House of the Week: Re-envisioned carriage house
$1.799 million
Annual property taxes: $ 29,628
81 Girdle Ridge Dr, Katonah
It’s hard to believe this stunning, four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath modern marvel was once a 1905 carriage house. The original exterior (including its distinctive slate roof, weathervane, and chimney) remains respectfully intact, giving no hint of the spectacular surprise that awaits inside—an amazing blend of then and now, thanks to a re-envisioned bold and inventive interior by Katonah-based architect Myron Goldfinger. Reminders of its carriage house past, featured throughout, now add architectural interest within a modern design. Period details, such as wood beams, stable doors, vaulted ceilings, and wide-planked wood floors, are cleverly integrated with a modern, bright, open floor plan; sleek living room with built-in banquet seating and fireplace; a spacious custom gourmet kitchen; skylights; walk-in closets; and a master bedroom suite with luxurious marble bath. “Architect Myron Goldfinger’s award-winning transformation of this turn-of-the-century carriage house has created a stunning home that masterfully blends old and new in a unique and enchanting way,” says listing agent Nelson Salazar. “Many people today are spending a lot of money building ‘green’ homes. But, what’s more ‘green’ than working with the structures that already exist? When you think about how much energy is consumed in tearing down and producing all the raw materials that go into a home, this is the ultimate ‘green’ home.” The original structure also was expanded to include an attached three-car garage topped with a bonus room. The one-acre property is within walking distance to historic Caramoor, which had its own origins as a summer home and country retreat. For more information, contact Coldwell Banker listing agent Nelson Salazar at (914) 234-3292 or visit www.coldwellbankermoves.com.
Rose Pruning Day at Lyndhurst
Learn the rose-pruning techniques that lead to the best blooms during Rose Pruning Day at the Lyndhurst Rose Garden (635 S Broadway, Tarrytown) on Saturday, March 24, from 10 am to 2 pm, while the Rose Garden gets prepped for another stunning season. The event features demonstrations by rose experts, including members of the Garden Club of Irvington-on-Hudson and Cornell Cooperative Extension’s current class of Master Gardeners, as well as a special presentation at noon by Krystyn Hastings-Silver, Lyndhurst’s restoration manager, who will discuss the history of the Rose Garden and efforts to maintain it as an example of “preservation in action.” Admission and parking adjacent to the garden are free. For more information, call (914) 631-4481 ext. 43234.
Hands-on Pruning Workshop
Get more help with pruning in a hands-on workshop on Thursday, March 29, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Garden Education Center of Greenwich (130 Bible St, Greenwich, CT). Lisa Beebe, the Garden Education Center’s director of horticulture, will review the best time to prune plants and identify which plants need re-trimming later in the season. Bring pruning tools and gloves and be prepared to snip away! For more information and to purchase tickets at $15, call (203) 869-9242 or visit www.gecgreenwich.org.
Intro to Greenhouse Gardening
The first of a three-part greenhouse gardening workshop, led by C. Fanelli Landscaping pros, begins Saturday, March 24, from 10 am to noon at Lasdon Park and Arboretum (Route 35, Somers). At the end of the three-session class, which continues on March 31 and April 7, you should know the secret to starting seeds, how to propagate plants through a variety of techniques, and practical steps to prepare your garden for spring planting. You’ll also leave with the seeds you start. A $60 fee covers all three classes. For more information and to pre-register (required), call (914) 886-5108.
Annual Spring Garden School
While we’re on the subject of gardening, consider rediscovering your green thumb by spending a day with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener volunteers and educators at the annual Spring Garden School on Saturday, March 24, from 10:30 am to 3 pm. The comprehensive day of learning held at the Mahopac Library (668 Route 6, Mahopac, NY) focuses on four fundamental garden topics: tomatoes, growing and using culinary herbs, selecting the right plants for the right space, and protecting your garden against deer and other four-legged pests. The registration fee of $15 per person ($25 for two) also covers coffee and munchies, including herb-infused goodies courtesy of the Master Gardeners. For more information, call (845) 278-6738, visit www.cce.cornell.edu/putnam, or e-mail Patricia Madigan at pcm6@cornell.edu.
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