The Home on Bayview Avenue – Beacon NY:

Beacon, New York:

Know as “Beech Lawn” this luxury Tudor Revival home of Tarrytown NY was designed by architect Eugene J. Lang. T  The home was featured in House & Garden Magazine 1919.

“….It is the carved artistry of the past reproduced with restraint and discrimination that gives this facade its unusual interest and distinction…”
– House and Garden Magazine, November 1919.

Historical Background:

The home was built for Bernhard Hermann and his mother Sara Speyer Hermann. They were connected with the New York banking house of Speyer & Company.  Historically, among the firm’s projects was the financing of the Civil War abroad and the post-Civil War railroad expansion in the U.S. After an education at Columbia University – Bernhard Hermann went to work at the banking firm of his father Speyer & Company in New York City.  He commissioned the house following the death of his father and Speyer & Company partner Ferdinand Hermann.

Among the subsequent owners of Beech Lawn was Eisenhower presidential advisor and chief speech writer – Malcolm Moos.  He is credited with having penned Dwight D. Eisenhower’s famous valedictory speech  with its famous warning about the military industrial complex.  Moos and his family lived at Beech Lawn during the 1960s.  Malcolm Moos was also an adviser and speechwriter of New York State Governor Nelson Rockefeller, who would later become Vice President of the United States.

Some of the original details:

Original details, in a beautifully crafted Tudor revival design
Designed  in stucco with hewn half -timber
High, arched ceilings
Hardwood Flooring
Six fireplaces
Eight bedrooms, five baths, two half baths
Leaded glass
Bedrooms with fireplaces and morning sunlight
Ample closet space
Private grounds – fruit and specimen trees
Over one acre, convenient to transportation and the village
Original front gate columns, driveway walls, and slate roof
Oversized swimming pool

Overview of  the home:

The first level includes all the amenities of bygone era including a Formal Living Room with fireplace and wood paneling, a Formal Dining Room with a fire place, wood paneling and French doors, a Sitting Room/Music Room with a fireplace and French doors, a Sun Parlor, Breakfast Room, eat-in Kitchen, Office, Powder Room and side entrance with service stairs.

The second level includes a Master Bedroom Suite with river views and a fireplace. There is also a Master Sleeping Porch with river view, Master Dressing Room , Master Bath, Laundry, Walk-in closet with built-ins,  Three additional bedrooms with fireplaces, Bedroom/Office,  Two additional baths, a Heated Sleeping Porch /Gym and Powder Room and service stairs.

The third level includes, a Staff Kitchen, Staff Dining Room, Sitting Room, Two Baths, an additional room and Hallway with built-in storage.

There is also a full attic and full unfinished basement.

The Grounds include a Detached Garage, Fountain, In-Ground Swimming Pool, Mature Apple and Pear Trees and expansive rear lawn.

This property is located in the Village of Tarrytown within the School System of the Tarrytowns.

This listing is courtesy of Steiner Real Estate Associates

The Stonecrest Cooperative:  21 North Chatsworth Ave – Larchmont NY:

This is so aggressively priced that it is officially ridiculous…BRING YOUR OFFERS.

The Stonecrest of Larchmont  is an elegant pre-war Tudor cooperative with a rich history in an historic village.   Located on North Chatsworth Ave.,  the location is nothing short of ideal.  Few Westchester coops could compete with this location. Just steps from Metro-North and center of the village.

21 N Chatsworth Ave. has been a desired location since Lou Gehrig called the Stonecrest home.  This is definitely a leave the car behind location – with a coveted “walker’s paradise” score of 92 out of 100 from  walkscore.com.  The train, shopping and fine dining are just steps from your door.  In fact this location can easily be considered Sound Shore alternative to the famous Garth Road in Scarsdale.  Garth Road cooperatives are desirable because of their location near the village of Scarsdale and the easy access to metro-north.  The Stonecrest is even more walkable than most locations on Garth Road and is literally half a block from the New Haven Line.  Larchmont to NYC is an express stop about 35 minutes from midtown Manhattan.  In addition to all that you’ve got the Long Island Sound!  It doesn’t get any better than this!  People considering an entry level White Plains condo or coop – or perhaps a coop on Garth Road – would find the amenities of this complex very appealing.

This is a doorman building with a common laundry.  There is a waitlist for parking which can be either outdoor or indoor.

For more information on the Stonecrest including recent sales history – click here.

For more information about the immediate neighborhood – click here.

For more information about Larchmont NY – click here.

Unit #3C  -  A Large 1BR/1BA Coop:

For more photos from this Larchmont neighborhood and the Stonecrest – click here

For more photos of the interior of unit #3C – click here.

With 900 sq.ft. of space this is a very large space for  1 BR unit.  The living area is generously sized  The entry can easily serve as a home office space.  The bedroom is over-sized.  There is plenty of closet space and the potential for extra storage for rent.  The bathroom is brand new with new subway tile and a granite vanity. It’s a fabulous upgrade.  In addition the hardwood  floors with their unique detail have been  newly  refinished and there is fresh paint throughout.     The views from the living room, kitchen and bedroom are all tree-level views of North Chatsworth Ave.  The unit is bright and sunny with high cove ceilings.  The parquet and inlay detail on the living area floor adds a unique character.  The kitchen is in need of updating and this is reflected in the competitive price.

Cost of Living:

Maintenance Fee:  $779 without STAR – 50%  deductible (Note: this unit currently does not have STAR)
Parking Fee  -  (when available) $65/month for outdoor and $70/month for indoor.
10% minimal down payment.

Loan Amount with 20% down:  $159,200

$779.00 Maintenance
$779.00  monthly mortgage payment*
$1558/month gross outlay – before tax savings:

**Savings on federal income taxes from mortgage interest and property taxes: -$264.00/month

$1294/month  after tax deductions**

*  Assumes a 4.2% interest rate on a fixed rate 30 year loan.
** Assumes a top marginal rate of 28% with the above loan.  Does not include STAR which will be delayed until the next application cycle.

This is without STAR savings which would start to kick within a year. That would reduce net outlay  to roughly  $1225/month.  This is so ridiculously affordable its insane. 

Comparable rentals in similar complexes in this location run  roughly $1800 -$1900 a month That’s a savings of $578-$678 a month or  $6936 – $8136 in savings a year. 

Note that the calculations regarding tax savings is an approximation.  I am not an accountant and don’t even play one on TV!  However, this certainly beats renting in terms of total outlay for the space that you get and it’s win-win in that in a world or rapidly rising rents – this stabilizes outlay.

Take it with you!

Just scan this QR code into your smart phone or iPad – and have this information at your fingertips! You can find the applcation at the following link: quiQR

© 2011 Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com.  All rights reserved.

Welcome home to a one-of-a-kind unit in a a one-of-a-kind cooperative.

The Broadlawn is truly unique.  Located in the heart of  downtown White Plains – it seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown.  Once you walk through the entry – you find yourself in a mature English garden with mature plantings.  This is the most unique cooperative complex in the city of White Plains NY and perhaps the most unique of Westchester coops overall.

For more information on the Broadlawn click here.

This elegant 2BR/1BA duplex has just undergone a face lift with the pine paneling that dominated the living area removed. The elegant mantel for the fireplace remains intact while the new walls have been plastered and painted in neutral tones.  A working fireplace  and  elegant French doors opening onto  to a balcony that overlooks the gardens completes the dramatic effect these units are known for.  The modern kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances  has been opened up into the formal dining room creating a wonderfully unique and open space.  Upstairs the unique beamed ceilings continue the theme.  A beautiful welcoming environment.

Cost of Living:

Monthly Maintenance $1230.00 – 50%  tax deductible.
Maintenance  with single STAR =  $1103
Additional Fees:
$80 parking
$37.04 for family cable
Number of shares – 670

The Lifestyle:

Living just half a block from White Plains City Center and Trump Tower, you are just a heartbeat away from the center of everything.  The City Center offers movie theaters, fine dining including restaurants such as Legal Seafood.   The Ritz Carlton just around the corner offers an amazing dining experience on the 42nd floor. Level 42  is amazing with its panoramic views of the City, Long Island Sound, the Hudson and upper Westchester.  The famous Westchester Mall with its high-end retail is also within walking distance. For those who want to eat organically at home, Whole Foods is another destination within easy range along with Morton Steak and the Cheesecake Factory.   It’s city living in what traditionally was considered a suburban town – turned mini-Manhattan.

Pet Friendly:

Dogs and cats permitted with board approval.

Note: This Listing is Courtesy of Carolyn Schoemer of Keller Williams Realty NY.

© 2010 Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com.  All rights reserved.

The Residences at Jefferson Place in Downtown White Plains NY.

Jefferson place is a new and very desirable complex located in downtown White Plains. The complex spans an entire square block between Livingston Ave and Rutherford Ave in White Plains NY.  The side facing Mamaroneck Ave is an eight-story urban mid-rise with a sophisticated brick façade. The Greenridge Ave  side of the complex  is built in low rise “town house” style which is in keeping with the suburban  neighborhood of the Highlands which it borders. Jefferson Place is just steps away from all the shopping and dining that downtown White Plains has to offer.

Just across the street on the Mamaroneck Ave. side there is plenty of fine dining, take out and retail – all within easy walking distance of the complex. The heart of the downtown with all it has to offer is just a stroll down the street. Walk to almost everything: Shopping entertainment, fine dining and so much more. Walk score is 92 out of 100 – making it a “walkers paradise.”

For more still photos of this wonderful unit please click here.

This Luxury 1 BR/Home Office Unit Offers:

• Over 900 s.f.
• Separate home office area.
• Excellent living space with a great layout.
• Hardwood floors.
• Modern granite kitchen & baths.
• Private laundry in unit.
• Walk-in-closets –  ample storage.

Jefferson Place Amenities:

Jefferson Place is well-known for the amenities in its common space. It offers luxury touches that are generally only  found in condo complexes with far higher price points. These include:

• 24 hour doorman.
• Indoor parking
• Club Room.
• Media Center.
• State-of-the-art gym.
• Business and conference center.
• Central AC.

#ws-walkscore-tile{position:relative;text-align:left}#ws-walkscore-tile *{float:none;}#ws-footer a,#ws-footer a:link{font:11px Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;margin-right:6px;white-space:nowrap;padding:0;color:#000;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none}#ws-footer a:hover{color:#777;text-decoration:none}#ws-footer a:active{color:#b14900}

Find out your home’s Walk Score:

Cost of living:

* Current Listing Price: $389,900.
* Property Taxes: $4635 without STAR.
* STAR Savings:  $1525.
* Monthly Common Charges/Fees: $483.
* Monthly Mortgage: $1772*
* Gross Outlay: $2514.

Net Outlay After Taxes:

$2044/month**

* Conservative estimate includes FULL list price. Also assumes conservative 5.5% 30 year fixed rate loan with 20% down payment. Includes STAR savings.
** Assumes 28% marginal tax rate and fixed rate loan sighted above.

© 2010 Ruthmarie G. Hicks, http://thewestchesterview.com. All rights reserved.

Newly Reduced Price – the most competitive price at Jefferson Place above the ground floor.

The Residences at Jefferson Place in Downtown White Plains NY.

Jefferson place is a new and very desirable complex located in downtown White Plains in the coveted 10605 zip code. The complex spans an entire square block between Livingston Ave. and Rutherford Ave. in White Plains, NY.  The units cover two major addresses: 300 Mamaroneck Ave. and 31 Greenridge Ave. The side facing Mamaroneck Ave. is an eight-story urban mid-rise with a sophisticated brick façade. The other side of the complex on Greenridge gives a bow to the suburban neighborhood of the Highlands that it borders. Jefferson Place is just steps away from all the shopping and dining that downtown White Plains has to offer.

Just across the street on the Mamaroneck Ave. side there is plenty of fine dining, take out and retail – all within easy walking distance of the complex. The heart of the downtown with all it has to offer is just a stroll down the street. Walk to almost everything: Shopping entertainment, fine dining and so much more. Walk score is 92 out of 100.

This Luxury 2 BR/2BA  Unit Offers:

* Over 1000 s.f.
* Top Floor Unit – the privacy of having no one above you.
* Balcony with plenty of light and spectacular city views.
* Working gas fireplace.
* Hardwood floors.
* Modern granite kitchen & baths.
* Walk-in-closets – LOTS of storage in the unit.
* Additional Storage comes with the unit.
* Full-sized laundry in unit.

For more photos, see the photostream for this listing on Flickr.

Jefferson Place Amenities:

Jefferson Place is well-known for the amenities in its common space. It offers luxury touches that are generally only  found in condo complexes with far higher price points. These include:

* 24 hour doorman.
* Indoor parking – this unit has a prime assigned spot.
* Club Room.
* Media Center.
* State-of-the-art gym.
* Business and conference center.
* Central AC.

COST OF LIVING

* Current Listing Price: $455,000
* Property Taxes: $7607 without STAR.
* STAR Savings:  $1525.
* Monthly Common Charges: $578.
* Monthly Mortgage: $2067*
* Gross Outlay: $3,152.

Net Outlay After Taxes:
$2546/month**

#ws-walkscore-tile{position:relative;text-align:left}#ws-walkscore-tile *{float:none;}#ws-footer a,#ws-footer a:link{font:11px Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;margin-right:6px;white-space:nowrap;padding:0;color:#000;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none}#ws-footer a:hover{color:#777;text-decoration:none}#ws-footer a:active{color:#b14900}

* Conservative estimate includes FULL list price. Also assumes conservative 5.5% 30 year fixed rate loan with 20% down payment. Includes STAR savings.
** Assumes 28% marginal tax rate and fixed rate loan sighted above.

© 2009 Ruthmarie Garcia Hicks. http://thewestchesterview .com All rights reserved.

Beautiful, totally renovated  4 BR/2.5BA Home has a fabulous flow that is perfect for entertaining family and friends with an additional 650 sq ft in the finished basement. Marvelous layout – perfect for entertaining. Here are some of the best features:

• Au Pair/ In Law Suite (or potential master) located on the ground floor w/full bath, large closet with built in shelves, brand new carpeting, access to a second attic, private entrance and patio.
• Brand new granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances; roll out cabinets, two pantries, plenty of storage.
• Large living room with beautiful fireplace, great sunlight and access to a covered patio.
• Formal Dining Room with lots of light.
• Three bedrooms on second floor. Very large master with his and her closets.
• Full attic with pull down stairs.
• Walkout finished basement with great storage (not included in sq. ft) complete with brand new carpeting.
• New windows (fold in for easy cleaning), New Anderson storm doors, new central air and new light fixtures throughout.
• Wonderful corner lot with plenty of privacy.  Tranquil setting perfect for those who enjoy outdoor living. Great space for dining or gardening.
• Large driveway, can accommodate up to 7 cars.
• Very short walk to tennis courts and track.
• The taxes are reasonable at $10,190/year which does not include the STAR reduction of $1525.

The current owners have done all the heavy lifting for you.  Nothing to do but MOVE IN and enjoy!

The house features 1825 s.f. of living space on the first and second floors with an additional 650 s.f. in the finished walk-out basement.

This location offers the best of both worlds.  Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown White Plains, you have all the fine dining, shopping and entertainment our city is famous for at your fingertips.  Yet  Havilands Manor is a  quiet residential neighborhood that seems a world away from city life.  The commute to Manhattan is equally convenient.  It’s a mere 33 minutes by Metro-North to Grand Central Station.

For more photos of this listing be sure to visit the gallery offered on Flickr.

©2009 Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – all rights reserved.

Note the newly reduced in price! Initially $474,900 now $469,000. This unit is the most competitively priced 2 BR unit at Jefferson Place. The sellers are serious and are inviting serious offers.

Jefferson Place:

300 Mamaroneck Ave & 31 Greenridge Ave. White Plains, NY 10605:

The Residences at Jefferson place is a large condo complex in downtown White Plains in the coveted 10605 zip code. The complex spans on square block between Livingston Ave. and Rutherford Ave. in White Plains, NY with units on 300 Mamaroneck Ave. and 31 Greenridge Ave. The side facing Mamaroneck Ave. is an eight-story urban mid-rise with a sophisticated brick façade. Jefferson Place is just steps away from all the shopping and dining that downtown White Plains has to offer. The other side of the complex on Greenridge Ave. gives a bow to the suburban neighborhood of the Highlands that it borders.

Just across the street on the Mamaroneck Ave. side there is plenty of fine dining, take out and retail – all within easy walking distance of the complex. The heart of the downtown with all it has to offer is just a stroll down the street. Walk to almost everything: Shopping entertainment, fine dining and so much more. Walk score is 89 out of 100.

For additional still photos of this unit, follow this link.

Jefferson Place Amenities:

Jefferson Place is known for its amenities. It offers luxury touches found in condo complexes with much higher price points. These include:

• 24 hour doorman.
• Indoor parking – this unit has a prime assigned spot.
• Club Room.
• Media Center.
• State-of-the-art gym.
• Business and conference center.
• Central AC.

This Luxury 2 BR/2BA Unit

• Over 1100 s.f.
• Private end unit with great views.
• Large bay window with city panorama.
• Hardwood floors.
• Modern granite kitchen & baths.
• Walk-in-closets – LOTS of storage.
• Full-sized laundry in unit.

This is a terrific unit and its the location in the complex that makes it special. The views are excellent throughout. It is an end-unit with plenty of cross -ventilation and unencumbered views. The large bay window keeps everything bright and sunny. The location is very private as well.

COST OF LIVING:

• Current Listing Price: $469,000.
• Property Taxes: $7087.32 without STAR.
• STAR Savings: $1675.02.
• Monthly Common Charges: $552.07.
• Monthly Mortgage: $2130.34.*
• Gross Outlay: $3,133.44.

Net Outlay After Taxes:
$2,528.59/month**

* Conservative estimate includes FULL list price. Also assumes conservative 5.5% 30 year fixed rate loan with 20% down payment. Includes STAR savings.
** Assumes 28% marginal tax rate and fixed rate loan sighted above.

© 2009 Ruthmarie Garcia Hicks. http://thewestchesterview .com All rights reserved.

Hartsdale Towers is a beautiful pre-war complex located on the corner of the highly desirable East Hartsdale Ave. and Columbia Ave. This complex features a unique stucco and brick facade with wonderful old-growth trees and landscaping that create a residential feel in spite of its location on E. Hartsdale Ave. The lobby is Art Nouveau with stunning moldings and details.

The unit itself is a large 2 BR unit with 1080 s.f. It has high cove ceilings and newly refinished hard-wood floors. The kitchen and bath are updated and the kitchen contains new stainless steel appliances. Bright and airy with excellent view of E. Hartsdale Ave. the unit offers tremendous value for the price.

The amenities include a common laundry and extra storage for $30.10/month – although there is a short wait for a storage unit.

The neighborhood surrounding the complex offers the best of all worlds for those who call it home. The neighborhood is highly walkable. You can leave the car behind when it comes to errands in the village or dining. The train is about 0.5 miles from your door. The neighborhood behind the complex the highly desirable residential neighborhood known as Manor Woods which is a lovely area for those who enjoy walking in a residential setting.

Vital Statistics:
Price $230,000
Down Payment 20%
Monthly Maintenance $715/mo.

Assuming a $184,000 30-year fixed mortgage at a rate of 5.5%, the GROSS outlay to own this coop is $1760.00 (rounded to the nearest dollar.)

Assuming a 25% marginal rate and allowing for mortgage interest deductions and tax deductions the net outlay is conservatively slighly over $1400/month. This blows away most 1 BR and all 2 BR rentals in the area. It also makes this 2 BR unit competitive with many 1 BR coops in terms of affordability.

©2009 Ruthmarie Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com. All rights reserved.

Just across the street on the Mamaroneck Ave. sid e there is plenty of fine dining, take out and retail – all within easy walking distance of the complex. Iannelli’s , a local Italian favorite is directly across from the Mamaroneck Ave. side. Going to either the Westchester Mall, Fortunoff, Whole Foods or the Cheesecake factory it is easy to leave the car behind and take a short walk.

Built in 2005, this complex offers state-of-the-art luxury. As such, it is no bargain. But it offers convenience, luxury and perks at a lower price than can be had at the Ritz Carlton or Trump. Among other things, Jefferson Place offers on-site parking (you can buy an extra space), laundry in each unit, central air conditioning, a 24-hour concierge, a workout room with state-of-the-art equipment, a media room and a business center. The units are beautifully appointed with granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, luxurious master suites and more than ample closet space. The living room areas sport hard-wood floors with carpeting for the bedrooms.

The unit:

This particular unit is on the Mamaroneck Ave. side of the complex and boasts views of downtown White Plains. Bright and sunny, this 750 sq.ft. unit has all the amenities that Jefferson Place is famous for. Gleaming hardwood floors in the living area, granite in the kitchen and bath a spa-sized bathroom along with walk in closets all contribute to the feel of luxury. Built in late 2005, the complex is 3.5 years young. The appliances are in nearly new condition as is everything else in the unit.

Vital Statistics:

1BR/1BA, 750 sq.ft.

Asking Price: $370,000

Monthly maintenance: $381.48

Yearly taxes: $4821.17 – $1675.02 (STAR savings) = $3146.15

Total Monthly outlay excluding mortgage: $643.66

For additional Still Photos of Jefferson Place and this unit – view the photo-set of this unit on Flickr.

The Cost of Living:

The unit is listed for $350,000. Assuming a 20% downpayment along with a 5.25% loan would create a monthly mortgage payment of $1634.00 and $683 for maintenance and mortgage when you include STAR savings. After tax deductions – the outlay amounts to roughly $1800 a month – which is highly competitive with local rentals.

Pet-Friendly Condo:

The Complex allows all dogs up to 60 lbs. – making it a very pet-friendly complex.

© 2009 http://thewestchesterview.com All rights reserved.