I’ve had the pleasure of living in Westchester County for 23 years and acting as its resident cheerleader in my role as Features Editor at Westchester Magazine since 2001. Taking on Westchester Home with this issue is an additional delight, allowing me to voyeuristically peek into some of the most beautiful homes and gardens in our area. First and foremost is our very own DreamHome (page 48), a collaborative effort between Westchester Magazine, Murphy Brothers Contracting, and a whole slew of designers, vendors, and local businesses, resulting in a 7,100-square-foot home that is living testimony that it’s possible to decorate in an elegant and eco-friendly way. From the vintage, reclaimed wood used throughout the home to energy-saving appliances and lighting fixtures to countertops made of old newsprint, you’re sure to find some beautiful green ideas to use in your own home.
And speaking of green, we think you’ll love our featured gardens: a serene, Zen-like refuge in Scarsdale (page 68) and the bucolic Katonah retreat of entertainment magnate Michael Fuchs (page 76). We also offer an innovative solution to the deer-browse problem that many Westchester gardeners face (page 46), look at the latest designs in swimming pools (page 82), and feature both whimsical and traditional ornaments to add a defining touch to your own garden (page 38).
But Westchester Home is about more than just houses and gardens—it’s about living in those spaces. For backyard grillmasters, we offer tips and recipes from Jeff Kohn, Q Restaurant’s chef and co-owner (page 28). You may be surprised at his weapon of choice, but we know you’ll love his personal recipe for jerk chicken! Discover the best places to find serving ware for your next barbeque along with local interior designers’ favorite websites for lighting, fabric, furnishings, and more in “Shop” (page 22). Our “Buzz” column (page 16) is filled with cool design ideas, from elaborate garden sheds to home pizza ovens. And in case you decide to buck the staycation trend and get out of town for a while, Westchester Magazine features editor Laurie Yarnell tells us how to rough it, Ritz-style, at four luxurious, rural retreats (page 32). After all, going rustic doesn’t mean we should give up our four-star cuisine and Frette-swaddled featherbeds!
Wherever you enjoy your summer, we hope you do so with a copy of Westchester Home in hand.
Nancy L. Claus
Executive Editor
