Enjoy this week’s tour of Mill Pond Farm in Bedford.
Mill Pond Farm was the treasured country home of the late Ambassador Francis L. Kellogg and has been owned by his family for generations. Offered for sale for the first time since 1919, the magical estate features an elegant country Colonial with an addition by McKim, Mead & White, and a Guest House with interiors originally designed by the late famed designer Billy Baldwin - both overlooking the Stone Hill River and Pond. Wonderful amenities including gardens originally designed by legendary landscape architect, Fletcher Steele, a pool, octagonal pool house, caretaker’s house and an extensive barn complex on 25 pastoral acres make this one of the most exceptional Bedford, NY homes for sale.
For more information on Mill Pond Farm and other exceptional luxury properties, please visit us at houlihanlawrence.com.
The Village of Katonah, located in the Town of Bedford, takes one back in time. This small town enjoys old fashioned Fireman’s, Halloween and Memorial Day parades, fairs and carnivals. One is struck by the beauty of the Italianate and Victorian Homes and shops. The towns authenticity dates back to 1897, when 85 structures were moved from Old Katonah (which become the future site of the New York City Reservoir System) by horse and mule to Katonah in a herculean effort to preserve these homes, churches and commercial buildings.
Sophistication coupled with old-world charm help to define Katonah. The main thoroughfare, Katonah Avenue, does not allow chain stores. It has that touch of Norman Rockwell. You will not find a Starbucks but a Perks and Noka Joe’s. The Charles Department Store carries everything from barbecues, appliances, cookware, to shoes and clothing. The Kellogg’s Hardware Store still boasts a peanut barrel to enjoy, wood floors and amenities that evoke a small town atmosphere. With its distinctive boutiques, restaurants and galleries, Katonah Avenue does not disappoint those seeking a relaxing stroll.
Community amenities abound. The Katonah Library offers many programs throughout the year and The Library’s Tina the Turtle is resident favorite. The Town Parks, pools, tennis courts and day camps are enjoyed by residents of every age. There are also free Family Concerts at the parks the month of July.
Katonah is also known for it’s Museum Mile. Located on Route 22, Museum Mile includes the Katonah Museum of Art, John Jay Homestead and Caramoor. From art, culture and history to music and young artists, Museum Mile is among the many jewels of Katonah. These cultural institutions have events year-round for families such as lecture series, concerts, fairs, book clubs, and much community involvement.
Take a look at the Katonah Community Video to see what its like to live in this wonderful town.
Here are a few homes for sale in Katonah:
94 Whitlockville Road is a Ranch style home located just minutes from the village. An airy Great Room with vaulted ceiling, fireplace a warm and relaxing atmosphere, private deck with a breathtaking view of nature is a winner.
27 Old Village Lane is a walk to the village, train, pool, park & tennis courts. This sunny Village Colonial on cul de sac features an updated Kitchen, Master Bath & Powder Rom with an elegant living room and dining room.
35 Indian Hill Road is a warm, contemporary home set on 1 acre with pool in a sought after Katonah neighborhood. The flowing interior spaces include a 4 season sun room, spacious bonus room, library, a wonderful remodeled kitchen.
The New York papers are abuzz with chatter that the Clintons have an accepted offer on an $11 million estate in Bedford Hills.
If you would like to live in the same town in an equally grand home as former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Bedford offers a wonderful selection of important homes for sale. Other neighbors in Bedford include Richard Gere, who is not only a resident, but owner of the spectacular Bedford Post Inn, TV star Martha Stewart, comedian Chevy Chase, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, to name just a few.
Here is a selection of Bedford homes for sale from the Houlihan Lawrence website:
Devonshire is one of the great estates in the Northeast, set on 100 acres and impeccably restored to it original grandeur.
Equestrian facilities and several outbuildings make this estate unrivaled in scope and opulence.
Built in 2000, Fourviewsis set on one of Bedford highest points with views that reach to the Long Island Sound.
With three waterfalls, 2 golf greens, a 60’ pool and miles of trails, Fourviews feels like paradise.
This Bedford Equestrian Estate features an outdoor dressage area, 6 paddocks, Groom’s quarter and a beautiful 10 stall barn home.
Set on 22-acres, this estate was designed by Dinyar Wadia, a renowned architect and author.
It has bold-face name residents, a bed and breakfast owned by a movie star, and a picturesque village green. Bedford, which includes the hamlets of Bedford Hills, Bedford Village and Katonah, has a sense of authenticity and character that gives it it’s New England charm.
The historic buildings that grace the Village Green set the tone for this Rockwellian community. Bedford Historical Society maintains 10 buildings including The Post Office, Bedford Free Library, Jackson House, and Loudsbery Building. Galleries, shops and restaurants add sophistication and a sense of surprise.
The outdoorsperson will never tire of all ways in which to absorb the beauty of the area. Bedford Riding Lanes Association maintains 100 miles of trails and dirt for hiking and horseback riding. Drivers enthusiastically give the right of way to neighbors on horseback.
Music lovers flock to Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, a performing arts center in Katonah. Caramoor’s outdoor music pavilion is surrounded by formal gardens and a Mediterranean style villa that houses year-round music educational programs. The Katonah Museum of Art celebrates the visual arts with exhibitions and educational programs that explore ideas about art, culture, and society.
For foodies, there are local farms like Cabbage Hill, Daisy Hill, and Guard Hill that grow organic fruits and vegetables and are purveyors of artisanal cheeses and meats. Bedford resident Richard Gere may be lurking by the arugula or Martha Stewart could be declaring the peaches a good thing, which makes this rural area of Westchester County a pleasure for all the sense.
New Neighbor Amy Parets (left) with Realtor Angela Kessel
After living in Scarsdale for 20 years Amy Parets decided to make a change, and just recently settled into her new home in Bedford, New York. She chose a lovely five bedroom colonial situated on four and a half acres located in the gated community of Penwood Estates.
Amy described the move as being a “lifestyle choice”. She was drawn to the Bedford area because of the open spaces and relaxed environment. Once she met Bedford real estate agent, Angela Kessel, she says she “caught” her excitement and love for the area right away. Amy also recalled that Angela was exactly what she would want as a friend: unassuming, warm, inviting and full of life. Amy and Angela worked patiently together for 2 years until the perfect home became available.
Amy’s three son’s (two in college and one just finishing high school) are adjusting to a slightly longer train ride into the city but find the new home to be a nice fit. According to them there are still many options for food, shopping and good pizza! Since they only recently moved in they are still exploring and having fun discovering new favorite places.
The household also includes two standard poodles named Lucy and Daisy as well as two rescue dogs that are a mix of poodle, bichon and terrier named Buster and Seymour. They’re surely enjoying roaming their new lush yard! My Mother always said that life was all about making memories. I think Amy and her boys will be making wonderful new memories together in their new home for years to come. Welcome to Bedford!
Are you a new neighbor? Introduce yourself and tell us your story!
Devonshire
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