Informative Info in the Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Harrison, Rye, & New Rochelle, N. Y. area by Gay E. Rosen, ABR, CBR, CDPE, CRS, GRI, SRES, Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker, Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty, Larchmont, N.Y. 10538, 914.907.2645 (Cell), http://www.gayrosen.com, gay.rosen@juliabfee.com (email)
It might have rained last year but it was still great!
You can either take part in the 5K, Kid’s 1K, or Tot Trot (and I always see so many pooches accompany the little ones!), and it is a wonderful way to start Thanksgiving Day! Did you know that this event has raised over $100,000 over the years and all of the proceeds go to local charities.
I am proud to be a Silver Sponsor and I will be there cheering everyone on! Join me!
Oh my! I hadn’t been to Kenny’s at all ( formerly Patsy’s) and I was quite impressed by the decor, ambiance, and the general vibe of this restaurant. Nicely renovated and sporting a huge bar overlooking the water, I met a friend (Mary Lou) for a Shake and Stir cocktail making evening recently. We learned how to make 4 different cocktails and of course enjoyed them along the way. We created a Fall Margarita, Pear Cider Fizz (with vodka)m Fireside (vodka again) and Sangria (with white wine, Triple Sec , brandy and peach schnapps).
A small town greets every newcomer with a mix of curiosity and quiet testing. The first weeks often hold more weight than expected. People observe where you shop, how you greet neighbors, and how often you walk the same routes. In these early days, the challenge is balancing long-term locals and fellow outsiders in a small town while creating connections that last beyond the polite wave. A slow rhythm sets in, different from the pace of a city. Neighbors value steady presence over grand introductions.
The first conversations might feel brief or clipped. They carry subtle meanings. A “good morning” on the porch tells you more than a social media profile ever could. Friendships start in these short exchanges. Over time, these moments stretch into shared coffee, garden advice, or a seat at a community table.
A Space That Grows Warm
Settling into a new community also means shaping private space. An empty house can echo with unfamiliar sounds. The walls may feel distant. The process of moving into a new house often shifts from unpacking to arranging – soft chairs in the right corner, a lamp that pools light onto a single page of a book. These simple actions help the house breathe with your rhythm and lead the way to how to make an empty house feel like home. Soon, the scent ofmorning coffee or the sound of a friend knocking adds comfort. Home becomes more than a set of walls. Inside this private space, you recharge before stepping back into the public layer of the town. Comfort at home strengthens the patience needed for slow-forming friendships outside. A quiet kitchen or a tidy porch offers a base for social energy.
A comfortable-looking interior of a home.
Locals Who Carry the Town’s Memory
Every small town holds people who remember every change, every new building, every child who grew up and stayed. These long-term locals embody the town’s memory. They know when the river runs high or when the bakery closes early before a storm.
Building a bond with them requires steady presence. Attend local gatherings, volunteer at the library, or help at seasonal events. Over time, these actions matter more than clever conversation. Locals watch consistency. They value people who return for the second meeting, the third cleanup day, the fifth Sunday market.
Conversations with long-term residents often begin with practical matters – weather, local crops, school events. Yet those talks, repeated over months, create trust. From there, personal stories surface naturally. You learn which families shaped the town and which traditions hold deep meaning.
Fellow Outsiders as Allies
While friendships with locals grow, relationships with fellow newcomers form in parallel. These connections carry a different kind of energy. Shared experience binds you – the sense of being slightly adrift, of learning new street names, of making small missteps. Fellow outsiders offer a space to laugh at those missteps and to trade small discoveries, like a shortcut to the post office or a café that serves fresh bread at dawn.
These friendships can feel immediate. They provide relief during early months when deeper ties with locals remain slow to form. Outsiders understand the small hurdles of establishing a routine. A simple text about a farmers’ market can feel like a lifeline. Over time, these relationships also shift. Some outsiders settle permanently. Others leave after a few years. The friendships adapt, but the shared start in an unfamiliar place keeps a thread alive, even when paths diverge.
The Middle Ground Where Layers Meet
A special space exists where locals and newcomers overlap. This might be a book club, a weekly hike, or a casual dinner with local food hosted by a mutual friend. In these settings, titles like “local” or “outsider” soften. People speak more as neighbors than as categories. This middle ground grows through small efforts. Offering a ride to an event, sharing a family recipe, or helping a neighbor fix a loose fence board can spark trust. Each action adds a layer to the relationship.
In the middle of this process, you notice that balancing long-term locals and fellow outsiders in a small town is less about grand gestures and more about steady presence. The balance emerges through small acts repeated over seasons.
Respecting Slow Growth
Friendships in a small town do not rush. They grow with the rhythm of the place. There might be weeks of quiet before a neighbor invites you for coffee. Respecting that pace prevents frustration. A hurried approach often feels forced. Accept that some people remain acquaintances. A wave across the street can hold genuine warmth even if it never deepens into dinner plans. Others, over time, become steady friends. The unpredictability is part of the texture.
A group of friends in a green field.
Anchors and Surprises
Some connections surprise you. A brief chat at the farmers’ market can turn into a weekend tradition of shared walks. An invitation to help paint a community center might reveal a neighbor with a dry humor that fits yours perfectly.
These moments show that relationships build through doing, not just talking. Showing up, lending a hand, and listening create bonds stronger than any formal introduction.
The Quiet Reward
Living in a small town teaches patience and presence. It also teaches the value of layered friendships. You may find that the most rewarding relationships come from both circles – the locals who hold the town’s history and the outsiders who share your starting point. The daily interactions, from a nod on a morning walk to a long conversation over pie, form a network of quiet support. Home becomes a place of familiar faces, shared jokes, and mutual care.
Full Circle
In time, the difference between “newcomer” and “local” fades. You become part of the living pattern of the place. Yet the awareness of those early days stays with you, a reminder of effort and patience. The lesson is simple: balancing long-term locals and fellow outsiders in a small town is about steady participation and open attention. The layers of friendship overlap until they create a life both rich and quietly strong.
This charming home has just been introduced to the market by Michele Gonzalez and myself in Tarrytown! Imagine a house that is both beautiful, and built from the ground up utilizing the highest standards of sustainable technology. Welcome home to this extraordinary 2 bedroom (lives like a three bedroom), 2 bath, 1683 square foot Green Home, technically known as a Passive House, an electric house that actually makes a difference in the environment with its 20 solar roof panels and heat pumps producing extremely low Con Edison bills – 10% of a regular home (air conditioning utilized at no cost and an on demand hot water heater), triple pane glazed European-made high performance windows (south facing taking advantage of the sun’s warmth in those cold winter months with custom cedar shutters and overhang to shade during the high summer sun.) The house has twice as much insulation as is compliant with state and federal codes. An Energy Recovery Ventilator in the attic supplies a constant flow of fresh air to room temperature to circulate throughout the home. You will love the locally milled white oak flooring throughout the home complete with its knots, stains and burls (everything has a story!).
The large kitchen/dining/living room is the central gravitation point for all with its 22’ ceiling and exquisite LED lighting, trestle table and seating, Bosch energy efficient appliances and induction range (all chosen to conserve energy). The Primary bedroom and hall bath are located on the first floor, and there is a second bedroom, bathroom and study and/or guest room on the second floor. Offering airtight construction with all seams, nail holes and joints sealed to minimize drafts, dust and heat/cold transfer. The house was built on an insulated slab and maintains the comfortable indoor temperature on bare feet -another wonderful benefit. The 2 bathrooms offer warmth and character, and perfectly further compliment the house design. 0% VOC stains were used (volatile organic compounds) again to make this home as eco-friendly as possible.
There is a wonderful deck, outdoor fountain, meditation and organic garden, very little grass to cut with flowering native perennial plants throughout the year that attract birds and pollinators in abundance. And don’t forget the fragrant smell of ground covering thyme as you approach the front door to further enhance your senses! The trees were planted and chosen so not to be a hindrance to the solar panels (3 different holly trees!). A blend of stucco and burnt cedar siding in the traditional Japanese wood preservation style of Yakisugi – no surprise that this home was featured in the April 8th 2018 Hudson Indy Westchester’s Rivertown News, and the home-owners received an engineering excellence award for this “net-zero” status home.
Being offered at $975,000 and there will be an open house on Sunday, October 5th from 1-3 p.m. Perfect!
Welcome home to this Bonnie Crest gem! Maintained beautifully, this 3015 square foot 4 bedroom, 3.2 bath Tudor home on 0.28 of an acre features newer windows throughout (9 years old), and the first floor offers so many wonderful features such as a large eat-in kitchen with quartz counter tops, an island, Thermador stainless steel appliances (range, range hood, a wall oven, microwave, dishwasher), an Element VinoTemp wine refrigerator, laundry closet with LG washer/Dryer, great pantry, a formal dining room with a beautiful original mural dated from the 1940’s, an elegant living room with a 19th Century mantel over the wood burning fireplace, a sunny office (or could be a bedroom), huge family room with 2 skylights, sliding door to the patio, and a powder room. The second floor has 4 bedrooms, a Primary bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, a second bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, 2 additional bedrooms and a hall bathroom. Gleaming hardwood floors too.
There is a third floor walk up insulated attic with a huge attic fan and so much storage. The lower level (not included in the square footage) is perfect for a playroom or gym plus there is a powder room too! You will love the patio – so perfect for entertaining, and the great yard space. This home has central air conditioning, gas heat, a one car garage and a large driveway too. Close to fine dining, highways. Come and visit. You will love it! This home is being offered at $1,299,500!
Walking into a small-town grocery store often feels different than stepping into a supermarket in the city. Neighbors greet each other by name, conversations spark in the aisles, and pets usually become the center of quick chats. These small encounters create a sense of warmth around even the most ordinary errands. That is why small-town errands feel like social events. The fast trip for dog food or cat treats rarely stays short. Instead, it turns into a moment filled with shared updates, laughter, and the comfort of being recognized and remembered.
A smiling shopkeeper chats with a customer at a small-town store counter, showing why small-town errands feel like social events.
Strong Bonds in Daily Life
In a small town, daily errands feel personal because faces become familiar over time. Shoppers stop to greet one another, often sharing updates about pets or recent events. During these moments, conversations highlight the joys of relocating to a small town, where recognition feels constant. Short trips turn into friendly exchanges that brighten ordinary tasks. People know the names of store clerks and remember favorite products. This recognition builds trust and warmth in simple routines. The grocery store or feed shop becomes a place for both errands and connections, strengthening ties through repeated, everyday encounters.
An older man smiles while choosing bananas in a small-town store.
A Pace That Encourages Connection
Life in a small town often moves at a slower rhythm, leaving room for genuine interaction. People linger longer in stores, where a chat about a puppy’s training or a new shelter project feels natural. These pauses also highlight how moving changes your social life—from adjusting to new routines to meeting different neighbors. At the same time, you notice how relocation reshapes friendships, as some connections strengthen while others drift, and fresh bonds form through everyday encounters. While errands supply the essentials, conversations keep spirits grounded and engaged. That steady pace transforms routine stops into memorable moments where chores and connections blend seamlessly.
Stores at the Heart of Interaction
Local shops often act as gathering points where errands overlap with conversation and shared experiences. A grocery store, feed shop, or hardware store carries more than supplies; it carries routine connections. Shoppers ask about pets, trade advice, and share news while waiting at the counter. In these small exchanges, it becomes clear why small-town errands feel like social events. The store layout encourages pauses, while familiar staff know regular customers by name. Such recognition builds comfort and continuity. Errands, therefore, extend beyond necessity, offering daily reminders that even ordinary spaces can hold unexpected warmth and meaningful interaction.
Shared Care for Animals
Small towns often highlight a strong sense of responsibility toward pets and farm animals. At the local store, bulletin boards display lost pet notices, adoption flyers, or event reminders for rescue fundraisers. Conversations during errands often focus on practical solutions, like how to care for animals during harsh weather. For newcomers, adjusting to life in a close-knit small town meaning learning these shared habits quickly. People discuss missing pets openly, and advice flows freely between shoppers. These exchanges build understanding and create bonds rooted in genuine concern for animals. Errands then serve as both a necessity and an opportunity for meaningful support.
Know that errands often spark friendly connections.
Why Small-Town Errands Feel Like Social Events: Bonds, News, Pets, and Contrasts
Errands in small towns often carry layers of meaning that extend far beyond simple shopping lists. Generations share habits, news travels quickly, pets spark dialogue, and differences with city life become clear. These elements show how routine tasks grow into experiences worth remembering. Consider the following:
Generational Ties: Families often stay connected through stories, including those about farm dogs, loyal cats, or shared animal traditions. Local News: Conversations at checkout provide updates on everyday happenings, from new kittens to shelter events and fundraisers. Pets in Stores: Many businesses allow dogs inside, which invites spontaneous chats and creates cheerful breaks in ordinary shopping. Urban Comparison: In larger cities, errands feel rushed, and pets are often excluded, limiting natural interaction or connection.
Each part reinforces how errands serve as more than transactions. These moments reveal how simple routines can strengthen identity and belonging.
Errands as Social Gatherings
Ordinary errands in small towns often transform into lively interactions filled with genuine exchange. A person may expect a quick trip for dog food but end up staying longer due to conversations. Neighbors ask about pets, share training tips, and exchange small pieces of news. These moments highlight how everyday shopping holds greater significance than simple tasks. For newcomers, life after moving to a small town often feels surprising because errands rarely remain solitary. The feed store or grocery aisle turns into a place where connections grow naturally. Over time, this rhythm shapes routines, blending chores with meaningful encounters.
Familiar Encounters Around Town
Small-town errands often bring repeated encounters with recognizable faces in stores, cafés, or even parking lots. These chance meetings feel natural and encourage conversations that go beyond polite greetings. People pause to ask about a dog’s recovery, a cat’s new litter, or a recent adoption. Such exchanges create ongoing stories that grow stronger with each visit. Familiarity also adds comfort, since knowing who will be seen during errands reduces the sense of isolation. Everyday trips then become opportunities for steady contact. This rhythm of recognition turns ordinary shopping into something richer and more engaging than simple transactions.
Errands can become shared experiences filled with small moments of connection.
Everyday Chores That Bring People Together
Errands in small towns rarely stay quiet or uneventful. A person may plan a short stop at the feed store or corner market, yet often ends up leaving with more stories than groceries. Conversations about pets, family, or local happenings keep the visit lively. That is exactly why small-town errands feel like social events. The friendly pause in the day makes a task enjoyable instead of tiring. Even the smallest exchanges, like chatting about a dog’s new trick, remind people that errands carry unexpected connections worth appreciating. kw – why small-town errands feel like social events
Moving just one street over can seem like a minor change, but it can still significantly impact your daily life. The decision often comes down to one question: Is it worth it? For some, the new location offers a quieter street, better property features, or easier access to shops and transport. Luckily, in small-town living, relationships are maintained more easily. For others, the costs and effort may outweigh the benefits. Even a short move requires planning, money, and time. By carefully looking at your priorities and comparing your current situation with the new option, you can decide if this step will truly improve your lifestyle.
How Location Changes Daily Routines
The biggest factor to consider is how the new location changes your daily habits. Moving just one street over might cut your commute by several minutes or place you closer to essential services. This can save time and make your day less stressful. A quieter street can improve your sleep, while a busier one can add more activity to your environment. These changes may seem small, but over months or years, they add up. Before deciding, picture what your typical day will look like in the new location and whether those changes will feel like an upgrade.
Are You Saying Goodbye Forever to Your Neighbors?
Your emotional connection to your current home and surroundings is another factor to weigh. If you love your current neighbors or have strong routines tied to your location, even a short move can feel disruptive. On the other hand, moving might bring a fresh perspective, new people, and different experiences. Think about how much you value familiarity versus change. If you are seeking a small but meaningful shift without completely leaving your community, moving one street over can offer that balance—provided benefits are worth the adjustment. Luckily, small towns have close-knit communities, and moving within a neighborhood doesn’t have to be the end of friendships.
Moving just one street over will not destroy your friendships with neighbors! Property Quality and Comfort
One of the strongest reasons to move such a short distance is the opportunity to live in a better property. If the new house or apartment offers more space, a better layout, or modern features,it can increase your comfort and convenience. Upgrades such as improved insulation, more storage, or renovated bathrooms can also save money and time in the long run. Security, parking, and outdoor space are worth evaluating, too. Ask yourself if these improvements justify the moving costs. Sometimes a significant property upgrade makes the effort worthwhile, even if the move is just around the corner.
Access and Convenience
Access to public transport, schools, parks, and shops can be a major deciding factor. Moving just one street over could mean walking distance to more services, which saves both time and transport costs. This added convenience can make daily errands quicker and less stressful. On the other hand, if the new location offers no real improvement in access, the move may not provide enough value. Create a list of the facilities you use most often and check how each location compares. A slight improvement in proximity can make a big difference if it matches your lifestyle needs.
There are several factors you should consider when deciding upon this relocation. Solo Moving or Hiring Professionals
If you are thinking about hiring local movers vs moving yourself a short distance, you must make a cost analysis. It’s true that both options have pros and cons, but the costs will tip the scales when making the decision. Hiring local movers means you get experienced professionals who can lift heavy items safely, navigate tight spaces without damage, and transport everything in one trip. They often bring the right equipment, such as moving blankets, dollies, and straps, which can protect your belongings.
The downside is the added cost, which can be significant even for a short move. Moving yourself gives you complete control over packing, scheduling, and handling fragile items. It can be much cheaper, especially if you can borrow a vehicle or get help from friends. However, it requires more time, energy, and organization, and there’s a higher risk of injury or damage without proper tools. Some people choose a middle ground—hiring movers for bulky furniture while personally handling boxes and smaller items. This can balance cost savings with efficiency, especially for short-distance relocations.
Mini Guide to a DIY Move
If you decide the move is worth it and want to do it yourself, good preparation for moving is essential. Start by decluttering to reduce the number of items to move. Use sturdy boxes and label them by room and contents. Wrap fragile items with protective materials and keep important documents together. For heavy furniture, borrow or rent a trolley. A short move allows for multiple trips, so you can transport items in stages rather than all at once. Ask a friend for help with larger pieces, and plan your route to avoid delays. These steps can make a DIY move smooth and cost-effective.
Couple packing boxes in the car
Weighing Short-Term Effort vs Long-Term Gain
The real decision comes down to whether the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term disruption. A move can be stressful, even across a short distance. You’ll need to pack, transport, and set up your new home while adjusting to different surroundings. If the change offers clear and lasting improvements to your comfort, convenience, or costs, then the move is likely worth it. If the benefits are minor or uncertain, staying put may be the better choice. The key is to focus on how your life will look after the initial moving period has passed.
Final Thoughts: Moving Just One Street Over
Moving just one street over can change your routine, comfort, and finances more than you might expect. The question is whether those changes are worth the effort and cost. By comparing property quality, location benefits, expenses, and emotional factors, you can make a confident decision. If the move offers lasting advantages that align with your priorities, the shorter inconvenience will be a small price to pay. Plan carefully, choose the right moving method, and you may find that a very short move brings a big improvement to your daily life.
Life in a big city often means keeping to yourself. People rush past each other without stopping. Connections feel distant, and you rarely depend on anyone beyond yourself. But when you move to a smaller place, everything changes. Small-town living forces you to rely on people in a way you might not expect. Here, relying on others becomes part of daily life. Whether it’s neighbors, local shops, or community events, you find yourself connected again. This kind of living forces you to lean on people—and that can be a good thing.
Small-Town Living Makes Closer Connections Inevitable
Small-town living quickly shows you how often you see the same people. With fewer neighbors around, those familiar faces become part of your daily routine. You don’t just live near others, you actually get to know them. Instead of passing strangers, you build real connections through simple acts like borrowing a tool or sharing a cup of sugar. This closeness happens naturally because life moves differently in tight-knit places. You start to recognize the value of knowing your neighbors by name. It’s no longer about keeping to yourself, but about being part of a community where everyone looks out for each other. This is how living small forces you to rely on people again.
People Help You Through Stressful Times
Stress creeps in through everyday challenges—work, family, or just feeling stretched too thin. In small towns, people tend to notice. They offer help in quiet, thoughtful ways, whether it’s running an errand for you or simply checking in. That kind of support makes it easier to cope, especially when life feels overwhelming.
For example, relocation itself can be stressful. It brings change, uncertainty, and a lot of emotional weight. The right support can help you see how to handle the psychological effects of moving house. The emotional effects of relocating are real, but you may not notice them until you start to feel disconnected or drained. However, when neighbors step in with small gestures, the pressure fades a little.
Services Are More Personal and Depend on Trust
In smaller towns, businesses know you by name, not just as a customer number. Local shop owners and service providers often remember your preferences and needs. This makes every visit feel personal and friendly. You’re not just making a purchase—you’re building a relationship based on trust.
Because of this, small-town living forces you to rely on people you see every day. You rely on these connections more than big chains or anonymous services. Whether it’s the mechanic fixing your car or the grocer recommending fresh produce, you feel confident they have your best interest in mind. This trust creates a strong bond between you and the people who serve your daily needs.
The people who help you actually care and know you by name.
Helping Hands Are Readily Available
In smaller communities, people are quick to offer help when you need it. Whether it’s fixing a broken fence, watching your kids for a few hours, or giving you a ride to town, neighbors don’t hesitate to step in. This willingness to assist comes from knowing each other well and trusting that favors will be returned when needed.
You start to feel comfortable asking for help without worrying about imposing. The support isn’t just practical—it also brings comfort during tough times. When emergencies or unexpected problems happen, having someone nearby who cares makes a big difference.
Community Events Create Shared Experiences
Local events bring everyone together in ways daily life often doesn’t allow. Festivals, farmers’ markets, and town fairs give you a chance to meet neighbors beyond casual greetings. You share laughs, stories, and traditions that build real connections. Participating in these activities makes the town feel less like a place and more like home.
You find yourself helping with event setups, volunteering, or simply showing up to enjoy the moment. This involvement breaks down walls between people and turns strangers into friends. When you rely on your community for more than just errands, the bonds you form become stronger and more meaningful.
Small-town living turns markets into gatherings where people connect.
Slower Pace Means More Time for People
Life moves at a slower rhythm in smaller towns, giving you space to connect with others. Unlike busy cities where people rush from one place to another, here you have time for simple conversations. Whether it’s chatting with a neighbor on the porch or stopping by the local store, these moments let you build deeper relationships.
With fewer distractions and less noise, you’re more present during interactions. Casual greetings turn into meaningful talks, and small gestures become important. This slower pace helps you appreciate the value of human connection. It’s a reminder that relying on people isn’t a burden but a chance to enrich your daily life.
You Learn to Share Resources
In smaller communities, sharing becomes more than just a convenience — it turns into a way of life. Because stores and services can be limited, people naturally swap tools, rides, and skills to fill in the gaps. For example, a neighbor might lend a lawnmower when yours breaks down, or several families may carpool together to reach a larger town nearby.
This habit of sharing also strengthens relationships. Giving and receiving help creates trust and encourages cooperation. Over time, these small acts of kindness build a network where people feel supported and connected. The community relies on each other not just for things, but for a sense of belonging and teamwork that makes life smoother for everyone.
Need a lawnmower? Just knock on your neighbor’s door—they’ve got you covered.
Emergencies Show the Power of Community
When emergencies happen, small communities reveal their true strength. Whether it’s a power outage, a storm, or a medical crisis, neighbors come together quickly to offer support. People check on each other, share resources like generators or food, and help with repairs. This kind of immediate, hands-on help is something you rarely see in larger cities.
You learn to depend on others during these moments because everyone understands the importance of pitching in. It’s not just about practical aid—it’s also emotional support that helps people stay calm and hopeful. Facing challenges side by side builds a sense of safety and trust. Knowing you can count on those around you makes a big difference when life takes an unexpected turn.
Bringing It All Together: Why Relying on People Feels Natural Again
Small-town living forces you to rely on people because it brings back a sense of connection many people miss. It encourages you to lean on neighbors and friends in ways that feel natural and comforting. Instead of isolation, you find support in everyday moments, whether through shared tasks or simply friendly conversation. Relying on others becomes part of life again, creating bonds that go beyond convenience. This way of living reminds you that community is about trust, kindness, and cooperation. When you embrace these connections, life feels richer, and you’re never truly alone.
Welcome to your dream home in the prestigious Beechmont neighborhood of New Rochelle. This exceptional and private 6250 sq. ft. estate boasts 8 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms and 2 half baths, beautifully situated on 1.19 acres of professionally landscaped grounds with serene views of Beechmont Lake.
As you enter through the dramatic electronic gates offering the ultimate in privacy, you’re greeted by an elegant all-brick Colonial residence thoughtfully redesigned by its artist-owner. The whimsical landscaping, including a secluded garden sanctuary, blends art and nature to create a truly peaceful retreat. The entrance foyer leads to the large living room, with a fireplace, a formal dining room, the chef’s kitchen which features a 48” Five Star range and oven with a custom hood, a spacious island, and premium finishes—perfect for entertaining. There is an additional range top, Butler’s pantry, breakfast room, a large family room, powder room and an enclosed porch which leads to the terrace. The second floor offers a primary en-suite bedroom with a wonderful step-in spa bathtub, 3 additional en-suite bedrooms and access to the accessory apartment (previously used for the staff) featuring 2 bedrooms and a bath. The third floor offers 2 large en-suite bedrooms and an artist’s studio. The lower level family room features a bar, wine cellar, fireplace, powder room, laundry room, utilities.
Extensive renovations since 2019 have elevated the home’s comfort and functionality, including, New roof, 6 separate C/A systems with 6 zones, Multi-zoned high-efficiency furnace, Whole-house water filtration system, Large capacity water heater, New water line to the street, Whole-house generator with propane tanks, Upgraded electrical panel, Motion-sensor outdoor lighting, New driveway and custom electronic gate, Custom-built storage shed. Step outside to a generous terrace overlooking the gardens and tranquil lake, an ideal setting for al fresco dining or quiet mornings. This rare offering blends privacy, artistry, and luxury in one of Westchester’s most sought-after locations.
Everyone at some point in their lives must move. Whether to a college, apartment, rental, home, a larger home, a retirement home, a vacation home. Everyone has to move!
It can be easy to become overwhelmed, and so I hope these notes can assist you or someone you may know in some small way.
Purging! What is the definition of purge? One meaning is “the act of removingpeople or things that are not wanted:” First, I would suggest looking in each closet, and establishing things you truly do not want or need and dispose of them. Then go through drawers, cabinets, etc. I call this the first purge. I then found that a second ‘purge’ was required!
It might be a good idea if your are selling your home, to procure a storage unit at a nearby facility. There are many in lower Westchester where I reside, and many have one free month, and if you pay in advance , you can keep the initial monthly charge for a set period of time. Many storage facilities will only offer the starter price and then might double after 2 months so bear and do your homework! I prepaid for a year to avoid those increase costs.
Also, once you have the storage unit, while the management might state the facility is open daily until quite late in the evening, there might only be 2 or 3 carts on hand on which to place your storage items, so be mindful of your timing when to go!
Be mindful where you place your boxes in storage. You might need to access a certain box months later so always try to leave a pathway!
2) Being able to place items into storage is a great way of emptying the home to some extent or at least decluttering a tad. The, of course, along the way, you can then throw out items too.
It is amazing how much we can store over the years. I was recently selling items on Facebook marketplace and I believe they had me ranked as a store as I was selling so much! NO! Just collectibles from over the years. I also listed on Craigs List, Next door Neighbor, and AptDeco. At the end of the day, everyone will negotiate your initial price points so just accept the fact that if you wish to sell an item, you will probably be selling it for less than initially desired!
I was told by so m many people to be beware of people who would take advantage of you. I was very fortunate and perhaps lucky but everyone who bought items from me or even those people who picked up free items were wonderful. Yes, there were people who wanted to send a check beforehand or send money to my account and I just avoided them.
3) In Westchester, we are able to donate to many charitable organizations. Go Green drop is one, which enables you to place your items in bags in front of your home, and book the date beforehand. You will then be able to print out a tax deductible receipt for those items. I did find that they would need to reschedule their ick up dates, and so I started to use Breast Cancer Donation Pick ups and they were always very prompt with no rescheduling.
While the charities will take away clothing, hard cover books, artwork, kitchen items, etc. they don’t take away magazines. I tried to sell 150 CD’s on flight, albums, etc. and ended up simply donating them. Accordingly with Italian designer men’s shoes. It was just easier to donate!
4) I live in New Rochelle and our refuse collectors are simply amazing. They will cart away many unwanted items – and always with a smile! I try to tip them well at the Holidays as they are so hardworking and worth it! When moving, it is always nice to tip them along the way as they work so hard!
I took advantage of getting ride of Gourmet Magazines, National Geographic Magazines, Travel Magazines all dating back to the 70’s! Every 2 weeks on paper disposal day, I would fill a few bins with the magazines. It seemingly took forever!
5) Garage Sales. It was so rainy in the spring months, and since I was on my own, I decided to hold my garage sales in my actual garage! That way, I could simply close the garage doors should I need to pop inside the house at all. Plus, there was no carting things outside and then putting them out again the following day!
6) Moving Companies. There are so may to choose from. I always try to refer several companies to clients. I chose to use Morris Movers as clients had always been very satisfied with them. They charge a little more I have been told, but I felt it was better to spend a little more and be happy with the service? Just like with anything else, sometimes it is better to pay a little more for the comfort level. The quote was given over Facetime (so easy!), and the 6 chaps arrived on the day of moving at 7:45 am, worked throughout the day and were cheerful, great and I was very satisfied! In my case it was close to 100 degrees that day, and they were wonderful. Luckily a coffee truck came by in the morning with cold drinks! It is always customary for the clients to also order lunch for everyone and to tip of course. I was told approximately 10% of the actual moving cost.
Label your boxes with numbers, rooms they should be delivered to, and have a list of those box numbers and respective contents!
7) With any move, there is usually items that need to be discarded such as paint cans, unwanted furniture that could not be sold/donated, too large to be thrown away, etc. A great company that has always come through at last minute is Ron’s Trucking. Great company, great guys who work there!
8), Westchester also has a great service for chemicals, unwanted cleaning items, paint cans in Valhalla. A reservation is required and so realize your appointment time might be in a 2 week time period. They are located at 15 Woods Rd, Valhalla. Please contact them at 914-813-5425.
9) I moved to a condo, and since moving I am now realizing that I can still part with items!! No room! Ha! Thank goodness I have good friends whose homes (addresses) I can utilize for additional charity pick ups!
10). Moving can be emotional, traumatizing to some so I will only suggest you keep your sense of humor, try to take the process slowly, and take advantage of friends should they offer to help you! I took advantage of my fiends by gifting them with items! I did it gradually so hopefully they didn’t realize how much they were getting!
Ask your Realtor should you have one for help! We can offer many companies whether it is to declutter your home, move, or store. It is always our pleasure to assist.
Lastly, once moved, take your time to unpack. Relax a little. You deserve it!
Gay Rosen is a Top Realtor in the Larchmont and New Rochelle, New York (Westchester) area. She is diligent, caring, driven and thorough (with a sense of humor). Call her!
