House of the Week: Restored Armonk Treasure
$1.485 million
Annual property taxes: $14,895
512 Bedford Rd, Armonk
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
When the current owners first set eyes on this four-bedroom 18th century antique stone Colonial, it clearly needed a lot of TLC starting with overgrown vines, leaky pipes, and a confusing interior filled with mismatched styles from previous owners. But, they weren’t deterred. They had a vision and the patience, determination, and appreciation for the home’s history to bring the vision to life. “The owners did more than restore the home’s character,” says listing agent Angela Schuler. “Their renovations actually enhanced the integrity and charm of this circa 1760 house. The workmanship and the quality of materials they used were exceptional, including the exterior stonework, the granite countertops, the French imported limestone, and reclaimed wood floors. There’s a real pulse to the house now.” Thanks to the careful restoration, the historic stone house now features a charming master bedroom suite with updated master bath; a roomy rustic gourmet farmhouse kitchen with butler’s pantry, Wolf appliances, center island, custom cabinets, granite countertops, imported limestone tiling, limestone floor, and barn-style walls (in keeping with the home’s architectural style); and updated heating system, while still preserving the home’s original distinctive architectural features, including its stained glass door, handcrafted oak doors, handcarved stone fireplace, leaded glass windows, the window-lined master bedroom’s wood-beam vaulted ceiling, and a stone milestone marker used to direct stagecoach drivers. If the home’s next owner has ideas of expanding, retrofitting the basement isn’t an option—its natural structural limitations prevent the basement from being finished for additional living space. The two-acre estate, known as Redbrooke Farm, also includes a barn house, now used as a garage. For more information, contact Prudential Douglas Elliman Westchester listing agent Angela Schuler at (914) 625-7358 or visit www.elliman.com/westchester.
Sharpen Your Landscaping Skills
Interested in digging deeper into landscaping? Two upcoming classes will help you sharpen your skills.
Plants for Landscaping
In a series of four Saturday classes at The New York Botanical Garden (2900 Southern Blvd in the Bronx), participants will explore the use of plants in a landscape—selecting plants to fit specific design criteria, maintenance needs, and choosing the right plant for the right place. The class also will focus on important aspects, such as size, texture, color, and flowering and fruiting seasons, and review trees, shrubs, ground covers, annuals, and perennials suitable for landscaping in this region. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for outdoor exploration. The series (at $370 for non-members and $340 for members) begins Saturday, August 4. For more information and to register, visit www.nybg.org or call (800) 322-NYBG (6924)
Shade-Loving Plants
 |
|
Photo courtesy of Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial |
For a much less intense look at landscaping, consider a one-hour workshop focused solely on perennials and shrubs that do well in the shadier areas of the garden. Gain valuable tips while walking with the horticulturist on Sunday, August 5, from 2 pm to 3 pm at the Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial (2610 Amawalk Rd (Route 35), Katonah). For more information, call (914) 864-7268 or visit www.parks.westchestergov.com/calendar-of-events
Rolls-Royce Concours Helps Market Historic House
 |
|
Photo courtesy of Ed Cusati, homeowner |
Selling your own property can be challenging to say the least. But, there’s nothing like a Rolls-Royce Concours on the front lawns to attract desired attention (and possibly prospective buyers) to a landmark estate at 175 Waccabuc Rd in Goldens Bridge—a one-of-a-kind event for an equally unique property. Recently, the historic 18-room mansion served as the grand backdrop for the Annual Rolls-Royce Concours sponsored by the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club Atlantic Region, featuring a distinguished collection of pre-war, post-war, and modern Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars prominently displayed on the 5.42-acre rolling grounds. One of the highlights of the day-long event—a personal guided house tour of the striking yellow 1827 Greek Revival, known as the Brady House, that was lovingly restored over 36 years to its original grandeur by owners Ed and Judy Cusati. After rescuing the historic property in 1975, the Cusatis meticulously worked room by room to restore the wood-beam ceilings, rare chestnut wide-planked floors, seven hand-carved fireplaces (two with beehive ovens), oversized center hallways and stairway landings, and rooms that reflect the elegant and graceful living of the time. While renovating, they also subtly worked in such modern amenities as a plush home theater, a well-appointed country kitchen, his and hers offices, and a conference room. For more information about the property now on the market for $4.495 million, contact Ed Cusati at (914) 232-9449 or ecusati@bestweb.net, or visit www.oldhouses.com (listing #5549).
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.
