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1. House of the Week
One-of-a-Kind Usonia Home
$1.149 million
Annual property taxes: $12,797
39 Usonia Rd, Pleasantville
It’s not often that one of the coveted original properties in Usonia—the historic Frank Lloyd Wright community tucked away in Pleasantville—goes on the market. This four-bedroom, three-bath home is move-in ready, thanks to impeccable care by its original owners, who have lived here since it was custom built for them in 1957 by noted modernist architects Carl Koch and Morton Delson, a Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice. “Usonia is a specialized enclave that respects architecture overall,” says listing agent Todd Goddard. “The one-of-a-kind homes—each set on 1.25 acres—are specifically designed for the residents and tend to draw buyers who appreciate modernist homes as art. Usonia residences are jewels.” This sparkling jewel has all the markings of a Frank Lloyd Wright. Its organic design aims to be in harmony with the environment, with low exterior profile, shallow sloping roof, clean lines, natural functional flow, fireplaces, bedrooms discreetly revolving around common living areas, skylights, and a progression of glass that lets nature in and keeps the interior light, warm, and open. Also reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright: an attached carport and countless custom built-ins to keep clutter to a minimum. As Goddard says, “This is a rare chance to be part of a unique historic community. In the last couple of years, there’s been a resurgence of interest in Usonia. You get design and livable space in a wonderful layout—in Usonia.” For more information, contact Houlihan Lawrence listing agent Todd Goddard at (914) 406-0588 or visit www.architecturalhomesny.com.
2. Westchester Spring Home Show
Take time for the Westchester Spring Home Show and get inspired with new ideas or keep your New Year’s financial resolutions by saving on your next home-improvement project. From remodeling to landscaping to decorating, there will be no shortage of inspiration at Pace University (861 Bedford Rd, Pleasantville) on Saturday, January 14th, from 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday, January 15th, 10 am to 6 pm. Meet contractors and interior designers, get practical advice, see product demonstrations, and explore resources first hand. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call (888) 560-3976 or visit www.westchesterhomeshow.com.
3. Everything You Wanted to Know about Radiant Floor Heating
If you’ve had it with the cold morning routine of placing cold feet onto a cold bathroom floor, radiant floor heating may be your warm and toasty answer. Here’s your chance to explore a warmer possibility at the next Lunch & Learn, sponsored by Murphy Brothers Contracting (416 Waverly Ave, Mamaroneck) on Wednesday, January 25th. Choose one of three seminar sessions that will take you through everything you wanted to know about radiant floor heating, including lowering energy costs, making homes healthier, and how radiant heat has evolved over the years. The first session runs from 9:30 to 11 am, the second from 12 to 1:30 pm, and the third from 2:30 to 4 pm. The sessions are presented by Chris O’Dea, New York-metro regional manager of Warmboard Radiant Subfloor, and qualify for credits for AIA, NKBA and ASID members. Brunch, lunch, or munch courtesy of Warmboard and Waterworks. For more information or to reserve your spot, call Michael Murphy at (914) 777-5777 or e-mail michael@murphybrothers.com.
4. Harlem Fine Arts Show Comes to White Plains
The annual Harlem Fine Arts Show is a great opportunity to appreciate (and acquire) contemporary works reflecting emerging and established African American artists from around the world—perfect for sprucing up your home with colorful and cultural art. A fine art exhibition and VIP reception is being hosted by the Westchester Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and City of White Plains Youth Bureau in the Reckson Building lobby (360 Hamilton Ave, White Plains) on Thursday, January 12th, from 6 to 9 pm. A portion of the proceeds will benefit youth programs of the two organizations. The more than 100 featured artists and internationally renowned galleries, including Larry “Poncho” Brown, Leroy Campbell, Robert Carter, Najee Dorsey, Ray Grist, Woodrow Nash, and E&S Gallery, are guaranteed to inspire and appeal to diverse audiences of any age. Benefit donations are $50. For more information and tickets, call Nicolette Johnson at (914) 422-1378, extension 2108, or e-mail her at njohnson@whiteplainsny.gov. You can also visit whiteplainsyouthbureau.org or westchesterdeltasinc.bbnow.org.
5. Quote of the Week
“We usually focus on the nuts and bolts of the market when pricing. But, when it comes to specialized one-of-a-kind properties, you really can’t limit the comparison to the local area. Many times, the draw is architecture first, though schools and location are factors. You can’t ignore the general market, but you have to take into consideration the added value and expectation of what it will draw. Like art, the value is in the eye of the beholder.” Todd Goddard, Houlihan Lawrence
We welcome information about fascinating homes on the market or real estate/home-related news and events—send to Karen Odom at kodom@westchestermagazine.com.
