Upstate

August 19, 2019

$400K cozy upstate A-frame puts a modern angle on a lakeside cottage retreat

This understated-yet-cool custom-crafted retreat, on the market for $395,000, isn't your average lakeside cottage. Built in 1965, the A-frame house at 39 Shore Road in the Columbia County hamlet of Ancram, N.Y. marries thorough modern renovations (central air, radiant heat, generator, washer/dryer, thermopane windows) and considered design for a completely unique hideaway.
Take a peek inside

Distinctive Homes

August 16, 2019

This $4M upstate Zen retreat is on a private island in the Hudson River

By Michelle Cohen

Located in the sleepy hamlet of New Hamburg in Dutchess County, separated from the banks of the Hudson River by a mere footbridge, this unique property asking $3.995 million is called Rabbit Island. And if you're into privacy and water views with an easy commute to anywhere, you'll want to hop on it. This pretty package includes a 4,427-square-foot house surrounded by decks and tranquil gardens, and it's a four-minute walk from the New Hamburg train station.
Zen-like tranquility, this way

Distinctive Homes

This $1.25M modernist house in Ossining was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s firm

Photos by Pedro Sousa of Jump Visual, courtesy of Compass

August 14, 2019

This $1.25M modernist house in Ossining was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s firm

By Michelle Cohen

It's pretty easy to guess that this mid-century modern-style home in Ossining, N.Y. was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. But the lakeside home at 17 Twin Ridges Road has a connection to the famed architect that goes beyond homage: It was designed by Wright's firm, Taliesin Associated Architects, based on the blueprints of Life Magazine’s 1997 American Dream Home.
House tour, this way

Distinctive Homes

Bruce Willis’ 22-acre Westchester estate gets a price chop, now asking $9.4M

Photo of Bruce Willis via Gage Skidmore on Flickr; listing photo: Robert Lowell courtesy of Douglas Elliman

August 1, 2019

Bruce Willis’ 22-acre Westchester estate gets a price chop, now asking $9.4M

By Michelle Cohen

Bruce Willis put his massive 22-acre Westchester estate on the market back in January for $12.95 million, with plans to head back to the West Coast. The "Die Hard" actor's Bedford Corners property just got a hefty discount, now asking $9.39 million, the New York Post reports. In 2014, Willis and wife Emma Heming paid $12 million for the estate, which includes a shingle-style home, antique house, and two renovated guest cottages. As 6sqft reported last January, Willis sold his co-op at 271 Central Park West for $17.75 million after buying it for around the same price in 2015.
See inside

Steven Holl’s geometrically fabulous Catskills ‘Y House’ asks $1.6M

Image credit: Alon Koppel for Sotheby’s International Realty.

July 31, 2019

Steven Holl’s geometrically fabulous Catskills ‘Y House’ asks $1.6M

By Michelle Cohen

Designed by renowned architect Steven Holl, this modern retreat in Middleburgh, NY says yes from the minute you see it. Holl's bright sunset red "Y House," perched atop a hill in the Catskills, extends two arms ending in balconies, ready to embrace daily sunlight throughout the three-bedroom residence. One of Holl's most accomplished works, the house is an organic presence on a 33-acre site blessed with gorgeous views, a pond and a boat house. Asking $1.6 million, the property is less than three hours from NYC.
See more of this modern mountain retreat, this way

July 24, 2019

Asking $525K, this historic Connecticut church conversion is the perfect creative sanctuary

By Michelle Cohen

Located a tiny village in Canaan, CT–it’s the second smallest in the state–this former church in a historic district is currently home to a prominent artist and architectural designer. And we can see why it might be the perfect creative recharging space. There’s even a reading nook in the bell tower. Built in roughly 1900, the two-bedroom single-family home at 24 Beebe Hill Road is on the market for $525,000.
Take a look inside

July 2, 2019

Storied Westchester Skinny House seeks a buyer with a big heart and $275K

By Michelle Cohen

It's easy to see that the little red house at 175 Grand Street in Mamaroneck, NY, is no ordinary home just by looking: At a mere 10 feet wide, the Skinny House stands out for its size alone. As 6sqft previously reported, this unique dwelling, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has quite a tale to tell. The little house on a 12.5-foot lot was built in 1932 by Nathan T. Seely, one of New York’s first African American builders. Its story is one of ingenuity and skill, and it provided for its creator during hard times. In need of a new chapter and some real TLC, the house is on the market–for only the second time since its construction–for $275,000.
Get the skinny on this diminutive dwelling

June 25, 2019

Designed by Ai Weiwei, this $5.25M upstate retreat is perfect for art lovers

By Alexandra Alexa

Described as “livable art” by listing agent Graham Klemm, the only private residence in the States designed by Chinese artist and political activist Ai Weiwei has just hit the market for $5.25 million. Located on a sprawling property about two hours away from New York City in bucolic Ancram, the home was built in 2006 as a weekend retreat for Christopher Tsai, one of the artist’s biggest collectors. Weiwei collaborated with Swiss-based HHF Architects on the streamlined residence, designed to highlight the art it would house as well as the surrounding landscape. The current owners—who are also art collectors—bought the property in 2013 for $4.25 million.
Get the full tour

This $13M private island just outside NYC is totally off the grid

Listing photos by Vizzi Media Solutions

June 17, 2019

This $13M private island just outside NYC is totally off the grid

By Michelle Cohen

This unique home located in New Rochelle just outside New York City is not only situated on a pair of private islands with over five acres of land, but with a year's worth of fuel oil, the islands are completely self-sustaining for off-the-grid living right in Westchester County. An inspired renovation by the current owner means custom everything and integration with nature without sacrificing comfort. Asking $13 million, Columbia and Pea Islands–and a 5,625-square-foot home–are definitely not your ordinary property.
Take an island tour

April 10, 2019

Tour Westchester’s Octagon House, the world’s only eight-sided, fully-domed Victorian home

By Michelle Cohen

Known as the Armour–Stiner (Octagon) House, this unique home in Irvington-on-Hudson, NY, is the only known residence constructed in the eight-sided, domed colonnaded shape of a classic Roman Temple. The octagon-shaped domed Victorian-style home was listed for rent a few years ago by its current owner, preservation architect Joseph Pell Lombardi, for a hefty $40,000 a month, as 6sqft reported. Now for the first time in its history the house is open for guided tours, so you don't have to fork over a fortune to experience one of the world's most visually unique homes. The house is also available as a location for film and photography.
Take the armchair tour

Architecture And Design

Marc Jacobs snags a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in Westchester for $9.2M

Via Wikimedia

April 9, 2019

Marc Jacobs snags a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in Westchester for $9.2M

By Devin Gannon

Fashion designer Marc Jacobs has purchased a Westchester home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for $9.175 million, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday. Located in the wealthy Westchester County neighborhood of Rye, the home was built by Wright in 1955 for European car importer Max Hoffman. Located at the tip of North Manursing Island, the waterfront property will serve as a weekend retreat for Jacobs and his husband Char Defrancesco, who recently wed this month.
Learn more

Usonian-style Bronxville home built in 1950 by Frank Lloyd Wright collaborator asks $5M

Images courtesy of William Pitt/Julia B. Fee for Sotheby’s International Realty; photo credit: Chris Collins Studio.

February 26, 2019

Usonian-style Bronxville home built in 1950 by Frank Lloyd Wright collaborator asks $5M

By Michelle Cohen

This unique home tucked into a gorgeous wooded landscape in Bronxville, NY, was built in 1950 by architect and Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice David Henken in the iconic Usonian style. A complete renovation by renowned architect Markus Dochantschi in 2012 modernized and expanded the 5,500-square-foot home; Dochantschi, founder of StudioMDA, is a former director of Zaha Hadid Architects and specializes in minimalist, functional design. The property is on the market for $4.995 million.
See more, this way

February 13, 2019

For $849K, this Westchester geodesic dome home offers energy efficiency and endless views

By Michelle Cohen

Just 45 minutes from Manhattan, this three-bedroom home in the Westchester County, N.Y. village of Pleasantville, asking $849,000, sits on a 40-foot granite rock cliff. Though that alone might make it a standout property, the 2,519-square-foot home is a geodesic dome, built by the dome kit experts at American Ingenuity, according to Curbed. The current owners built the home to follow their dream of building a geodesic dome within an hour of NYC, with a view, close to town and the Metro North commuter train. Its construction far exceeded the building codes at the time while making it 50 percent more energy efficient than a regular house.
Get a closer look

January 29, 2019

Private heart-shaped island with Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes can be yours for $12.9M

By Michelle Cohen

Perhaps the perfect gift for your Modernist Valentine, this private island in Carmel, NY (15 minutes by air from Manhattan via rooftop helipad) has an interesting backstory and boasts a Frankly Lloyd Wright-designed house that rivals his iconic Fallingwater. 6sqft reported on the property when it was previously listed in 2017; Curbed reports that it's back on the market for $12.9 million. In addition to the amazing home featuring Wright’s signature cantilevering and outdoor terraces outside and massive stone boulders within, the 11-acre, heart-shaped property known as Petre Island boasts a Wright-designed guest cottage.
Take a spin around the island

Bruce Willis lists his 22-acre woodsy Westchester estate for $12.95M

Photo of Bruce Willis via Gage Skidmore on Flickr

January 18, 2019

Bruce Willis lists his 22-acre woodsy Westchester estate for $12.95M

By Annie Doge

Bruce Willis is packing up and moving back to the West Coast, leaving behind his massive 22-acre Westchester estate. The "Die Hard" actor's property in Bedford Corners has hit the market for $12.95 million, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. In 2014, Willis and wife Emma Heming paid $12 million for the estate, which includes a shingle-style home, antique house, and two renovated guest cottages. As 6sqft reported last January, Willis sold his co-op at 271 Central Park West for $17.75 million after buying it for around the same price in 2015.
See inside

January 8, 2019

It’s said this $1.85M Scarsdale Tudor was built by mobster Bugsy Siegel in 1920

By Michelle Cohen

On a tranquil cul-de-sac in Westchester County's Scarsdale, this pretty 1920s stone Tudor has a surprisingly notorious reputation: It was allegedly the home of infamous '20s gangster Ben "Bugsy" Siegel. It has, for a new century, been restored to its original glamour with the addition of a luxurious kitchen and modern conveniences.
See more of this historic home

December 17, 2018

This charming upstate barn has enough warmth for a winter weekend at $255 a night

By Michelle Cohen

Tons of artfully created details, a wood-burning stove and modern comforts–from rain shower head to reading nooks–add up to a warm welcome at this upstate barn listed on Airbnb for $255 a night. It looks like a perfect escape from city life without having to rough it–and barns are cooler than cabins anyway. The hosts have been at this for a while, so they've got all the details covered, including wifi and a programmable smart TV so you don’t have to miss your shows. Set on four-and-a-half acres in the quaint-but-cool town of Tivoli, NY, about 100 miles from New York City in the Hudson River Valley near Bard College, the barn offers five beds on three levels, for up to six guests.
Have a look around

December 14, 2018

Moby sells midcentury Westchester gem for charity for $1.1M

By Michelle Cohen

Recording artist, real estate buff, animal rights activist and philanthropist Moby has sold his two-bedroom midcentury house in Westchester County for $1.1 million in a trade for which he has the best of intentions, according to Mansion Global. 6sqft reported in July that Moby, whose real name is Richard Melville Hall, was putting the 3,100-square-foot modern home in Pound Ridge on the market for $1.3 million just four months after buying it for $1.24M. At the time he explained the sale on Instagram by saying, "It’s one of the most beautiful houses I’ve seen, but to be honest, I’m rarely there. So I’m going to sell it and take the money to: support progressive political candidates, support my animal rights foundation, produce documentaries, and fund scholarships."
Get a last look

December 13, 2018

1820s New Paltz estate on 240 acres is a country living fantasy for $3M

By Michelle Cohen

If you've ever dreamed of getting out of the city (but not too, too far out), and nesting in a country estate amid rolling hills, White Duck Farm awaits. For $2.95 million, this 240-acre Ulster County estate is just a couple of hours from New York City in the Shawangunk Ridge-Mohonk Mountain Preserve, set back from the road and possessed of rolling pastures, woodlands, a pond, a pool, a party barn and a guest cottage–and a gorgeous, renovated brick Federal-style home (h/t CIRCA).
It's just as charming on the inside

December 10, 2018

This Hudson carriage house, featured on Netflix, could be your upstate getaway for $325 a night

By Michelle Cohen

Hudson, NY, is the place to head these days for a picture-perfect out-of-the-city weekend. Filled with fabulous restaurants, chic shops and darling dive bars, the Columbia County town's mix of sophistication and small-town life hits just the right note. If you've dreamed of moving there and fixing up a quaint townhouse, you can live vicariously for a few nights–at $325 each, via Airbnb–at this charming carriage house. Featured on the Netflix renovation show, "Stay Here," The Hudson River Carriage House is just a half block from the Warren Street main drag, but it's so cute you may just want to stay in.
Have a look

November 28, 2018

Spend a winter weekend in this boho-chic Hudson Valley cabin for $200/night

By Michelle Cohen

Located in the quaint-but-cool town of Tivoli, NY, about 100 miles from New York City in the Hudson River Valley near Bard College, this two-bedroom cabin, listed on Airbnb for $200 a night, has a Scandi-modern vibe, decor that reflects the hosts' travels and eclectic past and plenty of creature comforts. The home's friendly hosts call it a "cozy den," which sounds about right–perfect for families, friends or couples.
More cabin coolness, this way

5 of the best suburbs outside of New York City

Photo of Beacon, NY via Wikimedia Commons

November 26, 2018

5 of the best suburbs outside of New York City

By Cait Etherington

There was a time when New Yorkers, even those with the means to live in some of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, willingly packed up their homes and fled to the suburbs. While it may be difficult to imagine now, at different points in history, moving to the suburbs has been considered desirable and even a sign of one’s upward mobility. After all, why cram into a walkup with your family of six when you could spread out in a rambling suburban bungalow with a two-car garage? Today, many aging members of Gen-X and their younger millennial counterparts—who often came of age in the suburbs—are stubbornly toughing it out in the small urban apartments for the entire life cycle, but this doesn’t mean that the suburbs don’t have a lot to offer.
READ MORE

Real Estate Trends

Scarlett Johansson scoops up $4M ivy-clad house in secluded Snedens Landing

Photo of Scarlett Johansson via Wikimedia

October 11, 2018

Scarlett Johansson scoops up $4M ivy-clad house in secluded Snedens Landing

By Annie Doge

Actress Scarlett Johansson has closed on a property in Snedens Landing, a haven near the Palisades known for attracting celebrities. Dubbed the "Ivy House," the Rockland County home at 40 Washington Spring Road sold for $4 million (h/t New York Post). The ivy-clad four-bedroom home was designed by Eric Gugler, an architect tapped in 1933 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to design the Oval Office in the White House. Boasting water views from every room, the stunning home overlooks the Hudson River and has a pool and adjacent cabana house.
See the starlet's home

October 9, 2018

1823 Greek Revival manor on the Hudson offers life the way it used to be for $1.7M

By Michelle Cohen

On the Hudson River in Athens, N.Y., the grounds of this 1823 Greek Revival manor touch the water's edge, with 350 feet of rare riparian (riverbank) rights included. In pristine condition and surrounded by park-like grounds and gardens, this fine example of timeless architecture, asking $1.7 million, offers a chance to remember a past era in a home equipped for modern living (h/t CIRCA).
Take the grand historic tour

October 4, 2018

For $795,000, live out your ‘Lord of the Rings’ fantasies in this energy-efficient hobbit house

By Dana Schulz

Lucky for him, this "Lord of the Rings" superfan is a civil engineer who works in construction, so when he had the urge to build his very own hobbit house in the Dutchess County town of Pawling, it wasn't just a pipe dream. After spending more than six years constructing the residence, and even building it to Passive House standards, Jim Castigan has put the home on the market for $795,000, according to Gothamist. In addition to being built right into a hillside, the home shares other details with its Tolkien inspiration BagEnd, such as faux circular door and geometric patterns etched into the interior concrete.
Get the scoop

September 7, 2018

$3M upstate estate is like a private park, complete with a lake and a windmill

By Michelle Cohen

Located in the upstate wilderness of Armonk in Westchester County, this 13.5-acre estate is as cool as it is unusual. Asking $3 million, the property includes a nine-acre private lake, a 5,500-square-foot mid-century-modern home built in 1959, and a private windmill, all just 45 minutes from New York City.
Check out this private paradise

Distinctive Homes

August 6, 2018

This $1.4M Westchester estate was inspired by Versailles

By Michelle Cohen

Though it has been, according to the listing, completely renovated for modern living by architect/designer David Easton, this three-bedroom home on eight acres–known as Folie Du Lac–got its inspiration from Versailles and "recalls the romantic 18th century," complete with reclaimed materials imported from France including antique limestone flooring, 18th century paneling and speckled mirrors. The Waccabuc, NY estate is on the market for $1.4 million.
Folie Du Lac, this way

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