Archive for October, 2009


Things To Do This Weekend- Halloween Fun & More

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Categories: Events, Putnam

spiders web 150x150 Things To Do This Weekend  Halloween Fun & More

Spiders, Snakes & Bats – Stonykill Farm-Wappingers Falls

Check out these spooky but unappreciated creatures on Saturday 2-3PM before trick or treating. Visit www.LocalPutnam.com for more information.

 

 

The Boo House – Lake Carmel – Saturday, October 31

scary pumpkin 150x150 Things To Do This Weekend  Halloween Fun & MoreStart off Halloween right with a Free Haunted House Tour at the Boo House, 73 Dingley Road, Lake Carmel. One night only. Visit  www.theboohouse.com  for directions and information.

 

 

 

old barns wynn creasy 150x150 Things To Do This Weekend  Halloween Fun & MoreThe Barns of the Hudson Valley – October

Enjoy this display by artist Janet Cassidy. At the Mahopac Library, visit www.mahopaclibrary.org for library hours.

 

Record Sales Prices Around The Globe

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Categories: Luxury Country Properties, Market Conditions

In our region, a sale in excess of $10 million is truly exceptional and so far this year the highest sale is just under $10M. However, in the global arena, we are seeing record sales prices. Clearly, the worldwide recession has not impacted everyone.

Christies Cover 140x150 Record Sales Prices Around The GlobeBuyers for top-tier properties can come from anywhere in the world. One of the ways we attract the attention of the international consumer has been our exclusive area partnership with Christie’s , the 200 year-old fine art auction house and its Christie’s Great Estates Network,  the premier network of luxury brokerages in the world.  

Here are a few of the special properties sold this year through the Christie’s network.

 

BergmanSale Oct23 09 150x150 Record Sales Prices Around The GlobeRecently, the estate of legendary film director Ingmar Bergman in Faro, Sweden was sold. Read more about this exceptional property or other noteworthy offerings handled by Christie’s affiliates at www.christiesgreatestates.com.

 

 

 

 St Bart Sale 150x133 Record Sales Prices Around The Globe

Another spectacular property, the Gouverneur Bay estate on St. Bart’s in the Carribean, also just sold for approximately $89 Million US, believed to be the highest price for a private residence worldwide.

 

 

Aspen Estate 150x150 Record Sales Prices Around The Globe

 

This past summer, a Christie’s Great Estates affiliate handled the sale of an Aspen, Colorado estate, which sold for $43 Million, the highest price achieved for a home in the U.S. so far this year.

Halloween Events

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Tags: , , , , ,      Categories: Events, Westchester

Celebrate Halloween by attending some of the area’s spookiest events this weekend.

Historic Hudson’s Legends Celebration – Sleepy Hollow and Irvington – October 24/25th

Headless Horseman 150x150 Halloween EventsHistoric Hudson is hosting a variety of Halloween events inspired by Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This weekend visit Philipsburg Manor, Van Cortlandt Manor or Sunnyside in the lower Rivertowns for storytelling, games and mysterious woodland walks. Visit www.hudsonvalley.org for directions and ticket info.

 Boscobel Restoration – Garrison -October 24th

Visit historic Boscobel House and hear spellbinding ghost stories by paranormal investigator Linda Zimmerman who will discuss her latest book, Hudson Valley Haunts. Contact www.boscobel.org  for more information.

 Horror Film Series at The Picture House -Pelham - October 24th-31

Don’t miss these special screenings celebrating the classic horror films of auteur John Carpenter. A variety of films are running thru Halloween. Visit www.thepicturehouse.org for more information.

Calling All Land Barons

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Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Buying, Dutchess, Luxury Country Properties, Westchester

Owning a property with vast acreage has always been the ultimate luxury.

In the early 1900s, the entire Hudson Valley region became the destination of choice for New York’s business and social elite who came to build their opulent “country” estates. Over the years, many have been sold and sub-divided but luckily a few of these large-tract properties have remained intact.

Here are a few of our favorites that have recently come on the market – all within close proximity to New York City.

Devonshire Calling All Land Barons

Devonshire – Bedford45 minutes to NYC

101 acres with a circa 1901 Georgian manor, outbuildings and equestrian facilities. Contact J.B. Avery  at the Houlihan Lawrence Bedford Brokerage for more information on Devonshire, offered at $30,000,000.

 

Hoffman Farm 150x150 Calling All Land BaronsThe Hoffman Farm – Shekomeko Valley – 90 miles north of Manhattan

 324 acres of picturesque farmland with a Colonial Farmhouse, several ponds, streams and a rushing waterfall in a premier Dutchess County locale. Offered at $12,500,000. Contact Peter Elebash at our Millbrook brokerage for more information on The Hoffman Farm.

 

Three Ponds Farm 150x150 Calling All Land Barons3 Ponds Farm – North Salem – 60 minutes to NYC

 57 acres with three ponds, an antique cottage and an extensive barn complex in the heart of North Salem horse country. Offered at  $14,500,000. Contact Linda Gracie at the Houlihan Lawrence Bedford Brokerage for more information on 3 Ponds Farm.

Cross River voted “Best”

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Tags: ,      Categories: Westchester

Recently, Westchester Magazine sited Cross River as one of the best places to live in Westchester County.

Recognized as  “Best for Hikers, Bikers and Birders”, this tranquil northern Westchester locale is home to the Ward Pound Reservation, the largest park in Westchester and a true paradise for the nature lover. Read more about Cross River at http://www.westchestermagazine.com/ or visit www.houlihanlawrence.com for town info on all of the area’s great communities.

And if you are looking for a new home, check out this great selection of Cross River homes that are presently on the market.

 

Cross RIver Susan 150x150 Cross River voted BestSnug Hollow is a 1935 country cottage with a pool adjoining 105 acres of conserved land.

Offered at $669,000.

Contact Susan Stillman at the Houlihan Lawrence Pound Ridge Brokerage for additional information.

 

 

Cross River Hillary 150x150 Cross River voted BestA home for all seasons with a pool, waterfall, spa, putting green and home theater.

Offered at $1,099,000

Contact Hilary Evans at the Houlihan Lawrence Katonah Brokerage for more information.

 

 

Cross River Diane W 150x150 Cross River voted BestA grand 1885 Victorian on beautiful flat land with a 3 bedroom cottage.

Offered at $2,195,000

Contact Diane Weber or Donna Reimer at our Katonah Brokerage for more information.

Events Around The Region

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Categories: Events, Luxury Country Properties, Westchester

A selection of the some great autumn events going on around the region.

Gala Wine Tasting at Grande Folly – TONITE in South Salem

Front Ext1 150x150 Events Around The RegionJoin us  for an evening of wine tasting and music at Grande Folly in South Salem, a magnificently restored Queen Ann Victorian. Tour the home and enjoy live piano music while sampling fine wine in the 5000 bottle wine cellar and enjoying delicious appetizers in the gourmet kitchen. Valet parking will be provided. Contact Anita Zander at the Houlihan Lawrence Katonah Brokerage for more information on this evening’s event to be held at Grande Folly, 152 Post Office Road, South Salem.

Making Strides Walk -  This SUNDAY in Purchase

On Sunday, October 18th at Manhattanville College, please join Houlihan Lawrence at the  American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Beginning at 9AM, the event offers a great opportunity to gather friends and family and walk to support and raise money for this great cause. Contact the American Cancer Society at www.acs.org for more information.

Halloween Walk in Pound Ridge – Saturday, October 31

Bring the kids to the annual Pound Ridge Halloween Walk on October 31st from 4-6PM. Attendees visit the firehouse for a haunted house and party, and walk thru the town to collect their treats. For more information, contact our Pound Ridge Brokerage at 914.764.5762.

New & Noteworthy

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Tags: , , , , , , ,      Categories: Buying, Dutchess, Luxury Country Properties, Westchester

A selection of our latest  luxury listings – each offering a rich history and refined architecture.

Cedar Island 150x150 New & NoteworthyOn scenic Larchmont Harbor, this 1925 Tudor is one of the 4 original homes built on private Cedar Island and includes a waterside pool, dock and mooring. A seamless renovation and expansion by Wadia Associates of Greenwich has created a modern masterwork filled with charm and character. Offered at $8,900,000. Contact Candy Steiner and Liz Sauer from our Larchmont Brokerage at 914.833.0420 for more information on Cedar Island.

Westmoreland Farm 150x150 New & NoteworthyThe long-time country home of legendary philanthropist and art collector Helen Clay Frick, Westmoreland Farm continues today as one of Bedford’s most illustrious estates. A totally renovated 18th century home, 2 guest houses, a new barn, guest apartment and equestrian facilities are among the countless amenities. Offered at $8,500,000, contact Angela Kessel at our Bedford Brokerage at 914.234.9099 for more information

The Hill Farm 150x150 New & NoteworthyOne of the grand historic estates on Quaker Hill, the 225-acre Hill Farm was the home of celebrated pastor and author, Norman Vincent Peale, the late author of The Power of Positive Thinking, and his wife Ruth Stafford Peale who made this setting the base for their personal and professional lives for many years. In addition to the gracious 1830 Colonial, the estate hosts a pool house, carriage house, cartetaker’s house, guest house and barn complex. The Hill Farm is offered at $6,500,000. Contact Robert Morini and Chris Everett from the Houlihan Lawrence Brewster Brokerage at 845.279.6800 for more information.

Don’t Miss These Great Events!

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Tags: , ,      Categories: Events, Luxury Country Properties, Westchester

First Annual Yorktown Fair and Street Festival – Oct 10th

Come one, come all! You’re invited to the first annual Yorktown Fair and Street Festival, Saturday, October 10th (rain date Sunday, October 11th). The Yorktown Chamber of Commerce has put together a fun-filled day of games and rides for kids, concerts, food vendors, and much more! In fact, there will be over 175 vendors participating. Stop by and visit our Houlihan Lawrence booth!  Visit the website for the Yorktown Fair  for more information.  We’ll see you there!

funtime2 300x223 Dont Miss These Great Events!

 Gala Wine Tasting/Open House at Grande Folly- Oct 16th

Front Ext 150x150 Dont Miss These Great Events!

Grande Folly, South Salem

Join us on Friday, October 16th, 5PM to 9 PM, for an evening of  fun at Grande Folly in South Salem, a splendid Queen Anne Victorian residence that has been completely restored to its former glory. Tour this wonderful home while sampling  fine wines and hors d’oeuvres from premier area vendors.

For more information, please contact Anita Zander at our Houlihan Lawrence Katonah Brokerage, 914.232.5007.

Luxury Market Highlights

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Tags: , , ,      Categories: Buying, Dutchess, Luxury Country Properties, Market Conditions, Putnam, Westchester

Our local luxury real estate market has shown slight improvement vs. the first half of 2009 but overall high-end sales continue to lag. Lately, however, we are seeing increased activity on many of our luxury listings.

Similar to the experience reported in Manhattan and Greenwich, the luxury buyer has been slow to return to the marketplace, particularly for top-tier properties priced at $5 Million or more. Yet,  the rebound in the stock market and slowing  job losses on Wall Street appear to be making an impact and luxury buyers are gradually returning to the marketplace. If this renewed level of confidence continues, we can look forward to a more stable real estate market for high-end properties.

Here’s a selection of our luxury properties that sold during July, August and September, all among the highest sales in their  marketplaces.

Bronxville High Sale 150x150 Luxury Market Highlights Sold in Bronxville - A fully renovated circa 1897 Shingle-style residence in the treasured historic district of Lawrence Park.

Brokers Rita Steinkamp and Susan Kelty Law of the Houlihan Lawrence Bronxville Brokerage represented the seller and buyer respectively on this property, last offered at $5,300,000.


Bedford High Sale 150x150 Luxury Market Highlights

Sold in Bedford – Last offered at $3,495,000, this country estate boasted 100-mile views from 13+ acres and represents the highest sale in northern Westchester County to date.

Angela Kessel of the Houlihan Lawrence Bedford Brokerage represented the seller in the sale.


Rye High sale 150x150 Luxury Market Highlights

Sold in Rye – An elegant circa 1900 Colonial on 5+ acres overlooking the Apawamis Golf Course.

From our Rye Brokerage, brokers Barbara Haynes and Janet Burnett participated in this transaction. The home was last offered at $5,800,000.

Happening Around The Region

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Categories: Dutchess, Events, Putnam, Westchester

A selection of the some of the fun events coming up in the next week.

Chappaqua 150x150 Happening Around The RegionThe Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Boutique  in Chappaqua- Oct 8th

Please join us for an evening of fun to help in the fight against breast cancer.  On Thursday, October 8th, from 4PM-7PM , stop in to the Chappaqua Office of Houlihan Lawrence to browse the fantastic collection of goods including August Silk Sweaters, Cabi Clothing, Chappaqua Toffee Company, Jewels by Jeanne, Jolie B. Ray, Presents for Purpose and The Write Occasion. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Making Strides cause.

The office is located at 45 South Greeley Avenue. Please contact us for more information at 914.238.4766.

homebridge Happening Around The RegionWalk Your Way Over the Hudson in Dutchess County - October 2nd

This weekend marks the grand opening of the Walkway Over The Hudson State Park, the newly restored pedestrian bridge linking Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County to the town of Lloyd in Ulster County. The longest pedestrian bridge in the world, the 1.25 mile bridge offers spectacular river vistas and links trails on both sides of the river, allowing continued walking and cycling for 30+ miles. Visit the website for Walkway over the Hudson for more information.

mtnimhamroad2tower 150x150 Happening Around The RegionFall Foliage Hike in Putnam County – October 4th

Enjoy the magnificent foliage and far-reaching views while hiking to the Mt. Nimham Fire Tower.

For more information and other fun events happening around Putnam County this weekend visit the LocalPutnam website.

armonk art show Happening Around The RegionThe Armonk Outdoor Art Show – Oct 3rd and 4th

There’s something for everyone at the 48th Annual Armonk Art Show, an international festival of fine art and crafts to suit every taste and budget. The event will be held this Saturday and Sunday form 10-5PM at Community Park in Armonk.  Admission is $9 and proceeds will benefit the North Castle Public Library. For more information visit the artshow website.