Archive for August, 2009

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Perfect for Jon and Kate Plus 8

0 Comments By Suzanne Bijou on August 28th, 2009
Tags: , , , , ,      Categories: Buying, Luxury Country Properties, Westchester

This 9-Bedroom home would have been perfect for America’s most famous reality TV family but now that they are apart, Jon and Kate’s loss could be your gain.

This marvelous 1850′s  farmhouse, expanded significantly in 1904,  is  perfect for a large family or Bed-and- Breakfast with 9 Bedrooms and beautifully-detailed formal rooms.

Ext 3 300x232 Perfect for Jon and Kate Plus 8

The Clayton W. Nichols Farm - Offered at $1,600,000

Authentic Arts & Crafts details, antique stained glass, intricate plasterwork and an antique 3-story Carriage House are other special highlights. Framed by 13 acres in North Salem, close to the area’s beautiful riding trails.

For more photos and details on the Clayton W. Nichols Farm, visit our website.

Don’t Miss Shakespeare on Speed!

0 Comments By Suzanne Bijou on August 28th, 2009
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Events, Putnam

We all remember CliffsNotes. Well, this year the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is translating the concept to theater by presenting The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) – 37 plays by Shakespeare in 97-minutes.

HVSF 150x150 Dont Miss Shakespeare on Speed!One of the most popular events at this year’s festival, this humorous take on the Bard’s classic plays is a perfect entertainment for a summer night, in one of the Hudson Valley’s most charming locales.

Performances take place outdoors at the beautiful Boscobel Restoration in Garrison, NY and run through September 6th.

For more information and tickets visit the website for Hudson Valley Shakespeare.

Quarries, Quarries Everywhere!

0 Comments By Anthony Cutugno on August 27th, 2009
Tags: , , , , , ,      Categories: Buying, Dutchess, Luxury Country Properties, Selling, Westchester

While many people are attracted to our region for its natural beauty,  many don’t realize that some of our area’s crystalline lakes were actually active quarries in the first half of the 20th century.

Now filled with water, these “retired” quarries offer some of the most dramatic scenery around – offering a ruggedly beautiful landscape that is more expected in the Adirondacks than in such close proximity to Manhattan.

By happy chance, two of these spectacular properties are available right now.

In Dutchess County, eighty-acre Clearwater Farm in Wingdale sits on a private 10-acre lake, a former marble quarry that dates back to the 1800s. For details and more photos visit the website. Click below for a Video Tour.

Sitting on the edge of a former rose quartz quarry in Westchester County, Quarry Lake in Bedford celebrates nature with a striking modernist home that showcases the remarkable surroundings. For more information and additional photos of Quarry Lake visit HoulihanLawrence.com

A Magical Place for Special Needs Children

0 Comments By Elizabeth Nunan on August 25th, 2009
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Buying, Putnam, Westchester

Our Relocation Team frequently handles unique requests. This is the story of how we helped meet a family’s unique need.

Recently, a relocating family requested information on whether their autistic child could continue their therapeutic horseback riding in our area. While Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties are known for horse farms and riding centers, this was something unfamiliar to us.

Pegasus A Magical Place for Special Needs ChildrenOur research began by speaking with our agents who are avid riders, calling local riding centers and conducting online searches.  We were pleased to discover that the Pegasus Farm’s Therapeutic Riding Program fit the bill. Created in 1975, the Pegasus organization provides the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding to physically, emotionally and developmentally challenged individuals at facilities and stables in New York and Connecticut.

Today, Pegasus assists more than 200 children and adults at their 20 acre farm in Brewster, NY. All of their instructors are certified by NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc.) and supported by numerous dedicated volunteers.

It’s wonderful that these programs exist locally and rewarding to know that this child would be able to continue to ride after moving to Westchester County.  Needless to say the parents were thrilled that one thing could remain constant for their child after their cross-country move.

For more information on Pegasus Therapeutic Riding program visit their website, and get more information on therapeutic horseback riding from NARHA or the New York State Horse Council.

Most Viewed on HoulihanLawrence.com

0 Comments By Frederick Romley on August 24th, 2009
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Buying, Westchester

Last week’s most viewed listing on HoulihanLawrence.com is a Brick Center Hall Colonial located in Scarsdale.  This 5 bedroom home is in the Green Farms neighborhood on .35 acres with extensive plantings and mature trees. For more details and photos click here.

Spotlight on Cold Spring

0 Comments By Suzanne Bijou on August 24th, 2009
Tags: , ,      Categories: Putnam, Town Guides

Sprawling Hudson River estates and charming historic homes dot this popular locale – Cold Spring is a favored destination for NYC weekenders who venture north from Manhattan via the Metro-North train, Rte. 9  or the Palisades Parkway.

gazeboimage150 Spotlight on Cold SpringWhat’s happening in town? Kayaking on the Hudson River, visiting the many antique shops and restaurants in town or simply hanging-out at the scenic waterfront park are more than enough to keep the day-tripper happy.

Visit Coldspringonhudson.com for more information on Cold Spring and the Hudson Highlands.

The Importance of Your Credit Score

0 Comments By Mark Logue on August 21st, 2009
Tags: , ,      Categories: Buying, Credit, Mortgage

What does it mean to you as a prospective buyer?

In the world of real estate, the three most important words are “location, location, location.”  In today’s post sub-prime mortgage world, the three most important words are “credit, credit, credit.”  Today’s home buyer needs to understand the importance and significance of their credit score from a lender’s perspective.

The credit score is an indicator of the likelihood that a consumer will pay off debt without being more than 90 days late.  Credit scores range from a low score of 300 to a high score of 850.  In order to (a) qualify for mortgage financing and (b) get the most competitive interest rate in today’s mortgage world, I recommend that you have a credit score of 700 or above. 

A high credit score means a low interest rate, which can save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest over a 30-year mortgage.

Credit scores should be checked at least once a year.  The three main credit reporting agencies (CRA’s); Equifax, Experian and Trans Union have created a central website Annualcreditreport.com, to allow you to get a copy of your credit report. Many people ask me, “What are the factors that affect my credit score”?  The answer is simple but not well known. To view my full article and to download the full list of credit score factors, click here.

Pigs Can’t Fly But They Sure Can Run!

0 Comments By Elizabeth Nunan on August 21st, 2009
Tags: , ,      Categories: Dutchess, Events

pigsfly Pigs Cant Fly But They Sure Can Run!The Dutchess County Fair is coming and there is nothing quite like it. It’s not just a carnival. There will be thousands of farm animals on display, an antique museum, a petting zoo, bull riding and even racing pigs!

I have promised myself that THIS will be the year I attend the Dutchess County Fair. The Dutchess Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY hosts nearly half a million people for 6 days each August. From what I understand it is something everyone should experience, a step back in time.

There will be live music, horticulture displays, arts and crafts and an International food court. All in addition to a huge carnival.

Sounds like there is enough to do to fill an entire day. The 164th Annual Dutchess County Fair will be held August 25th – 30th and opens daily at 10:00am rain or shine. Now I’ll just have to bring my nieces and nephews so I can pretend the funnel cake is for them.

For more information, please visit: www.dutchessfair.com

Most Viewed Home on HoulihanLawrence.com

0 Comments By Frederick Romley on August 20th, 2009
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Buying, Westchester

This is the first of a weekly feature to show you the trends in “clicks” from the many websites Houlihan Lawrence listings appear on.

465186at Most Viewed Home on HoulihanLawrence.comThe most viewed home on houlihanlawrence.com last week was an architecturally unique,  eco-friendly mid-century modern in Ardsley, NY.  A wood & glass home, thoughtfully renovated & expanded with emphasis on preservation & eco-friendly living. Floor-to-ceiling double pane windows bring the outdoors in. More photos and details here.

Fit for a King or Queen

0 Comments By Anthony Cutugno on August 19th, 2009
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Buying, Luxury Country Properties, Westchester

Ever dreamed of living in a castle?  Ruling over your private domain?  Well, here’s your chance to indulge your inner royal.

Historic Soundview, built in 1907, is a magnificent stone manor that would be equally at home in the English countryside as it is in this serene Armonk setting. Boasting a rooftop terrace with views that reach to Long Island Sound, it reportedly required the work of over 200 European stone masons to create the majestic granite structure that stands today.

Fully renovated to the highest luxury standards, this modern day castle is offered at $5,495,000. Take the Video Tour below and for more photos and details on Soundview click here.

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