If you know Savo Fries then you’re probably aware of her lifetime of achievements in the real estate industry. This week, we say “so long, but not goodbye” to our dear friend and colleague who is starting a new adventure for herself in sunny Tucson, Arizona. We at Houlihan Lawrence won’t be the only one’s who will miss her. She’ll be missed by her friends at WCBR (Westchester County Board of REALTORS®), NYSAR (New York State Association of REALTORS®) and the NAR (National Association of REALTORS®).
You see, her list of professional accomplishments includes Past President of NYSAR, Past Director of both WCBR and NAR, and former NY State REALTOR® of the year. Did I mention that she also managed one of our brokerages that consistently closed the most transactions in the County? The list goes on and on. Other than her Son and Grandson (who reside in Tucson), her personal achievements are just as extensive, including being an active member of the MS Society.
Houlihan Lawrence and the Westchester County Board of REALTORS® came together last week to celebrate Savo’s career. With speeches given by Stephen R. Meyers, President and CEO of Houlihan Lawrence and Gil Mercurio, CEO of WCBR, it was an evening to remember.
Stephen Meyers, Savo Fries, Gil Mercurio
We will miss her experience, knowledge and guiding force but not nearly as much as we’ll miss her devilish personality and ability to create a party out of any event. Our message to Savo is simple….”Happy trails to you until we meet again…” Do you have a message for Savo? Post it here!
It’s always great to entertain family and friends during the holidays, and for many, there is no better place to celebrate than in a country setting. Here are a few of our newest listings that offer showstopping environments for entertaining during the holidays and throughout the year.
Hawk Hill,Pound Ridge
Tucked away off a quiet country lane, Hawk Hill offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with over 7 acres of rolling lawns, pristine woodland and a meandering stream. The home’s simple and elegant living areas open out to decks, porches and stone terraces – the perfect spots to entertain, relax or simply watch the soaring hawks that are frequent visitors to this tranquil setting. There’s even a basketball court to work off the extra calories from those heavy holiday meals. Contact Mary Anne Condon at the Houlihan Lawrence Pound Ridge Brokerage for more information.
Strawberry Hill Farm, Quaker Hill, Pawling
Surrounded by a picturesque rural landscape of verdant meadows, walking paths and sparkling ponds, Strawberry Hill Farm’s nearly 40 private acres host a sprawling main residence, an 8-stall barn and extensive equestrian amenities. The residence, once the ski lodge for the Lowell Thomas estate, continues to retain the comfortable ambience and warmth of a classic lodge. Winter is particularly beautiful here with views over the icy ponds and woodland beyond. Contact Robert Morini at our Brewster Brokerage to learn more about this special offering.
Beech House, Millbrook
Hollywood couldn’t conjure up a more perfect setting for the holidays than this graceful circa 1900 Colonial home, which displays all the rich character and warmth of its period roots. Beautifully-detailed living and dining rooms are ideal for large-scale gatherings, which can easily be serviced from the expansive country kitchen and adjoining pantry and bar. For outdoor enjoyment, there are broad lawns, light forest and rolling fields that seemingly stretch out forever. A handsome barn and cottage also share this captivating setting. Contact Carol Smerling at the Houlihan Lawrence Millbrook Brokerage for more information.
Round Hill Farm, Armonk
Another memorable setting for entertaining is Round Hill Farm, an early 19th century farm that has been transformed into a luxury estate overlooking Gifford Lake. The circa 1817 farmhouse is imbued with period charm enriched by original woodwork, vintage fireplaces and antique floors. A recent expansion and top-to-bottom renovation has yielded a stately home fitted with the latest 21st century amenities including a home theater, game room and bar that are sure to keep your guests entertained. Contact Brian Milton at Houlihan Lawrence’s Armonk Brokerage for more information.
During the Gilded Age, many of New York’s most prominent families came to the Hudson Valley to build their opulent country estates. The Astor family was no exception and today many of their original residences endure as some of the most significant properties in the region. Over the years we’ve been privileged to participate in the sale of several of these properties. Here are two fomer homes previously owned by Astor family members that have recently come on the market for sale.
Holly Hill in Briarcliff was the beloved country home of legendary philanthropist, Brooke Astor. A remarkable property encompassing a 1927 William Delano-designed stone manse and almost 65 acres of park-like splendor capped by Hudson River views, it’s easy to understand why this is considered one of the area’s last great estates. Contact David H. Turner at the Houlihan Lawrence Bedford Brokerage for more information.
The circa 1870s Lorillard House in Rhinebeck has been home to several prominent residents. Originally, the stately farmhouse was home to Dr. George Lorillard, a member of the Old Gold tobacco family. Later, John Jacob Astor incorporated the property into his vast Ferncliff estate, one of the great Hudson River estates. This home served as a temporary home for the Astors during their expansion of neighboring Ferncliff, and subsequently became home to the estate’s superintendent. Contact Ann Dyal at the Houlihan Lawrence Millbrook Brokerage to learn more about this storied property.
As we head into the holiday season, there’s lots to see and do around the area.
Cooking Classes at Grande Folly in South Salem - Tuesday, November 17th
Famed celebrity chef, Nisa Lee, will be hosting a cooking class in the magnificent kitchen of this hisoric Queen Anne Victorian. Cost is $50. Register at www.NisaLee.com or contact Anita Zander of Houlihan Lawrence Katonah brokerage for more information.
The Emelin Theater in Mamaroneck presents Donna the Buffalo – Friday, November 20th
An engaging combination of reggae, rock, country, zydeco and Cajun. At 8PM, contact www.emelin.org for more information.
Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill presents Linda Eder – Friday, November 20th
Broadway great Linda Eder in “All of Me” an evening of Broadway classics and vocal standards. Visit www.paramountcenter.org for more information.
Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown presents Marc Cohn – Sunday, November 22nd
Renowned singer/songwriter Marc Cohn returns to the historic Music Hall on 11/22 at 7PM. Connect to www.tarrytownmusichall.org for more information.
Visit more than 300 animals and birds at Green Chimneys Farm in Brewster- Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21st and 22nd
Green Chimneys is a worldwide leader in animal-assisted therapy and acitivities and maintains a fascinating farm and wildlife rehabilitation center. Visits to the Center are free and open to public from 10AM to 3PM on Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.greenchimneys.org for more information.
When people think of our area, they usually picture stately clapboard colonials, charming capes and sprawling ranches.
It’s true that the area offers a full realm of traditionally-styled homes. But surprisingly, the Hudson Valley region is also home to some highly inventive modernist homes, many created during the 1950’s and 1960’s . An exciting time in architecture, many of the era’s leading architects broke with tradition and created unconventional living environments to accomodate a new ‘modern’ lifestyle. Now considered vintage treasures, many of these striking homes possess an elegant simplicity that has never gone out of style.
Here’s a small selection of these mid-century modern classics.
Noted architect Milton Klein designed this modernist pavilion to meet the needs of an art collector and nature lover and he succeeded brilliantly. Named Tranquillity, the home is set atop one of Rye’s highest points with views that stretch to Long Island Sound. Contact Susy Glasgall at the Houlihan Lawrence Rye Brokerage for more information.
One of the great masters of modern architecture, Paul Rudolph re-designed this sprawling modernist compound incorporating his unique interplay of natural light, massive glass panels and trademark “floating” floor plan. The sleek Rudolph aesthetic also informs the unique circular guest house. Contact Katie McLoughlin of our Larchmont Brokerage for more information on this inviting Larchmont home.
In the private Hudson River enclave of Balmville, this Frank Dushin designed home features great glass panels that dramatically frame the glorious vistas. Equally captivating is the rolling landscape planted by renowned botanist brothers Andrew and Charles Downing who used rare mulberry, gingko, copper beech and red maple trees to complement the dramatic home. Contact Melissa Carlton at the Houlihan Lawrence Cold Spring Brokerage for more information.
Good news for homebuyers! On November 6, President Obama signed a bill to extend the Tax Credit for first-time homebuyers through June 30, 2010.
The program also gives current homeowners a tax credit as long as they have owned and occupied a primary residence for 5 of the last 8 years.
For further details and qualifications, contact our mortgage team or view our Thoroughbred Mortgage Newsletter.
Don’t miss out on these interesting and entertaining upcoming events.
Business Breakfast at Concordia College in Bronxville -Tuesday, November 10th @7AM
Houlihan Lawrence COO Chris Meyers offers an update on the housing market and the challenges ahead for buyers and sellers. Open to the public. For more information, contact www.concordia-ny.edu.
Cooking Classes at Grande Folly in South Salem - November 15th and 17th
Famed celebrity chef, Nisa Lee, will be hosting cooking classes in the magnificent kitchen of this historic Queen Anne Victorian. Cost is only $50. Register at www.NisaLee.com or contact Anita Zander of the Houlihan Lawrence Katonah brokerage for more information.
Chappaqua Antiques Show – November 7th and 8th.
One of Westchester County’s premier shows, 55 select dealers from near and far will be presenting their wares. Bring your favorite antiques for an appraisal ($10 per item) or enjoy a free consultation with an interior design expert. Proceeds benefit the New Castle Historical Society. Contact www.newcastlehistoricalsociety.org for more information.
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts – Katonah
Caramoor presents Rising Stars I and II on November 7th and 8th. Artists will be performing Schubert, Dvorak and Brahms. Visit www.caramoor.org for a full schedule of upcoming performances.
Looking to write the great American novel? Create the next Microsoft? Or simply enjoy a respite from a busy life? We recommend that you go to the “mountaintop” for some inspiration.
For those seeking peace, privacy and wondrous views, these special properties are sure to inspire great things.
Secluded in beautiful Catskill Park yet only minutes from nearby Woodstock, Ashokan House enjoys supreme privacy and sublime vistas over the Ashokan Reservoir, Shawangunk Ridge and Mohonk Mountain. A grand stone manse, stone carriage house and gymnasium share this exceptional hilltop setting, only 90 minutes from Manhattan. Contact Norm MacKay at Houlihan Lawrence’s Millbrook Brokerage for more information.
Fourviews in Bedford is aptly named for its dramatic views that reach out in every direction. Convenient to both Greenwich and Bedford Village, you can even see Long Island Sound from the spectacular pool and terrace modeled after Paradise Island’s famed Ocean Club. Contact David Oswald at our Bedford Brokerage for more information on this hilltop paradise.
You don’t have to travel far from Manhattan to enjoy thrilling hilltop vistas. At Tower Hill in Scarborough, cloistered on the grounds of the Sleepy Hollow Country Club, the views of the Hudson River and the New York skyline never cease to amaze. Only 45 minutes from Manattan. Contact Mary Madigan at the Houlihan Lawrence Irvington Brokerage for more information.
Fifty mile views that stretch to the Catskill Mountains are the main attraction at Point Of View Farm in Bengall, one of the Millbrook area’s premier properties centered by a Adirondack-style hilltop lodge with an authentic Scandinavian sauna. Contact John Friend at our Millbrook brokerage for more information.
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