1. House of the Week: Custom Hilltop Colonial
$1.295 million
Annual property taxes: $ 29,616
1900 Hunterbrook Rd, Yorktown Heights
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Without a doubt, this four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath hilltop Colonial was custom-built for the luxury life. And no design detail was spared from the grand entryway with its sweeping staircase to the gourmet kitchen with custom tile, cherry cabinetry, and high-end appliances to the discreet enclosed dog pen with special pea gravel to protect sensitive paws. The nearly six-acre property even comes with an unusual (not to mention adorable!) custom outdoor pink playhouse (every little girl’s dream) and separate tree house. “This home is part of Arrowcrest Estates and was custom-built for the current owners with attention to every detail,” explains listing agent Cathy Duff-Poritzky. “The wider moldings, archways, stained hardwood floors with inlaid tiles are featured throughout. The master bath has handpicked tile from India. The two-level turret and incredible outdoor space with professional landscaping along with a child’s paradise define this home.” Other notable features include high ceilings, solid wood doors, custom built-ins, two fireplaces, a spacious finished lower level, and a three-car attached garage. For more information, contact Coldwell Banker listing agent Cathy Duff-Poritzky at (914) 960-5577 or visit www.coldwellbankermoves.com.
2. Just Reduced! 
$ 1,699,900 (reduced by $300,000)
Annual property taxes: $ 31,037
1380 Hunterbrook Rd, Yorktown Heights
Originally featured in Open House in November, this historic 1945 nine-room farmhouse has just been reduced, making it an even better deal for a potential buyer looking for unique design (such as four separate bedroom suites on opposite sides of the house) paired with original architectural details. The property also has gotten a recent update, thanks to a complete repainting and a new look at the hand of interior designer Michael Sean Murray. For more information, contact Coldwell Banker listing agent Cathy Duff-Poritzky at (914) 960-5577 or visit www.coldwellbankermoves.com.
3. Green Open House Set for March 31
The Green Open House, previously mentioned in this space, has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 31, from 10 am to 2 pm. Stop by 64 Holbrooke Road in White Plains to see the green renovation of Keller Williams NY Realty EcoBroker Gerry Angel’s 1953 raised ranch in progress. The open house—the first of four onsite information sessions led by Murphy Brothers Contracting (the firm managing the whole-home renovation)—will showcase the pros involved with the 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 renewable energy systems); and Authentic Window Design (authorized Marvin Windows and Doors retailer). No reservations required! For more information, call Murphy Brothers Contracting at (914) 777-5777.
4. Free Seminar for First-Time Homebuyers
Realtor Melvin L. Moore, of Keller Williams Realty Group, is hosting his first annual homebuyer seminar on Saturday, April 7, from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Mount Vernon Public Library (28 S First Ave). Moore, also known as “The Real Estate Man,” will team with his real estate colleagues to guide first-time homebuyers through the process of purchasing a home and review unique opportunities in the current market. For more information and to register (required), call (914) 902-3261 or e-mail melvinmoorehouse@aol.com.
5. A Gardener’s Favorite Gardens
Ever wonder what inspires professional gardeners? Often it’s other gardens. Rye-based landscape designer Mary-Liz Campbell says she visits gardens to inspire her own landscape designs. As she explores, Campbell says she’s “looking at the plant choices and plant combinations and figuring out the basic design.” Her thoughts on some of her favorite gardens:
The High Line: “I love walking the High Line! It gives me such a different perspective of Manhattan. I am full of appreciation and awe for the founders who had the extraordinary vision and perseverance to save an old decrepit elevated railway track and for the designers who transformed it into a walkway with abundant plantings most of which are native species. I like how the soft plantings soften the hard architectural elements of the city. The High Line seems to make everyone look so happy!”
Bryant Park: “Bryant Park is a wonderful public park and garden. Even though it’s in the middle of Manhattan, I find it very restful. The gardens were designed by Lynden Miller [public garden designer and director of The Conservatory Garden]. I love the way she knits plants together with different shapes, textures and colors. I learn something every time I visit.”
The Conservatory Garden: “Lynden Miller also designed The Conservatory Garden at Fifth Avenue and 105th Street in Central Park. I like the fact that the garden is made up of many garden spaces so you can have a different experience in each of them. My favorite is the Secret Garden that has a water lily pond surrounded by shrubs and perennials that make the space feel very intimate and separate from the bigger garden and the city.”
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.
