Photos courtesy of Anthony Moreno and Corcoran Legends Realty
One of the properties crafted from the Vanderlip Mansion in the Scarborough neighborhood of Briarcliff Manor is on the market.
Back in 1906, a plane piloted by the Wright Brothers flew through Westchester, landing on the great lawn of 3 Beechwood Way. It was the same property where Narcissa Vanderlip alongside her close friend, Eleanor Roosevelt, discussed the topic of women’s suffrage. The two proceeded to establish The League of Women Voters and helped pass the 19th amendment.
Through the years, other notable names such as Henry Ford, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson were hosted by the then owner, Frank Vanderlip. Needless to say, this home has lived many lives.
Built in 1780, the modest farmhouse was constructed right on the Hudson River. Benjamin and Ann Folger were the original residents and named the home “Heartt Place.” This changed in the 1890s when Henry Walter Webb bought up and combined properties throughout Scarborough and renamed the property “Beechwood.” The name was inspired by the large beech trees that stand on the main lawn. Eventually, Webb hired the famous architect R.H Robertson to double the mansion in size and give it a Colonial revival style to complement the original neoclassical Federal style.
Today, one of the three residences crafted from the Vanderlips Mansion is on the market. The 6,000-sq-ft property features a 24/7 onside resident manager, a pool, tennis court, 33 acres of park-like land, and a mansion ballroom and library. While the home has undergone modern renovations, its original character is still evident. For example, its original, red-oak, custom-carved paneling, marble fireplaces, and plaster sculpted ceilings remain intact.
Upon entering the home, your eyes are drawn to the grand spiral staircase that leads up to the six bedrooms. The home also boasts five and a half baths.
Down the hall sits the warm, wooded living room with a marble fireplace. This is the perfect place to crack open a good book, sip on a glass of whiskey, or catch up with friends. Frank Vanderlip left his mark — quite literally — on the home via the ceiling of this room. The oak ceilings have the insignias of the colleges that awarded him honorary degrees.
Frank and Narcissa hired architect William W. Bosworth, most notable for his work on restoring the Palace of Versailles and rebuilding the roof of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Bosworth, working with Frank’s vision, added the home’s library with an octagonal rotunda and the custom carved oak paneled living room.
The finished lower level is where the home’s adventurous side comes out to play. It features a pool table, home theater, and rustic wine cellar.
The renovated eat-in chef’s kitchen sports Carrera marble countertops, neutral tones, and a cozy seating area. The dining room features an impressive chandelier that neighbors the intricate sculpted ceilings.
The grand windows and French doors look out onto the expansive land. If you don’t want to head outside but you’re craving some sunshine, the sunroom with a marble nymph fountain and tile floors should do the trick!
The historic Beechwood property has an extensive resume of owners, guests, and amenities. The estate was a filming location for the 1970s show House of Dark Shadows. And although the property is older in years, the luxury fixtures, finishes, and state-of-the-art smart home system keep the property modern and lively.
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Listing Agent: Alexandra Shaw, Corcoran Legends Realty
Asking Price: $2,400,000
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