Archive for April, 2011

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Fit for a King and Queen

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on April 28th, 2011
Tags: , , , , ,      Categories: Buying, Luxury market, Market Area, Westchester

Will and Kate are giving the monarchy a makeover with their youth, happiness and affection for one another. Luckily, you don’t have to be a King or Queen to live like one.

Here is a selection of a few homes for sale that evoke royalty in both name and grandeur: 

Windsor Court 150x150 Fit for a King and QueenWindsor Court, with its formal gardens and profuse landscaping, would make Prince Charles proud.  Two acres of elegantly designed gardens surround this stately brick residence creating a magical setting for daily living and special events. Interior architectural details abound, with a 2-story entrance hall. The sunken living room has soaring 12’ ceilings with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the covered veranda, which is surrounded by Haddenstone balustrade. The formal dining room comfortably seats 20 guests, and features a marble fireplace and 11’ ceilings. 

3887 Purchase 150x150 Fit for a King and QueenPurchase Manor, sited on more than 3 acres,  features a large stream-fed pond, pool, poolhouse and extraordinary classical gardens. This Georgian masterpiece maintains a majestic presence overlooking the grounds of the Purchase Golf Club. Simply unrivaled for its grand scale and numerous luxuries, the home dazzles with its elegant design, refined living spaces and wealth of resort-level amenities – only 35 minutes from Manhattan. A Christopher Peacock-designed kitchen, grand formal rooms, mahogany-panelled library, wine room, home theater and entertainment/bar room make this the perfect home for entertaining complemented by a beautifully planted English garden overlooking the pond.

Devonshire 150x150 Fit for a King and QueenDevonshire, named after an aristocratic English estate, is impeccably restored to the grandeur of the 1900′s. This stately brick Georgian Manor incorporates 21st century amenities throughout. Extensive equestrian facilities and a park-like setting with a walled garden, gatehouse, guest house and caretaker’s house. An unforgettable backdrop for grand living in one of the East’s most beautiful settings.

Will you be watching the Royal Wedding tomorrow?

Historic Country Inn for Sale

0 Comments By Anthony Cutugno on April 26th, 2011
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Dutchess, Luxury Country Properties, Luxury market

Ever dream of being an innkeeper? New to the market is Troutbeck in Amenia, one of the region’s most storied properties set on 45 acres in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains.

Troutbeck Exterior Spring Photo 150x150 Historic Country Inn for SaleOriginally farmland with roots that date back to the 1700′s, the property featuring a classic English-style stone Manor and several antique outbuildings was transformed into a distinguished inn and executive retreat in the 1970s. Host to hundreds of conferences over the years including a United Nation’s Summit Meeting, Troutbeck gained wide acclaim as one of the top country hotels in the U.S.  Ideal for continued use as a commercial enterprise, the property is equally poised for a return to the elegant private estate it once was.

For more information about Troutbeck, visit houlihanlawrence.com

Out and About in Mount Vernon

1 Comment By Gay Prizio on April 21st, 2011
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Buying, Out and About, Westchester

Mount Vernon is one of the top ten most populous cities in the state of New York. With many neighborhoods, the city is divided into 4 major sections: The Northside (neighborhoods include Fleetwood, Chester Heights, Huntswood, Estate Manor/Aubyn Estates, and Oakwood Heights); The Southside; Mount Vernon Heights; and Downtown. 

Fleetwood is known as the little village in the big city. With tree-lined streets, tudor-style co-op buildings and 70 shops within a 3 block area, Fleetwood is the ultimate walking community. The Bayou, Buona Sera, Maggie Spillane’s, plus an assortment of cafes, delis and bagel shops keep residents well-fed.    

The Horizon at Fleetwood, a new construction condominium, recently opened its doors for sale. The building features one- and two-bedroom homes, many with outdoor space, and a full array of amenities, including a Fitness Center, Library, Concierge, Package Room, and Rooftop Garden with 360 degree views of Westchester County and New York City.

Mount Vernon is a commuter’s dream. The city offers 3 different Metro-North stations: Mount Vernon East, Mount Vernon West and Fleetwood. The Cross County Parkway, the Bronx River Parkway, and the Hutchinson River Parkway, I-95 and I-87 are all less than a mile from Mount Vernon’s borders, and when headed south, will get you to the city by car in less than 30 minutes.

Here is a sampling of a few single family homes for sale in Mount Vernon: 

8C3BE8A32DAD431F96AE48398C2F05F7 330035 1 1 Out and About in Mount Vernon44 Rockridge Road is a charming, staggered Colonial with a spacious front porch. This home boasts a living room with fireplace, Formal dining room and 3 bedrooms plus a  finishable loft area with room for another full bath. 

4525E9F83C4C415DA1DDB0AE6E295909 330035 1 1 Out and About in Mount Vernon19 Palmer Avenue is a charming brick and clapboard Colonial with new central air-conditioning, and powder room on lower level, large master with bath, new slate walk leading to new entry porch. 

CD64DF174CE04DF79B1F16EDEBCA6FD5 330035 1 1 Out and About in Mount Vernon85 Southfield Lane is a Majestic Turreted Tudor located on a sensational private and lush landscaped property with pool/gazebo/hot tub. Exceptional architectural details throughout including wood molding, stained/leaded windows. This home is one of a kind. Perfect for entertaining.

Top Honors Earned by Karen Benvin Ransom

0 Comments By Elizabeth Nunan on April 20th, 2011
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Houlihan Lawrence News, social media, Westchester

Karen Benvin Ransom 300x225 Top Honors Earned by Karen Benvin RansomKaren Benvin Ransom, an associate broker with Houlihan Lawrence, has been named the top Propopoly blogger by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. Karen was recognized for being the top blogger for her significant contributions to the blog and online community over the last year, consistently blogging and developing creative and engaging content. She utilizes Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Propopoly program, which allows members to connect with consumers via niche blogs, focused on specific regions, neighborhoods, communities, or home types. The program also works with 23 member companies worldwide, with over 350 contributors.

I was honored to present Karen with the award at a recent sales meeting in our Katonah brokerage, along with Roselyn Harburger, Katonah brokerage manager.

“Over the years I have learned that people really feel a connection with their community through its history and diverse cultural tapestry, which only adds to the value of a house,” says Benvin Ransom. “This connection is what makes a house a home and people in today’s market are not just looking for four walls and a roof, they want lifestyle, community, and history with it. This is a driving force behind all of my blogging efforts and I have received great feedback and support from the community.”

Congratulations to Karen for this outstanding recognition!

Houlihan Lawrence’s blogs include: GuideMeHome2Westchester.com and GuideMeHome2HudsonValleyNY.com.

Video Tour of a Garrison Country Retreat

0 Comments By Suzanne Bijou on April 18th, 2011
Tags: , , , , ,      Categories: Luxury Country Properties, Putnam

Enjoy this week’s featured video tour of Mandalay in Garrison.

Historic Estate in the heart of the Hudson Highlands

This unique country compound offers a sophisticated take on country living in the historic  Hudson River town of Garrison. Dating to the 1850s, the property offers serene privacy, a pond and eight rustic residences that have been thoughtfully restored. Close to the Hudson River and the charming village, Mandalay enjoys supreme privacy just an hour north of Manhattan.

Houlihan Lawrence March 2011 Market Report

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on April 14th, 2011
Tags: , , , , , ,      Categories: Market Area, Market Conditions, Westchester

With the onset of Spring, Westchester County’s number of homes for sale in March experienced a 16% increase compared to February, 2011. The number of homes sold has also increased 16%, when compared to last month, indicating positive momentum in the market.

In the past 12 months, the median sales price in Westchester County has increased by 5.9% to $625,000 and the number of homes sold has increased by 7.9%, pointing to a more robust market when compared to the prior 12 months.

The number of homes sold in Dutchess County in March is up 40% from February and 10% from March 2010. Putnam County saw an increase of nearly double the numbers of homes sold in March versus February.

To see the market data for your town go to www.houlihanlawrence.com and access our Monthly Market Reports.

March2011 Houlihan Lawrence March 2011 Market Report

WFUV’s Springtime Gala Event

0 Comments By Bobbi Egan on April 13th, 2011
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Dutchess, Events, Out and About, Putnam, Westchester

WFUV logo1 WFUVs Springtime Gala Event

WFUV 90.7 is non-commercial, listener supported public radio from Fordham University in New York City. Music fans throughout Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties tune in on their radio and stream online to a wide variety of musical programming, great conversations with in-studio guests and concert broadcasts.

Monday, May 2nd, 2011 is the date set for WFUV’s Fourth Annual Springtime Gala Event held at Manhattan’s Three Sixty º.

This year the WFUV Gala honors the distinctive and eclectic Grammy Award-winning band Los Lobos. They will be feted as WFUV’s “Artist of the Year” and receive the WFUV Sound & Vision Award.

Tom Brokaw, NBC News’s venerable Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist, will receive the Charles Osgood Lifetime Achievement Award in Broadcast Journalism. Former CBS and FOX Sports’ football play-by-play and NFL great Pat Summerall will receive the Vin Scully Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports Broadcasting.

Ipad21 WFUVs Springtime Gala EventIn addition to awarding this years honoree’s, there will be a silent auction during the cocktail hour which begins at 6pm. Houlihan Lawrence is pleased to donate an Apple Ipad2 for this auction in support of the quality broadcasting WFUV public radio provides to our communities.

For additional information or to purchase tickets for this event visit wfuv.org/gala

Video Tour of Chappaqua Georgian Manor

0 Comments By Suzanne Bijou on April 11th, 2011
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Luxury Country Properties, Market Area, Westchester

This weeks video tour is Rosewood in Chappaqua, New York

Exquisite Georgian stone manor. Richly appointed with luxurious finishes and state-of-the-art accoutrements. Custom-crafted artisan millwork abounds throughout. Two-story mahogany library, billiards/media room, eight fireplaces, indoor basketball court, wine cellar, terraces, balconies, screened porch. Slate-roofed pool house, infinity pool with spa, tennis and sport courts. Very private 86 acres (15 manicured plus 71 under conservation easement) with hiking trails. Set on a tranquil lake.

Out and About in Yonkers

1 Comment By Gay Prizio on April 7th, 2011
Tags: , ,      Categories: Buying, Out and About, Selling, Westchester

Yonkers is the fourth largest city in the State of New York. This urban center started out as a farming town with an active industrial waterfront. Many manufacturing companies that once called Yonkers home are gone but the four majestic miles of waterfront remain intact, and The Office of Downtown and Waterfront Development has created a Master Plan to revitalize the waterfront area.

Further inland, Yonkers is about to have a new destination that will provide entertainment, shopping and restaurants called Ridge Hill. Ridge Hill is an 82-acre mixed-use site, located between the New York State  and Sprain Brook thruways. The first tenant to open their doors is  Cinema de Lux, a 14-screen theater on May6th and Whole Foods is scheduled to open in August. L.L. Bean, Orvis, Sephora, Old Navy and Lord and Taylor are a few of the retailers that will grace Ridge Hill.

Ridge Hill is designed as an outdoor oasis with a Main Street venue and intersecting streets that create a new and vibrant neighborhood being built from the ground up. Monarch at Ridge Hill is the residential component which will ultimately include 4 glistening glass towers and 500 condominiums. Building One is close to completion and buyers are thrilled at the opportunity to live in a neighborhood that provides convenience, walkability, and a modern way of living known as New Urbanism.

Yonkers offers so much for so many. Take a look and listen to residents speak firsthand about their community:

Here is a sampling of Yonkers real estate for sale:

115 3110035 1 Out and About in Yonkers 701 Ridge Hill Blvd #9E, Yonkers, NY 10710 Monarch at Ridge Hill is a New Urbanism luxury condominium community with 1 and 2 bedroom homes featuring open kitchens, stainless appliances, sustainable bamboo flooring and outdoor terraces/balconies. Luxury condo amenities include 24-hour concierge, shuttle to Metro North, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, golf simulator, wine cellar, cinema room, children’s playroom, and lounge. Walk to the lifestyle center for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Out and About in Yonkers 439 Park Hill Ave Yonkers, NY 10705-2442  You will fall in love with this charming Park Hill Victorian filled with beautiful 19th century details inc. stunning decorative fireplaces, solid oak doors, beautiful millwork and tall windows. 

  Out and About in Yonkers38 Boulder Trail Bronxville, NY 10708  Outdoor terraces have been expanded with new lighting and landscaping. Brand new kitchen with marble counters and stainless appliances adjoins a new family room.

Out and About in Yonkers 91 Warwick Rd Bronxville, NY 10708-5714 Exquisite 1910 William Bates colonial in exclusive Lawrence Park West. Gracefully sited on over an acre of lush private property with resort-like feel.

Westchester’s Winners from The Real Deal

0 Comments By Frederick Romley on April 6th, 2011
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Houlihan Lawrence News, Market Area, Westchester

TRD Westchester Winners 150x150 Westchesters Winners from The Real DealIn the April edition of  The Real Deal Magazine appeared a featured article on “Westchester’s Winners.” In the article, Houlihan Lawrence was ranked #1 in The Biggest Firms in Westchester category and #1 in the Top Westchester Firms of 2010 category.

In addition, Houlihan Lawrence agents took seven of the 10 spots on the Top Westchester Agents ranking.

Chris Meyers, the COO of Houlihan Lawrence was asked to give his take on the Westchester housing market. “There’s no question that there’s a perception of value for people coming out of the city,” Meyers said, noting that, with price per square foot averaging roughly $340, some reverse sticker shock results. According to Meyers, New York City homebuyers have flocked to towns like Bronxville, Scarsdale, Rye and Larchmont, largely because of their proximity to the five boroughs. Perhaps due to the market downturn, more than half of the city transplants Houlihan is working with are former renters making a purchase while prices are low, he said.

To read the full article on Westchester’s Winners click here.

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