Archive for Westchester


Here in the Hudson Valley

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Could New York City’s suburbs experience an increase in population much like they did by the 1980s? The New York Times makes a pretty good argument in favor of the “flight to suburbia,” or an exodus from an urban center to a more rural setting.

With a population close to 1.6 million, which doubles during the week due to commuters, Amy O’Leary reports that many Manhattanites are wondering how much more their 34-square mile island can take. “By 2030, [New York’s Department of City Planning] expect(s) Manhattan will have 220,000 to 290,000 new residents—roughly one new neighbor for every six current residents.” This would ultimately result in more residential infrastructure.

Screen Shot 2012 03 09 at 3.25.56 PM 153x300 Here in the Hudson Valley

Although this may help to increase affordability and wouldn’t affect anyone’s standard of living, O’Leary does predict problems with the city’s management of power flow, garbage disposal, sewage control and access to transportation. Despite the fact that any growing city has to grapple with its growing population density, there are three solutions for those who want to live in a more open environment while maintaining their proximity to New York City.

Meet Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties. Each area offers its own distinct uniqueness, but all three exude suburban and rural appeal.

Westchester, which sits just on the brink of city life, is a vibrant community that cherishes all things local—a stone’s throw away from New York City, its residents still enjoy the outdoor environment with the Hudson River and Long Island Shore at their fingertips.

“Where the country begins,” Putnam County sits just 50 miles above New York City. The quiet communities of the six towns and three villages that comprise Putnam enjoy the luxury of calling the Hudson Valley its home. It epitomizes the dynamic of suburban and rural life.

Nestled in between the Hudson River and the state of Connecticut, Dutchess contains unparalleled views of rolling hills and beautiful farmland. Don’t let its rural appearance fool you, however—its townships and villages are bustling business centers and an easy trip down the Taconic State Parkway brings you right into New York City.

Check out our town guides and community videos for more information.

High-End, High Tech

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Tags: , , ,      Categories: Dutchess, Luxury Country Properties, Luxury market, Market Area, Westchester

It seems that modern luxury living has become more and more about technology as it is architecture and design. Gone are the days when wall-mounted high-definition televisions qualified as “high tech.” Today’s technology is all about making a home easier to manage. Whether you’re looking to control the systems in your home remotely from your iPad or simply want to optimize a home’s heating and cooling efficiency, there are endless integrated systems to choose from.

Here are a few of our luxury properties for sale where the latest technology assures a comfortable and convenient lifestyle:

Larchmont Manor 300x200 High End, High Tech

The Crestron System at Larchmont Manor in Larchmont offers whole-house automated control of the lighting, temperature and audio/video systems throughout its 3 levels of stunning living space.

Seneca Trail 300x200 High End, High Tech

Smart House Technology offers comprehensive control of the systems at Seneca Trail in Harrison, which also boasts a whole house generator, an outdoor video screen and customized mood lighting in the lavish master bath.

 Rufflands 300x199 High End, High Tech

The latest technology systems afford eco-friendly living at Rufflands in Red Hook where geo-thermal heating and cooling and solar-powered electricity insure highly-efficient country living.

For more information on these properties or other luxury homes for sale, please visit us at www.houlihanlawrence.com.

Video Tour of Majestic Brick Colonial 290 Central Drive Briarcliff Manor

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Enjoy this week’s tour of King’s Court, cloistered in a tranquil estate area at 290 Central Drive, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. 10510.

Graceful design. A park-like 3.5 acre setting. A convenient locale. These are just a few of the many exceptional features of King’s Court, one of Briarcliff Manor’s premier luxury homes for sale.  Custom built with nearly 7,000 square feet of living space, the six-bedroom residence has been designed for the way we live today with elegant formal rooms, a chef’s kitchen, handsome library and a sunken family room with a fireplace.  A main level master suite and a 2,000-bottle wine cellar are other highlights of the home, ideally situated just minutes from town, train station and schools.

For more information on King’s Court and other Briarcliff Manor homes for sale, please visit us at www.houlihanlawrence.com.

Don’t miss last week’s video tour of Wolfs Hill, Chappaqua, a charming antique home fitted with the latest amenities.

 

The Public School Payoff

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A recent article that appeared in the New York Times on January 27 profiled the competitive nature and hefty price tag that comes with attending a private school in the city. Authors Jenny Anderson and Rachel Ohm write, “Indeed, this year’s tuition at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory ($38,305 for 12th grade) and Horace Mann ($37,275 for the upper school) is higher than Harvard’s.”

According to the article these numbers, which are derived from 41 out of the 61 New York City private schools within the national association and provide enough date for a 10-year analysis, are set to rise in order to match the rate of inflation, the ever-growing cost of living and teachers’ salaries—even though the amount of financial aid dolled out to students will remain the same.

The cost of attending one of the city’s private schools has surprisingly left the rising amount of applicants undeterred. “For many parents, the sticker prices have ceased to shock,” the article states.

There may be a simple savior lurking in the suburbs to north, however. Westchester Magazine just released its issue on the county’s public schools, which includes a high school data chart. According to the numbers, Westchester isn’t just a great place to live but is a great place to receive an education, as well. 395939 10150827391157538 21181017537 12796761 354044763 n 225x300 The Public School Payoff

Of the 46 public high schools in Westchester, 32 provided data to the magazine. When looking at those 32 schools’ average class size, a single teacher instructs about 23 students at a time.

Students within these schools exercised an inherent willingness to learn outside of the classroom. 67 percent participated in nonathletic extracurricular activities, while 54 percent got things moving on a court, field, floor, etc.

When examining academics on a broader scale, the 4-year graduation rate for these 32 schools collectively was 90 percent—which does not account for students who do graduate after a period of 4 years.

Finally, 93 percent of students who graduated went on to further their education at college, which includes both 2- and 4- year schools.

Undoubtedly one’s educational path cannot be measured in a private versus public school mentality—ultimately it comes down to the personal needs of a student. However, Westchester Magazine proved the county in general contains excellent schools, where students have the opportunity to excel in academics and extracurricular activities. This month’s issue also contains wonderful profiles about educators, school officials and students, all of which help to comprise such a great place to live.

 

5 Reasons to Love Armonk

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Armonk, a hamlet located in the town of North Castle, New York, contains the right amount of rural sophistication coupled with its proximity to New York City and major highways.  It offers that local, community-oriented appeal with a beautiful surrounding environment.

  1. Take a stroll down Main Street. Window shop, then relax with a cappuccino at Tazza Cafe, or satisfy your sweet tooth at Beascake Bakery and Breads. For a fine meal, farm-to-table cuisine is on the menu at Restaurant North.
  2. The Armonk Outdoor Art Show is on hot ticket item on everyone’s calendar each fall. Sponsored by the Friends of the North Castle Public Library, Inc, the annual event is a juried show of fine arts and crafts from artists and artisans in Westchester County.
  3. Wampus Pond is a 93-acre site where you can row your boat in the summer and then ice skate in the winter.
  4. If you are an avid gardener or easily marveled by gardening and landscape design, visit Mariani Gardens. Owner Mark Mariani and his staff have taken the color, form and texture Mother Nature provides and created a magical atmosphere.
  5. The Armonk Players, a community theatre group, stages two full high quality productions each year. “The Drowsy
    Chaperone
    ” was staged this fall.

Video Tour of Historic Chappaqua Estate 14 Wolfs Hill Road Chappaqua

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Tags: , ,      Categories: Luxury Country Properties, Westchester

Enjoy this week’s tour of Wolf’s Hill, located at 14 Wolfs Hill Road, Chappaqua, NY 10514. Part of Chappaqua’s earliest history, the home at Wolf’s Hill once served as the centerpiece for Roaring Brook Farm, which was established in the 1700′s by a founding member of Chappaqua’s early Quaker community. Today, the estate offers a superb blend of old and new with an 1828 Federal Colonial that has been gracefully expanded to incorporate a dramatic Great Room and a conservatory, a large pool and three vintage buildings including a handsome two-story barn.

For more information on Wolf’s Hill or any of our other luxury properties for sale in Chappaqua, please visit us at www.houlihanlawrence.com.

Don’t miss last week’s tour of Stoneleigh, a majestic Colonial located at 837 Mount Kisco Road, Armonk 10504.

Westchester Putnam and Dutchess Counties 2011 Luxury Market Report

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Tags: , ,      Categories: Dutchess, Houlihan Lawrence News, Luxury Country Properties, Luxury market, Putnam, Westchester

Houlihan Lawrence has just released the 2011 Westchester Putnam and Dutchess Counties Luxury Market Report. Anthony Cutugno, Senior Vice President for Houlihan Lawrence’s Luxury Division writes in his Luxury Market recap “We are pleased to share with you our 2011 Luxury Market Report detailing sales for properties priced at $2 Million+ in Westchester County and $1 Million+ in Putnam and Dutchess Counties. At Houlihan Lawrence, we feel uniquely qualified to report on the high-end market as we are the recognized leader for luxury sales throughout our region. In 2011, we accounted for 47% in both unit sales and total dollar volume for $2 Million+ homes in Westchester. Luxury homes are our passion and over the years we have participated in the sale of many of the area’s most important properties.”

Click on the cover to read the full report.

Houlihan Lawrence Luxury Market Report 2011 231x300 Westchester Putnam and Dutchess Counties 2011 Luxury Market Report

Fal-Lin Love with White Plains

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Tags: , , , , ,      Categories: Buying, Relocation, Westchester

A quiet sensation has been brewing within the walls of Madison Square Garden these past couple of weeks. With Amar’e Stoudemire taking a one-week leave of absence and Carmelo Anthony sidelined with a groin injury, a Harvard grad donning the number 17 has slowly commandeered the court, dishing out a few assists here, putting up a couple points there.

Okay… that may be a bit of an under-exaggeration.

There’s no doubt the New York Knicks’ seven-game Lin streak has been absolutely Lincredible, with much of the team’s Linstant success going to their even-tempered, quick-footed point guard Jeremy Lin. Achieving career-high statistics and hitting the game-Linning 3 pointer on VaLINtine’s Day, the once no-name player has received notice from President Obama, gave New York City’s bar scene a boost, and attributed to a 10-percent spike in MSG stock that’s been on the rise since Feb. 3.

Lin, however, has received a ton of love from Westchester County as rumors have swirled around his search to relocate from the confines of his brother’s cushy couch to a posh dwelling suitable for any New York sports star. The White Plains Examiner has reported that Lin is denying reports of moving into the 20th floor of White Plains’ Trump Tower. The couch lives to house Lin and his talents another day.

So where should this young, eligible bachelor consider as a place to establish his roots? We at Houlihan Lawrence believe that Lin was on the right track when he allegedly eyed-up White Plains, as the city’s nightlife, proximity to Greenburgh and New York City, and status as one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities is perfect for anyone looking for a little bit of thrill in his or her life.

Two of our listings at the Ritz-Carlton Residences instantly came to mind. Our first, located at 1 Renaissance Square in White Plains, is a 2,532-square-foot condo with two bedrooms and two full/one half baths. Walking-distance from the White Plains Metro-North station, Lin could easily travel to and from the Garden while enjoying the 44-floor tower’s health club with steam and sauna, resident lounge, expansive media room, outdoor terrace, and 24-hour concierge service.

Our second, also listed at 1 Renaissance Square, offers up incredible views of Manhattan and the Long Island Sound with 5,030 square feet of spacious room. Also with two bedrooms and two full/one half baths, this high-rise residence could give Lin an opportunity to unwind from long road trips while exposing him to a unique culture of local dining, entertainment, shopping and more. Both residences offer walls of windows, top-of-the-line kitchens, spa-inspired baths and elegant space enriched by natural light and inspiring views.

Whether Lin decides he should settle down in Westchester or not, we ask anyone to take a trip into White Plains to explore what this small metropolis has to offer—you may just fall Lin love.

115 3114383 1 300x218 Fal Lin Love with White Plains

Your Perfect Agent Sweetheart

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Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Ask the experts, Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester

With romance in the air this February, Nick Churton of Mayfair International Realty takes a loving look at how we could fall head over heels with… a real estate agent.

Spring is round the corner and love is in the air. Yet spare a thought for poor real estate agents. These often undervalued creatures are amongst the least likely to receive a lot of affection from their clients on Valentine’s Day, or any other day for that matter.

Feb 2012 225x300 Your Perfect Agent SweetheartBut right at the moment in this challenging economic climate, good brokers and agents are a bit like perfect sweethearts.  There are times in life when it is best to have someone by your side who really values you, who will fight for you, who won’t answer back too much, who will only hang around your home when you want them to and has all your best interests at heart. Such a person may not make such a bad partner.

Of course there are good partners and bad partners. Selling real estate well rests heavily on the partnership built up between seller and agent.  A good agent will lovingly put your home on a pedestal and then negotiate fiercely to achieve the best deal for you. On the other hand, a lesser agent may just put your property on the internet with all the others and then haggle to find the easiest deal all round.

There is a great difference between the two – often many thousands of dollars.  You could come to love the former but hate the latter.  The trick is finding the right one at the outset. It’s a bit like finding the best date.  They all may look roughly the same but in practice they each act very differently.

So if you are searching for the type of broker or agent you could come to love this spring invite a few around to give you some marketing advice and see how you get on. Then ask yourself which you would prefer, the flashy one who brags a lot and is cheap or the one who you feel most comfortable with to act in the most decent way: the one you can come to depend on.

Video Tour of Majestic Stone Colonial 837 Mount Kisco Road Armonk

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Enjoy this week’s tour of Stoneleigh, a spectacular stone and brick Colonial, beautifully situated on 3 private acres at 837 Mount Kisco Road, Armonk, N.Y., 10504.

Built to the highest level of quality and aesthetics, this 2008 home captures the best of luxury living in a peaceful estate enclave. One of Armonk’s most distinguished homes for sale, the nearly 10,000-square-foot home balances Old-World architectural splendor with a youthful spirit, perfectly suited for today’s lifestyle. Executed to perfection throughout it three levels, all enjoying elevator service, the dazzling interiors are complemented by a full array of recreational amenities including a game room, media room with a bar, gym, terrace with an outdoor fireplace and a Vanishing Edge pool with a spa.

For more information on Stoneleigh and other Armonk homes for sale, please visit us at www.houlihanlawrence.com

Take a look at another impressive Armonk home for sale by viewing last week’s video of Stonecourt, 10 Hallock Place, Armonk, 10504.