Houses of the Week
Two Yorktown Heights Huntersville Getaways
Two weekender/summer homes with gated entrances could be yours for the right price in the historic Huntersville section of Yorktown Heights, traditionally known for its properties designed as country retreats. Even with plenty of year-round residents, the area still retains its retreat status. As listing agent Cathy Duff-Poritzky explains, “The area lends itself to weekenders because of its country feel, babbling brook, bucolic settings, in-ground pools, tennis courts, private properties of two or more acres, and proximity to the Croton Reservoir.”
Heavenly hideaway
$975,000
Annual property taxes: $27,809
2300 Hunterbrook Rd, Yorktown Heights
Retreat into a cocoon of luxury and panache at this heavenly hideaway. If any house is dressed for a ball, it’s this one. And if this sophisticated Colonial looks like it has all the markings of a Kips Bay Decorator Show House, there’s good reason.
Professionally decorated by interior and furniture designer Victoria Imperioli, this 1970 gem incorporates elements featured in her Kips Bay Show House stylings. Each of its 15 rooms has its own sense of flair and drama thanks to fabric-draped ceilings, fabric-covered walls, bold tile design, and hand-painted murals. Occasionally sharing the private sanctuary with family and friends couldn’t be easier. “It’s spectacular for entertaining, starting with a perfect flow,” says Duff-Poritzky. “It has multi-tiered decking, an in-ground pool, and two absolutely spectacular sunrooms overlooking the 2.5-acre grounds. The rooms are inviting and perfect for relaxing and reading.” A separate living quarters with its own private rear entrance is ideal for guests and parties. “There have been large parties with up to 200 guests during the summer,” Duff-Poritzky adds. “Between the multiple patios, the pool, and cabana, no one has to go into the main house.”
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Historic Haven
$1,999,900
Annual property taxes: $29,551
1380 Hunterbrook Rd, Yorktown Heights
On the other hand, if you’d rather retreat into a piece of history with a more rustic feel, you’re in luck. Set on four expansive landscaped acres, this historic 12-room 1945 farm house is designed by Julie Whitcomb, who’s credited with developing summer homes for well-heeled New York City clients in the 1940s and 1950s. “Her trademark designs included lots of windows overlooking pools and ponds,” says listing agent Cathy Duff Poritzky. As Duff Poritzky explains, the house underwent an extensive renovation at the hand of architect David Graham, whose careful work preserved the original architecture. 
The result reclaimed original wide planked floors from a barn and added an extension with a second-floor master bedroom suite and a large balcony. “What makes this house especially unique are its four separate bedroom suites that are located on opposite ends of the house for added privacy,” Duff Poritzky notes. “The arrangement is ideal for hosting overnight guests and allows them to have their own private suite.” Other notable features: a dual-sided fireplace for the formal living and dining areas, a heated pool, and a gazebo, private pond, dock, and number of rock outcroppings.
For more information on both Huntersville properties, contact Coldwell Banker listing agent Cathy Duff Poritzky at (914) 960-5577 or visit www.coldwellbankermoves.com.
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Calling All Developers
Minimum bid: $1.9 million
39 Morrow Ave, Yonkers
An unusual development property has come on the market and will be sold in an equally unconventional way—by auction. Possibly a developer’s dream, the partially improved 7.94-acre property on the Scarsdale/Yonkers border (appraised at $6.7 million) can be yours for a mere $1.9 million—the minimum bid for the auction scheduled by Paramount Realty USA for December 14 at 6 pm at The Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan. It’s not often that a developer can acquire a development site with approvals in place and the pathway cleared. According to Misha Haghani, a principal of Paramount Realty USA, “This auction represents an incredible investment opportunity for a local, regional, or national developer to step in an complete the original—and sure to be profitable—vision of the current owner.” That vision is an already-approved-and-zoned hilltop gated townhouse community with 42 three-story 2,400 to 2,500 square-foot townhomes, each with three bedrooms, two and a half baths, living and recreation rooms, and a private two-car garage. A win-win for all involved, including Yonkers, which benefits from new townhome housing, local jobs, and real estate taxes. For more information visit www.prusa.com.
Riverview Club Rent-to-Own Seminar
If you’re eager to own but can’t quite swing it financially, renting to own may be a workable solution. Not only does the rent-to-own option offer a chance to test drive before sealing the deal, but it can also help with financing. The trendy Riverview Club condominium development in Yonkers is actively working with potential buyers on a rent-to-own transition that eases current renters into purchasing. After its first popular session in October was so well attended, a second seminar is scheduled for Thursday, December 8, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Riverview Club’s Clubroom, 1155 Warburton Avenue in Yonkers. The informational session will provide interested first-time buyers with the facts and details necessary to make informed financial decisions. A mortgage expert from Wells Fargo, Gay Prizio of Houlihan Lawrence, along with Randi Kahn and Jeff Bookman of River Hill Residential, LLC, (sponsors of Riverview Club) will all be present. Residences at the Riverview Club range from $180,000 to the mid-$500,000s for studios to three-bedroom homes. For more information call Staci Zampa at (914) 965-6360 or e-mail info@riverviewclub.com.
AIA Westchester Hudson Valley Honors Carol J.W. Kurth, Russell A. Davidson
The Westchester Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects celebrates its 75th anniversary with a black-tie “Soiree SevenFive” gala at the Katonah Museum of Art (134 Jay St, Katonah) from 7 pm to 11 pm on Wednesday, November 30. The milestone event also honors the induction of architect Carol J.W. Kurth, FAIA, into the AIA College of Fellows for her significant contributions to architecture and recognizes her selection for a National AIA Diversity Award. It additionally celebrates the election of Russell A. Davidson AIA, (former AIA Westchester Hudson Valley President) as 2012-2013 Vice President of the AIA. Last but not least, Roland Reisley will be presented with the AIA Westchester Hudson Valley 2011 Special Recognition Award for the many years of Usonia Tours he has conducted in conjunction with the Chapter, as well as for his lifelong passion for architectural design. For more information and tickets, visit www.aiawhv.com.
Caring for Holiday Plants
Do your holiday plants wilt long before any guests arrive? It may be time to get expert advice. Join the horticulturist of Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial (Rte 35, Somers) in the Garden Shop on Sunday, December 4, from 2 pm to 3 pm, to get tips on the care of holiday plants or, for that matter, any other indoor plants. Your plants will thank you! But, since it’s always good to have a Plan B, keep in mind that the Garden Shop will be open and brimming with holiday plants and gifts at special prices from Saturday, December 3, through Sunday, December 18, on Wednesdays through Sundays, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. For more information, call (914) 864-7268 or visit www.westchestergov.com.
Cold Spring Historic House Tours
Cold Spring’s historic charm will be on full display when the village kicks off the holiday season with its 9th annual tour of historic homes and sites on Saturday, December 3, from noon to 6 pm to benefit Partners with PARC. Along with tours of homes and landmark sites featured on the National Historic Register, participants can enjoy holiday music and caroling, discounts at local stores and restaurants, and visits with Old Saint Nick. Proceeds from the event will benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities through Partners with PARC. Tickets can be purchased in advance at a discount: $25 adults, $20 seniors, and $12 for children under 12, while tickets purchased on the day of the event will cost $35 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $15 for children under 12. For information and tickets, call 845-278-PARC (278-7272), ext. 287, or visit www.partnerswithparc.info.
Lunch & Learn about Green Cabinetry
Murphy Brothers Contracting and Majestic Kitchens & Baths are jointly hosting a lunch-and-learn focused on “Green Cabinetry without the Green Wash,” a comprehensive, educational program that follows the dictates of LEED. The event will be held on Wednesday, December 14, from noon to 1:30 pm in the Majestic Kitchens Showroom at 700 Fenimore Avenue in Mamaroneck. Led by Roberta Kravette, AKBD, founder and managing director of the Manhattan-based Niuew Amsterdam Kitchens, the seminar will help participants understand how to specify for environmentally friendly cabinetry and millwork projects; design for a healthy home environment without the paperwork; work with different types of materials and finishes for kitchen, bath, and built-in cabinetry use; and use and specify environmentally responsible materials for renovation and design projects. International regulations and certifications for materials and methods also will be discussed. Lunch for the seminar, which qualifies for credit for members of the American Institute of Architects, the National Kitchen & Bath Association, and the American Society of Interior Designers, will be provided by Majestic Kitchens & Baths. Since space is limited, call (914) 777-5777 or e-mail michael@murphybrothers.com to reserve your spot.
