1. Find of the Week: Pound Ridge
$540,000 (reduced by $39,000)
Annual property taxes: $16,317 (under review)
121 Old Mill River Rd, Pound Ridge
This 1974 raised ranch offers one-level living with three bedrooms, four baths, and one of the lowest listing prices in Pound Ridge—a win all the way around. An additional benefit: The property taxes are currently under review and are expected to be lowered depending on the sale price. Property features include wood-beamed vaulted ceilings, walls of windows overlooking the property’s three landscaped acres, a fenced yard, and a separate master bedroom wing with an office. “Nature abounds on this property that provides wonderful privacy and views of your own pond,” says listing agent Janice Bergstein. “The floor-to-ceiling windows bring lots of light into the great room that also features wide-board flooring.” Although the home could benefit from an update, it’s move-in ready. For more information, contact Houlihan Lawrence listing agent Janice Bergstein at (914) 714-0403 or visit www.janicebergstein.houlihanlawrence.com.
2. Find of the Week: South Salem
$1.595 million (reduced by $200,000)
Annual property taxes: $30,811
152 Post Office Rd, South Salem
The past comes to life in this restored 1900 Victorian, with its wrap-around front porch and perennial gardens, set on a picturesque country road. “The renovation’s exceptional attention to detail resulted in a great flow and such features as custom molding, high ceilings, a large and fabulous cook’s kitchen with a center island, a great room with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and wood-beamed cathedral ceiling, a sauna, gym with steam bath, five-thousand-bottle wine-tasting room, and guest suite,” says listing agent Janice Bergstein. “It’s perfect as a weekender or full-time residence.” The attention to detail preserved the five-bedroom home’s original period features while adding modern comforts and conveniences. Other highlights include a glass-enclosed conservatory and surround-sound system. The two acres of meticulously landscaped level grounds also include a gazebo, an in-ground gunite pool, and a lawn sprinkling system. For more information, contact Houlihan Lawrence listing agent Janice Bergstein at (914) 714-0403 or visit www.janicebergstein.houlihanlawrence.com.
3. Green Home Open House
How do you green your home? Keller Williams NY Realty EcoBroker Gerry Angel will open the doors to her home of more than 30 years—a 1953 raised ranch at 64 Holbrooke Road in White Plains—to take you through the steps of transforming a 1950s structure into a 21st century model of green living. The Green Open House on Saturday, March 17, from 10 am to 2 pm, will be the first of four planned on-site informational sessions led by Murphy Brothers Contracting (the firm managing the whole-home renovation) and a rare opportunity to get an up-close-and-personal peek into an actual green renovation in progress. (You can’t get much greener than scheduling a green event on St. Patrick’s Day!) In addition to gaining valuable tips on greening your home, guests also have the chance to meet the pros involved in the ambitious project, including architect Christina Griffin, who will discuss the benefits of building smart, along with project representatives from Murphy Brothers Contracting, Greener by Design (experts in organic, sustainable landscaping); Green Star Energy Solutions (energy-efficient insulation experts); Total Green (specialists in designing and installing geothermal and hybrid renewalable energy systems); and Authentic Window Design (authorized Marvin Windows and Doors retailer). When the eco-friendly renovation is complete, Angel will have 1,000 square feet of additional space, a more open floor plan that brings nature in, and enough green features to apply for LEED Platinum Certification, including energy-saving spray foam insulation, geothermal heating and cooling in place of oil heating, custom energy-efficient windows, solar panels, and sustainable landscaping. Stay tuned for updates and details on the three remaining open house sessions. No reservations required—just stop by! For more information, contact Murphy Brothers Contracting at (914) 777-5777. You also can follow the day-to-day progress on Angel’s home through her blog at www.westchestergreenluxury.tumblr.com.
4. Color in Culture Art Exhibit and Sale
If the walls of your home are begging for a little visual interest and flair, here’s a chance to acquire collection-worthy, one-of-kind artwork by local artists. The “Color in Culture” art exhibit, sponsored by Mayor Ernest D. Davis and the Mount Vernon Arts Council and honoring both Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March), continues through Friday, April 6, in the Mount Vernon City Hall Rotunda and 2nd Floor (1 Roosevelt Square). Featured artists include Henrimay Bell, John Braithwate, Alethia Brown, Carla Brown, Dwayne Brown, Cynthia Burgos, Justine High, Ted Jenkins, Larry Martin, Barry Mason, Joe Parisi, Bujo Williams, Hubert Williams, and Salima Williams. The exhibit also features images from famed Harlem Renaissance photographer James Van Der Zee. Admission is free and all works are for sale by the artist. For more information, call (914) 699-7230.
5. Question of the Week
Q. Is greening your home worth the money, time, and aggravation?
A: “Absolutely! I really believe this is the future and direction we have to take. Making your home more energy efficient not only saves on energy bills long term, but allows you to live a cleaner, healthier life in an environment that’s energy efficient and toxic free. I expect to save as much as three thousand to four thousand dollars or more annually on heating and air conditioning by using a geothermal system. The rebates have been a great incentive in making my decision and will allow me to recoup the expense of installing a geothermal system within four to five years. It’s so exciting! While I am doing my part to save the universe, I’m also saving money and increasing the value of my home. What could be better? Gerry Angel, Keller Williams NY Realty
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.