House of the Week: Great Gatsby Duplex; Shadowing an Architect; Lasdon Park’s 21st Annual Plant Sale and Preview Party

1. House of the Week: Great Gatsby Duplex

$1.65 million
Annual property taxes: $36,400
221 Taxter Rd, Irvington

Open House: May 19, noon to 2 pm

If you like to entertain, this 1986, five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath duplex might be just for you. Hosting comes naturally, thanks to an entertainment-ready outdoor oasis that includes a spacious hardwood deck, an in-ground pool with attached hot tub, a waterfall, dramatic fountains, and stunning stonework. In the words of listing agent Gregory Tsougranis: “It’s perfect for parties—a Great Gatsby-style home right here in Irvington. Tons of deck room and pool also make it ideal for families.” Originally designed by Irvington-based builder/developer Chuck Pateman, the home has since been updated and features a grand two-story entry, gourmet kitchen with center island, library, music room, finished basement with a wet bar, three-car garage, and family room and living room, both of which have dramatic floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces (two of the home’s three). All that’s missing is being within walking distance from the train. No need to rely on photos—take a personal walk through at the May 19 open house from noon to 2 pm, which will also feature live jazz, hors d’œuvres, and wine served poolside. For more information, contact Century 21 Metro-Star listing agent Gregory Tsougranis at (845) 304-5745 or visit www.century21.com.

- Advertisement -

Photo courtesy of Raymond Beeler

2. Shadowing an Architect

It’s not often that you get a chance to get a test drive your possible career choice while still in high school. But sophomores in the architecture program at the Saunders Trades and Technical High School in Yonkers recently had the rare opportunity to do just that—get an up-close and personal view of a day in the life of an architect. During “Shadow an Architect Day,” sponsored by the Westchester Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, six Westchester architecture firms hosted 32 students, giving them a realistic experience of working as an architect. The office visits included observing and meeting with principals and staff at Norman DiChiara Architects, Elliott-Architects, Peter F. Gaito and Associates, Gallin Beeler Design Studio, Dennis Noskin Architects, and Sullivan Architecture. The students then met back at Saunders High School for lunch and to compare notes. “The students were able to get out into the real world of practicing architects and experience a typical day on that career path,” says architect Raymond Beeler, AIAWHV program coordinator, whose firm also participated. “They asked questions and were very engaged.” Also contributing to the day’s success were sponsor Murphy Brothers Contracting and Michelle Brown, director of the architecture program at Saunders, who worked with the AIAWHV chapter to make the day possible.

Photo courtesy of Friends of Lasdon Park and Arboretum

3. Lasdon Park’s 21st Annual Plant Sale and Preview Party

There’s more than one way to get the best of the best at the Friends of Lasdon Park & Arboretum’s popular annual plant sale—the main event scheduled for Saturday, May 19, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the park (Route 35, Somers)—or getting the first pick during a special “New Leaf for Lasdon” preview party on Friday, May 18, from 5:30 to 8 pm, which also will recognize the gardening contributions of JoAnn DiRico Trautmann, coordinator of the Master Gardener program at Westchester County Cornell Cooperative Extension. This year’s sale, focused on “The Sustainable Garden,” will feature an interactive walk with stops highlighting such environmentally friendly gardening issues as deer-resistant and native plants and plants that attract butterflies, beneficial bugs, and hummingbirds. While you’re there, be sure to stop by the gift shop, newly renovated and freshly stocked with a wide range of garden gifts. Proceeds from the preview party ($25 per person) and plant sales will benefit programming at the park. For more information, contact Nancy Giges at (914) 683-5108 or lasdonfriends@gmail.com.

 

- Partner Content -

4. Rainwater 101: Second in Green Open House Series

The dramatic green transformation of Keller Williams NY Realty EcoBroker Gerry Angel’s 1953 raised ranch continues to make steady progress. Once again, Angel is opening her home at 64 Holbrooke Road in White Plains for the second of four onsite information sessions sponsored by Murphy Brothers Contracting (the firm managing the whole-home renovation). Particularly geared toward architects, “Rainwater 101: Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting and Sustainable Landscaping” will focus on appraising water as a resource, detailing rainwater recovery and reuse methods, and managing storm water run-off. Participants have the choice of one of two sessions led by Richard Heller, founder and CEO of Greener by Design (www.greenerdesigns.com), a sustainable landscape design company operating in New York City and Westchester, on Wednesday, May 23, 9:30 am to 11 am or noon to 1:30 pm. The sessions, which qualify for AIA-CEU credit, include food and refreshments thanks to Greener by Design. Following each presentation, participants have an opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the LEED for Homes project in progress and meet some of the tradespeople responsible for making Angel’s home energy efficient, environmentally responsible, and beautifully designed. For more information and to reserve your spot, call (914) 777-5777 or e-mail michael@murphybrothers.com.

Photo by Richard Carner, Lancaster PA

Turned Wood Vessels

5. Bruce Museum Outdoor Crafts Festival

Looking for interesting home décor that you won’t see anywhere else? Check out the ceramics, glass, furniture, and wood accessories among other one-of-a-kind art pieces from more than 80 artists across the country at the Bruce Museum’s Outdoor Crafts Festival (1 Museum Dr, Greenwich) on Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, from 10 am to 5 pm. All items are purchased directly from the artists. While you’re browsing, you can also enjoy live music, edible goodies, and family craft activities. Admission is $8, but free to museum members and children under age five. For more information and to browse the list of participating artists, visit www.brucemuseum.org

- Advertisement -

 

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.

Unveiled: A Boutique Bridal Brunch is February 23!

Our Best of Westchester Readers' Ballot is open through January 15!

Our Women in Business Awards event is November 21!

Our Best of Business event is October 30!

Our CEOs & Business Leaders Golf Outing is August 5!

Our Best of Westchester Party is July 24!

Our Westchester Home Design Awards event is June 26!

Our Wine & Food Festival returns June 4-9!

Our Wunderkinds event takes place on May 23!

Our Best of Business Ballot is open through May 15!

Our Healthcare Heroes Awards event takes place on May 9!

Our Westchester Home Builders Awards take place on April 4!

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Forum is March 14!

Holiday flash sale ... subscribe and save 50%

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.