Colonial Bronxville mansion built by General George Custer’s widow hits the market for $5M
After General George Custer perished in Little Big Horn in 1876 (Custer’s Last Stand), his widow Elizabeth Bacon Custer moved to New York amid her quest to salvage her late husband’s legacy through her three books, “Tenting on the Plains,” “Boots and Saddles,” and “Following the Guidon.” In 1902, after attainting recognition and financial success through her writing, Elizabeth commissioned a massive Colonial-style home in Bronxville. Located in the high-end Lawrence Park neighborhood, the landmarked mansion boasts six period fireplaces, seven bedrooms, turreted rooms, “whimsical nooks and crannies,” a large wine cellar, and landscaped gardens surrounding stone terraces and pathways.
6 Chestnut Avenue sits atop a high crest with tree-top views of the village below. Libbie, as she was better known, named the home “Laurentia” in honor of her friends and fellow Bronxville residents William and Sarah Lawrence.
Architect William Bates, who got his start under McKim, Mead, and White, designed the 6,764-square-foot home. In fact, he designed most of the residences in Lawrence Park, which is a National Register Historic District, and in total, built more than 50 private homes throughout Bronxville.
Other historic details inside include coffered ceilings, lots of moldings, ornate windows, hardwood floors, and window seats.
The eat-in kitchen comes complete with a butler’s pantry.
The lovely sun room is wrapped in operable windows.
The wrap-around porch leads to the .62 acres of perfectly landscaped outdoor space. There’s also a three-car garage.
In addition to the wine room, the lower level contains a playroom and gym.
George and Libbie in 1864
Libbie Custer passed away in 1933, but her former home can be yours for $4.99 million.
[Listing: 6 Chestnut Avenue by Rita Steinkamp and Sheila Morrissey Stoltz of Houlihan Lawrence]
[Via NYP]
Images via Houlihan Lawrence
