hardwood floors, freshly painted interior/exterior, cathedral ceiling, eat-in-kitchen, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, new cooktop, new water heater, sprinkler system, walk out basement, alarm system, and a 200 amp panel.

Sale Price: $1,150,000
Taxes: $27,885

34 Seely Place

This Colonial in Old Edgemont on .43 Acres has three updated bedrooms, 2.1 baths plus an office, central air conditioning, Marvin windows, copper gutters and hardwood floors. There are French doors to a flagstone patio overlooking the garden.

Sale Price: $1,100,000

Taxes: $23,044

65 Moorland Drive

This home features an updated eat-in-kitchen with granite countertops, skylights and stainless steel appliances. The first floor master bedroom includes a master bath with heated floors and a steam shower. The dining room has a view of the backyard through the sliding glass doors. The living room has a wood burning fireplace. Upstairs there is a large bedroom with storage and closets, another large bedroom with a sitting area and a playroom.

Sale Price: $999,999
Taxes: $26,529

2 Tanglewood Road

This 1950's split home sits on 1/4 acre in Edgemont. There is a new furnace, electrical box and wiring. The roof is less than five years old. The land is .24 acre with 75 frontage and 107 depth (10,870 sq. ft.) on a corner lot. The basement is wood paneled, with a laundry room and half bath.

Sale Price: $547,000
Taxes: $19,344

Featured
Listings:

3 Brookfield Lane, Scarsdale

Extraordinary sun-lit Contemporary with 6953 square feet of exquisite interior space filled with skylights and walls-of-windows located on beautifully landscaped, secluded 1.09 acres in Heathcote at the end of a cul-de-sac. Built in 1987 and creatively renovated and expanded in 1999. Spacious brick circular drive to front door with ample parking for guests. Dramatic entry with 27' vaulted ceiling and herringbone cherry floors. Amazing gourmet kitchen/great room with capacious space for cooking, dining, office work, entertainment and family gatherings. Wrap-around deck off kitchen and living room with a second deck off the library. Master suites on first and second floors. Twelve rooms, six bedrooms, six full baths and a powder room. 30' waterfall cascading into a delightful pool surrounded by a flagstone patio. Numerous walk-in closets and custom built-ins. Elevator to all floors. A one-of-a-kind spectacular home perfect for entertaining inside and out. It takes your breath away.  For more information, click here.

List Price: $3,595,000

14 Paddington Road, Scarsdale

Magnificent stone, brick and stucco Tudor Manor House with a slate roof on a level .41 acre in the heart of Fox Meadow with a fine close-in location to Scarsdale Village amenities and Metro-North train to NYC. A through spacious center hall leads to a grand step-down living room with fireplace and 9' ceilings adjoining a sunny library/family room, a formal dining room and a large kitchen with a Garland range/ oven, a family dining area and desk center. Sliding doors a to flagstone patio across the back of the house also reached from the center hall and library. Six bedrooms including four on the second floor with three baths and two more bedrooms and a bath accessed from the kitchen. Two powder rooms. Large leaded windows let the sun shine in from all directions. Fine architectural details include a grand staircase, beautiful oak floors, a barrel ceiling on the second floor landing and wide open doorways on the first level. A grand opportunity to make one of Scarsdale's finest homes your own. For more information, click here.

List Price: $2,295,000

Details

Written by Lori Gertzog

Category: Real Estate

Published: 25 November 2015

A busy week for the Building Department in Scarsdale – where active developers are posing challenges to Village Code.

A home at 85 Penn Road was demolished without receiving a certificate of appropriateness from the Committee for Historic Preservation. According to the Building Department the owners of the home had received permission from the BAR to renovate the house and do an addition. But when the construction crew began work they found that the original structure had decayed and would not support the new work. Rather than call the Building Department for an inspection, Freitas Construction plowed down the house. Since they did not have permission to demolish more than 50% of the structure, they now face violations and fees of up to $50,000.

Residents of Sherbrooke Park report that they were not given notification from the builder before the Committee for Historic Preservation met in September, 2014 to consider the demolition of a 1928 home in their neighborhood. When the home at 4 Brookline Road,was demolished, puzzled neighbors went to Village Hall to see why they were not notified. They checked the file and found postal receipts to show that the owner had notified residents on the opposite side of Sherbrooke Park, though the real neighbors addresses were listed on the application. Whether it was a deliberate action or a mistake, no one will ever know.

Though builders and realtors are claiming that the high end of the market in Scarsdale is dead, applications to build large and larger homes continue to pass through Village Hall. On Wednesday December 2, the Village Board of Appeals will consider an application from Eighteen Heathcote LLC to build a home, pool, patios and a driveway that will exceed the 15,000 square foot floor area permitted on the 5.39 acre property at 18 Heathcote Road. Plans call for a ballroom and a library with 14 foot ceilings that will count twice toward the FAR calculation. Also in the plans are a 5,789 square foot terrace, two entrance courts of 2,995 square feet and 1,174 square feet, a 1,463 square foot guesthouse and a 24 X 50 foot pool.

Sales:

10 Richbell Close

This gated estate on over two acres with a long private driveway on a quiet Murray Hill street features four fireplaces, hardwood floors throughout, custom gourmet eat-in-kitchen, a four story elevator, state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems and views of private landscaped grounds and gardens from every window and doorway.

Sale Price: $3,700,000
Taxes: $88,370

27 Murray Hill Road

Classic Colonial with updates over the years including the 1983 addition of the family room with skylights, eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and an expanded master bath with marble-top vanity, shower, Jacuzzi tub and skylight.

Sale Price: $2,600,000
Taxes: $48,241

21 Fairview Road

This classic Tudor was fully renovated in 2012. It is situated on more than a half an acre level property on a cul-de-sac. On the first floor are a formal living room with old wood beam ceilings, a stone fireplace, the formal dining room open to the blue stone patio, a library/home office with doors that open to the garden, two powder rooms and a laundry room. The chef's kitchen has top of the line appliances with a marble center island and space for a large table all opening to a family room with french doors that open to the patio. There are four bedrooms with closets and a sitting/TV room. The master bedroom has two walk-in closets and a marble bathroom. There is a playroom in the finished basement, an office, an exercise room and a laundry (hook up) room. There is surround sound throughout the house.

Sale Price: $2,530,000
Taxes: $47,360

Edgemont:

64 Round Hill Road

This colonial is on .34 acres with specimen plantings, a natural stone patio, pergola and a stone wall. The gourmet eat-in-kitchen has custom cabinetry, quartz island, high-end appliances and opens to the family room with a cathedral ceiling, gas fireplace, and French doors to a patio. A bonus second family room/playroom, formal living room with a gas fireplace, dining room, library/study and powder room complete the first floor. Upstairs, the master suite features two walk-in-closets, a dressing area, and an en-suite bath. There are also three additional bedrooms, one with cathedral ceiling, three full bathrooms and a laundry area. An open study/den on the second floor separates the bedrooms. In addition, there is a back staircase.

Sale Price: $2,000,000
Taxes: $46,817