Subtly Sensational
$1,999,999
Annual property taxes: $45,335
33 Mount Green Rd, Croton-on-Hudson
Listing agent Cathy Duff-Poritzky sums it up best when she says this house is “simply spectacular!” The open airy floor plan coupled with the clean lines throughout make this 7,644 square-foot magnificent marvel subtly sensational. Surrounded by Hudson River views on one side and the Hudson National Golf Course on the other, wall-to-wall windows easily let nature (not to mention natural light) in. Natural elements also are blended in through the use of stone, marble, steel, and wood, and a two-story dual-sided stone fireplace—the home’s distinctive centerpiece. The natural neutral tones continue through every room—that includes solid ash hardwood cabinetry in the bathrooms, mudroom, and kitchen—all adding up to an easy elegance. Built in 1987 on 3.1 acres, the owners invested in a significant renovation about five years ago, not only refreshing its interior by adding marble and granite and refinishing the hardwood floors, but also updating its infrastructure, including the air conditioning system. “The décor is so tasteful,” says Duff-Poritzky. “Everything is low-key, nothing is over the top.” The master bedroom suite (one of six bedrooms with ensuite baths) is a masterpiece by itself with a massive master bath and amazing views. Other spectacular features: a 1,200 square-foot rear deck that runs the entire width of the house overlooking the in-ground pool with sweeping Hudson River views, a custom media room, and an authentic ballet studio complete with barres and mirrored wall. A lucky buyer will also be able to take advantage of the reduced asking price, down from the original $2.499 million. For more information, contact Coldwell Banker listing agent Cathy-Duff Poritzky at (914) 960-5577 or visit www.coldwellbankermoves.com.
Sleek Sanctuary
$999,000
Annual property taxes: about $18,000
7 Winterbottom Ln, Pound Ridge
Three words best describe this one-of-a-kind, four-bedroom, contemporary haven—sleek, sophisticated, serene. Who wouldn’t want to come home to this sanctuary at the end of a stressful day? It’s set on two acres of wooded grounds and its sense of serenity is supported by a minimalist interior, nature views from every room, and a bright openness throughout, thanks to vaulted ceilings, skylights, and wall-to-wall windows. “The architect Vuko Tashkovich, who was also the builder, sited the house on the property to take advantage of the views and allow light to penetrate throughout,” says listing agent Michael Neeley. “The owner added curved stone walls and flagstone terraces to blend into the environment. The end result is a masterpiece design—truly a work of art.” Distinguished by its soft curves (including curved walls) set against dramatic angles and diagonal roof lines, 7 Winterbottom Lane defies definition, which is probably the way its architect, known for his trademark and unconventional interplay of geometric shapes and lighting, would want it. Living in this 3,575-square-foot work of art definitely has its benefits—it’s where beauty, function, and flow align in the best possible way. At every turn, Tashkovich’s signature custom touches are on full display. Even the entry to the home is unusual and distinctive—an arc bridge leads to its red front door. No detail was overlooked; there’s even a separate sky-lit studio space with its own kitchenette, sky-lit bath, loft, and separate deck. Guests can relax in their own guest cottage, too. For more information, contact Ginnel Real Estate listing agent Michael Neeley at michaelj_neeley@yahoo.com.
Houlihan Lawrence Agents Raise Funds for Breast Cancer
Annual Accent on New Rochelle House Tour – The 13th Annual Accent on New Rochelle House Tour presented by the New Rochelle Chapter of the Friends of Sound Shore Medical Center of Westchester (SSMC) on October 23 continues to benefit SSMC’s Solomon Katz Breast Center. It was sponsored by Houlihan Lawrence of New Rochelle and Larchmont, and five homes (featuring a range of interior design from classic to contemporary) on all ends of New Rochelle were showcased. A total of $40,000 was raised through the sale of more than 375 tour tickets and raffles, along with a $2,700 contribution from A&N Heating Oil. Co-chairs Felisa DiSanto and Erin Gilligan Steffensen led a committee of 12 in organizing the selection of homes, vendors, volunteers, and sponsors for the event that also featured a fall boutique showcasing the wares of 15 high-end vendors and a buffet luncheon at the Wykagyl Country Club. The annual house tour allows SSMC to continue to promote awareness and prevention of breast cancer, including the ability to offer free mammograms to local women and men who cannot afford insurance or are without health insurance. For more information about this annual event, call (914) 365-3755 or visit www.ssmc.org for more about Sound Shore Medical Center of Westchester.
Fundraising Walks – More than 100 Houlihan Lawrence agents from Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties participated in three major walks in support of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, collectively raising more than $55,000. “Our company-wide commitment to these causes this year surpassed both our monetary goals and overall expectations,” says Houlihan Lawrence Senior Vice President Debra Dalton. “Cancer is something that has affected the lives of so many in the Houlihan Lawrence community, and every year we strive to help make a difference by supporting these causes which help fund breast cancer research and support resources.” The company marked its 15th year of involvement in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk with participants joining community members in Purchase on October 16. On October 2, agents participated in the Support Connection’s Support-a-Walk at the FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights, as well as the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation Walk at the James Baird State Park in Pleasant Valley, New York, together raising over $6,000.
Leah Caro Named Realtor of the Year
Leah Caro, broker/owner of Bronxville-Ley Real Estate, was named Realtor of the Year for 2011 by the Westchester Putnam Association of Realtors, Inc. (WPAR). This annual recognition is based on involvement with WPAR, as well as volunteer activities in the local community. Active in the real estate industry for 18 years, Caro serves on the WPAR’s Board of Directors and was its immediate past president. In addition to leading the charge on several WPAR committees and councils, she also has represented the local Association on the Boards of Directors at the national and state levels, and has played a pivotal role in community projects. WPAR also recognized Jim Newhouse, owner of Newhouse Financial & Insurance Brokers of Rye Brook, as Affiliate of the Year, as well as Mike Gibbons (owner of CJM Gibbons Realty in Dobbs Ferry) and Sarah Hughes (affiliated with William Raveis Legends Realty Group in Briarcliff Manor) with the Extra Mile Award for their work as co-chairs of WPAR’s political action committee. For more information, visit the WPAR website at www.wpar.org.
Italian Builders, Artisans, and Trades Exhibit
The major role Italian builders and artisans have played in developing America’s homes, buildings, and infrastructure is being recognized in detail in an exhibit at the Westchester Italian Cultural Center (One Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe). The exhibit continues through Wednesday, November 23. On display are photographs, documents, tools, statues, original pieces of stone, videos, and books, illustrating the crucial contribution of laborers, carpenters, and masons who brought their expertise after immigrating to the U.S. Sponsored by Yonkers Contracting Company, the exhibit is open from 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. Others providing support include Apogee Translite, Inc., ArtsWestchester, Paraco Gas Corp., and the Generoso Pope Foundation. Suggested donation amounts are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $5 for children under age 18. For more information, call (914) 771-8700 or visit www.wiccny.org.