Helen Hayes’ former Nyack home asks $719K

Helen Hayes‘ acting career spanned nearly 80 years, earning her the nickname “First Lady of American Theatre” and garnering her distinctions such as being one of only 12 people to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony and earning her the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Arts. When her storied life came to an end in 1993, she was living in Nyack, New York, where she first took up residency when she married playwright and screenwriter Charles MacArthur in 1928. At that time, the couple moved into a home at 29 Shadyside Avenue that Charles’ father had built in 1908. Now dubbed the “Helen Hayes Honeymoon Cottage,” the lovely Arts and Crafts-style home is on the market for $719,000 (h/t CIRCA).

The 2,266-square-foot home sits on 1.3 acres and has incredible, year-round views of the Hudson and Tappan Zee Bridge.

The front door opens to a “sleeping porch” that’s outfitted with lots of custom, built-in cabinetry.

The living room has a wood-burning fireplace, bay window with window seat, and original beamed ceilings.

Pocket doors lead to the formal dining room, which is distinguished by its six-foot-tall wainscoting surround.

The bright eat-in kitchen has updated appliances and a two-seat breakfast bar. It opens to a deck and the outdoor property.

There are four bedrooms total, and the master has an en-suite bath.

There’s also an attached garage and a walk-out basement. Plus, the home is just 26 miles from Midtown.

After leaving this house, Hayes and MacArthur bought another, larger historic home in Nyack–an 1858 Italianate Victorian that they dubbed Pretty Penny. Rosie O’Donnell lived there from 1996 to 2000.

[Listing: 29 Shadyside Avenue by Laura Weintraub of Weld Realty]

[Via CIRCA]

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Images courtesy of Weld Realty