I have had the distinct pleasure of marketing homes for sale that have great history. One of the questions I am always asked is “who lives here? who lived there?, how many previous owners? ” Especially those potential buyers who follow Feng Shui traditions.
One home I represented was rumored as being a love nest for Joseph Kennedy and Gloria Swanson. It was also the home of Nell Brinkley, a famous Illustrator, and who was most famous for creating the “Brinkley girl” a character she featured in her World War 1 pen and ink drawing known as “The Three Graces”.
I am now marketing a very unique, and special home in Larchmont. 75 Howell Avenue which is just a few blocks from the Larchmont Village, the train station, fine dining, parks, and so close to each school, it is in an ideal location. The home is situated on 0.77 of a lush park-like acre, majestic and regal as is its heritage.
The home was built by the architectural firm of Sterner & Wolfe for C.C. Merritt with the granite utilized for the walls being obtained from the property itself. The property was one named “Elm Rock”.
The walls were originally whitewashed, and together with its Gothic Mediterranean style, and terra cotta roofing, this Spanish Mediterranean garnered great attention. So much so that D.W. Griffith featured the home in his 1921 silent movie ” Orphans of the Storm” ( https://youtu.be/3LLPpzmlf3o ) starring the Gish sisters. Over the years, the home has been featured in “Architectural Digest”, “House Beautiful”, an opera entitled “Cavalleria Rusticana” was performed there in 1923, and most recently “The New York Times Magazine Section” featured the home. Why? Well, apart from the historic value, the Gothic arches and clean lines of the homes are elegant, calming and beautiful to behold and appreciate. There is a huge limestone mantel over the fireplace which is the perfect backdrop to small gatherings and large parties alike. In fact, there have been many area events held at the home for various charities. There is also a Howell Park neighborhood association which has gatherings three times a year. It could be an outdoor block party, a pot luck dinner at someone’s home in the winter but an integral way of bringing together the neighbors, and solidifying the welcoming nature of the area.
Larchmont is proud of its history, its schools (this school offers the Central Elementary School – small classroom sizes, a dual language program if desired, are all favorable components to a successful scholastic outcome, and one of the many reasons, parents are drawn to the area. Larchmont has also long been a desired destination for Europeans, and with one of the French American Schools in Larchmont, no wonder!
Another reason that families (and everyone) are drawn to Larchmont is the small town atmosphere, a sense of belonging, and the wonderful community events such as “Swim Across America”, The Ragamuffin Parade , races, church and school events, and with a very involved Larchmont Chamber of Commerce (my Manager, Carolyn Fugere was the President for 2 years!), Larchmont is simply a grand place in which to reside.
Homes are expensive in Larchmont, but when you are seeking to live in an extremely desirable area that is just 35 minutes from New York City, and a town that offers water sports, golf clubs, tennis, kayaking, schools with great stats, then the cost is worth it!
Central Avenue School Stats 2016 over 2015.. :Slightly more homes sold in 2016 than in 2015, and with a price per square foot higher in 2016 in the lesser priced homes, and the same was true in the homes priced between$1,000,000- $1,999,999. Slightly more homes in 2016 in the $2- 3,000,000 price range but price per square foot was higher in 2015. Only one home sold between $3- 4,000,000 in 2015, nothing in 2016, and price per square foot was slightly higher in 2016 in the $4-5,000,000 price range. One home did sell for over $5,000,000 in 2015 at 73.54% of sales to original list price. This data is not significant of anything other than it informs us that it depends upon the property and price.
Current homes in the Central Avenue Elementary School area have been selling at approximately $557 per square foot. 75 Howell is listed at $411.58 per square foot. Oh my goodness! GREAT!
Larchmont is GREAT!
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