Tag Archives: Westchester NY Homes for Sale

Westchester NY Homes for Sale

Storm Moves East, Cleanup Is Now Under Way In Bedford | Bedford Hills NY Real Estate

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The first significant snowstorm of the season has passed through Westchester County and the cleanup is well under way on Sunday.

Snowfall totals in Westchester ranged from 3 to 8 inches, with 6 inches reported in White Plains.

Climbing temperatures should make it easier for residents to clear away snow.

Cloudy skies Sunday will give way to mostly sunny skies with a high between 36-38 degrees.

With temperatures falling to a low of between 20-22 degrees tonight, icy conditions are likely through the morning.

Monday will be mostly sunny with a high near 29. Light snow is likely on Tuesday, with some accumulation expected, and a high near 37.

Wednesday should be sunny with a high around 35. Temperatures will continue to climb as the week continues, with highs near 50 expected for both Friday and Saturday.

 

 

http://bedford.dailyvoice.com/news/storm-moves-east-cleanup-now-under-way-westchester

Kitchen of the Week: Chestnut and an Open Fire in Connecticut | Bedford Corners NY Homes

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American chestnut was once one of the most popular woods used in home construction in the United States, but the majestic tree has almost completely disappeared from the landscape. A blight that arrived around the beginning of the 20th century has all but eliminated the species. However, some resourceful builders are using this beautiful wood via reclamation. Chestnut boards recovered from a dilapidated barn in the South are currently thriving in this New England kitchen, lending an antique look to a room full of modern conveniences.
“The homeowner owns a travel business and travels to Africa extensively,” says Jeff Schneider, a designer at Crown Point Cabinetry. “She fell in love with the old-world look of kitchens over there, and loved every imperfection in the boards, like knot holes and mortise and tenon joint marks — these little details that show the history are her favorite parts.” Working in conjunction with the general contractors at Andy Miller Works, he crafted a one-of-a-kind kitchen.
Kitchen at a Glance Who lives here: A family of 5 Location: Greenwich, Connecticut Size: Main part of kitchen, 350 square feet; banquette area, 80 square feet

This project was a complete kitchen renovation in a 1920s Dutch colonial home. The new kitchen is full service, complete with an island as well as this eat-in banquette and pizza oven. The chestnut banquette cozies up to the corner, while chalkboard paint, an industrial table and subway tile with gray grout lend a vintage look.
This is a true wood-burning pizza oven, with a stone chimney on the outside of the house. The owner is also an artist and loves to change out the art around the pizza oven for different seasons and events.
Crown Point found these boards through a dealer, who saved them from a Virginia barn beyond repair. The chestnut boards were reclaimed from the barn’s old siding, beams and roof boards.
To get the old boards in shape for the new construction, they were X-rayed, and all the old metal objects such as nails were removed. Next, the cabinetmakers replaned the surfaces and edges, revealing fresh grains. After transforming them into cabinets, they finished them in a honey stain with a Van Dyke glaze.
While the rich chestnut wood and traditional antique bronze hardware bring in old-world style, floor-to-ceiling industrial white subway tile with gray grout mediates between the antique wood and the modern appliances. The overall result is an eclectic mix of vintage and modern.
Three floating shelves crafted from chestnut wood house everyday dishes. This open area balances out the other wood cabinetry and provides a light space between the windows.
Stacked cabinets kiss the ceiling, with glass doors showing off favorite wares in the top section.
Inspired by the home’s original diamond-paned windows, the cabinetmakers crafted leaded-glass diamond-paned doors for the upper cabinets on this wet bar, which is just off the side of the kitchen. It includes a sink, a wine refrigerator and glassware, creating an easy drink station.
The top stacked cabinets continue over the doorways. “This gives the cabinets a true built-in look,” Schneider says.
The ceramic tile herringbone floors lend more old-world style.
More leaded glass and diamond-paned doors define this custom buffet area. Lighting inside highlights favorite items. The buffet serves as a focal point on this wall.
The off-white kitchen island provides a contrast to the darker wood around it. The wood on the island is maple, and the finish is Blackened by Farrow & Ball. Blackened is made in a historical way: “lamp black,” residue from burnt lamp oil, is added to the paint to give it an antiqued look. The marble countertop is two inches thick.

Homes That Might Be Trying to Tell You Something | Chappaqua NY Real Estate

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Remember the Virgin Mary in the grilled cheese? Or Mother Teresa in a cinnamon bun? And wasn’t there a Cheeto that looked like Abraham Lincoln? Or was that a McNugget? Anyway, humans see faces everywhere. It’s a phenomenon called pareidolia: interpreting a random stimulus as being more significant than it really is.

Food visions aside, architecture is rife with face-like imagery. The abundant shapes and symmetry can easily form what looks like two eyes, a mouth and sometimes a nose.
The funny thing is, once you notice these faces, it’s impossible to ever look at a house the same way again. Just look at the smirk on this window’s face. Shameful!
Nooooo! Come back! You’ve left me naked and stone cold out here!
Hey, you, somebody, anybody. I’d kill for a glass of that scotch over there.
Come in, dear. Don’t you look ravishing. Let my Bette Davis eyes watch over you while you do your toilette.
Did you say you’re here to reclaim my reclaimed barn wood?
What’s happening over there? No, not another turkey, please. It’s too big. Help!

Social media catapults an entrepreneur on the world stage | Armonk NY Realtor

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I never imagined that writing about my personal life would catch the attention of a global health-care foundation and turn me into a globe-trotting, public speaker at an international medical conference in the Middle East. But in this social media age, getting thrust onto the international business stage is possible—even when you least expect it.

I was born with thalassemia, one of the most common genetic blood disorders in the world. There are three versions of the disease: minor, intermediate and major. Those living with thalassemia minor are typically unaware that they have the illness. While those who have the major form, like me, live with a dysfunctional bone marrow that produces misshapen red blood cells that cannot transport oxygen to cells, thus requiring triweekly transfusions for survival.

Estimates indicate that at least 12 children suffering from thalassemia are born every hour around the world and almost 490 million are carriers of genetic hemoglobin disorders globally. While bone-marrow transplants and new gene therapies have led to the potential cure for some patients, most who inherit the disease will die from complications.

I started blogging and sharing my experience on Facebook and Twitter. In April 2013, one of my Facebook posts inspired a message from Riyad Elbard, president of the Thalassemia Foundation of Canada, asking me to share lessons on emotional wellness, a topic that I write about, at the Thalassemia International Federation World Congress, which took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in October.

Elbard mentioned that he enjoyed reading my blog posts on Facebook and thought I could offer a much-needed message about how to thrive with medical challenges. Simply put, emotional wellness means embracing, rather than denying emotions, so we learn to cope with stress and anxiety in a way that results in a positive approach to life. Freedom from negative thoughts and behavior patterns leads to emotional wellness.

 

 

 

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101222301

South Salem, Mt Kisco Have Lowest Ask Price | #RobReportBlog

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South   Salem, Mt Kisco Have Lowest Ask Price | #RobReportBlog
Katonah$359,000.00
Pound   Ridge$285,000.00
South   Salem$205,000.00
Mt Kisco$225,000.00
Chappaqua$380,000.00
North   Salem$235,000.00
Armonk$499,000.00
Bedford$415,000.00
Bedford   Hills$289,000.00
Bedford   Corners$495,000.00

Bob Vila’s 5 December ‘Must Do’ Projects | Armonk Real Estate

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This month is all about the holidays — from decorating the house inside and out to making sure you have everything you’ll need to keep warm and safe. With so much to accomplish, it’s best to develop a plan and stick to it. Here are my top-five “must-do” projects for December, with a Christmas countdown topping the list.

No. 1: Countdown to Christmas

The holiday clock is ticking and there’s so much to do, right? Pick up a fresh tree (or unpack that artificial one), untangle and test the strings of mini-LED lights that you hastily put away last year, and start looking for places to hide the gifts you’ve already started to purchase at stores and online. No! Stop! With a little smart planning, you can get all of your holiday activities done in record time — and still enjoy the season.

For starters, begin to clear away everyday decor from shelves, mantels and tabletops. If you are going to decorate for the holidays, it will be much easier to work with a blank canvas. Likewise, make sure you have sufficient room for the tree. A tree that looked to be a perfectly appropriate size at the lot may actually appear quite different once it’s made it through the front door into the living room. Consider rearranging the furniture — or even removing some — to give the tree the space it deserves. And, if it’s a fresh-cut tree, be sure to locate it away from heat sources and direct sunlight, and water regularly to prevent it from drying out too quickly.

Next, before the holiday cards begin to arrive, plan a spot to display them, whether on the mantel or in a decorative holder. Check the return addresses on the incoming envelopes against those in your address book to be certain you’re up to date, then recycle the envelopes. Before you start wrapping gifts, create a wrapping station where everything you need is in one place — scissors, wrap, ribbon, tape, tags and a pen. Once the gifts have been wrapped and tagged, be sure to designate an out-of-the-way spot to hide them, like in a guest room, under a bed or at the back of a closet shelf. You’ll probably want to find a different hiding spot from last year, just in case the kids are on to you!

Because food and entertaining are an important part of the holidays, be sure to create some order in the kitchen as well. Clean out the pantry and refrigerator before you start shopping for food and ingredients for your holiday meals and treats. If you bake, make sure countertops and work surfaces are clear and uncluttered. You’ll want to have space not only to roll out the cookie dough, but also to hold the cut-out cookies prior to and after baking. Take inventory of your containers to make sure you have enough on hand for storing cookies as well as keeping leftovers fresh and available.

No. 2: Firewood prep

Nothing celebrates the colder weather like the distinct scent and sound of a crackling log in the fireplace. A steady supply of firewood can help offset your heating costs, and unlike oil and coal, wood is a resource that can be replanted for future fire-burning pleasure. Before you start using your fireplace, make sure that your wood is properly seasoned and the right type for your heating requirements. Hardwoods, like oak and maple, burn slowly and steadily. They must be seasoned for at least a year, or you’ll be making more smoke than heat. Softwoods, like pine and fir, season faster and grow faster. They’re easy to split and easy to start but watch out for sparking and creosote buildup in your chimney. Because most firewood is seasoned outdoors, it will contain insects, so you don’t want to store more than a day’s worth inside your home at a time. You also don’t want to stack great piles of it against the outside of your house. To store a year’s supply, you’ll need a woodshed or some other covered storage area set away from buildings.

No. 3: DIY decorations

While there is an infinite supply of ready-made holiday decorations to purchase, there’s something about the season that heightens the appeal of handmade decor. A wreath form purchased at a craft or hobby shop can be transformed easily into a festive wreath to hang above a mantel or on the front door. Pinecones and evergreen branches can be woven into garlands to decorate the house inside and out. And if you are looking for a way to personalize your tree, there are an endless number of creative ornaments you can make. Here are 58 outstanding DIY ornaments to get you inspired. Make one for yourself — or as a gift to give.

 

 

 

http://www.zillow.com/blog/2013-12-09/bob-vilas-december-projects/

How to Package your Knowledge to Sell on Your Blog | North Salem Realtor

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How to Package your Knowledge to Sell on Your Blog

Do you have decades of experience and expertise that is worth something to a  knowledge hungry world? Is it locked up in your grey matter? Not structured or  packaged?

Today most of us are knowledge workers. It might be in finance, marketing,  technology or public relations. Have industry knowledge that is highly  valued? Businesses buy expertise and knowledge workers to add value to  their businesses.

Maybe its time to sit down, outline and unlock that knowledge for your  benefit. You may even have a part time hobby and passion that could be bundled  up into an online course or ebook to be monetized.

Blogs and the ability to self publish is opening up opportunities for “you” to be paid for your knowledge and creativity.

The rise of the online creative

The freedom to publish that blogging provides, is powering a new revolution  of knowledge sharing, expression and creativity that is unprecedented.

Closet cooks are both demonstrating and displaying their culinary skills via  video, recipes and teasing photos on foodie blogs.

Photographers are taking us on their local and world journeys. They are  revealing corners of the globe that are exposing hidden cultures, geography and  private lives for us to glimpse at like voyeurs. They are published to blogs,  Facebook and Twitter.

Even teenagers create fashion that surprise us and is uploaded to YouTube and  shared to a global audience.

Have a passion and some expertise and add a dose of technology and publish  online.  You can build an audience of thousands.

But there’s a problem

I was recently viewing a TED talk by Jared Diamond and he posed a question to  aproblem that is worth answering.

“How should we use our old people?”

This question was framed in a way that starts the journey in how we can come  up with solutions to help societies grow old better. This dilemma has  been created because modern society values youth and beauty over wisdom, age and  experience. This has in part been created by the rise of technology as wisdom  and knowledge in the past lay within the minds of the elders of the tribe

Read more at http://www.jeffbullas.com/2013/12/11/how-to-package-your-knowledge-to-sell-on-your-blog/#SrWkaw1I8XzdAG1U.99

Refined Casual Style for a Gracious Farmhouse | South Salem Homes

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This Georgia couple enjoyed their lakeside country vacation house so much that they decided to live there. While the rustic 1960s prefab cabin was all they needed for relaxed weekend stays, it was not suitable for full-time living, so they remodeled and expanded the house, making it look like a simple, rambling farmhouse that had grown over time. The new house is more refined than the original cabin but still lends itself well to casual living and maintains that familiar beloved feeling.
Houzz at a Glance Who lives here: A couple of empty nesters who love to entertain Location: Harris County, Georgia Architects: Historical Concepts Interior designer: Melanie Davis Landscape designer: Bill Lincicome Size: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Photography by Blayne Beacham

The idea was to make the house look and feel like a genuine rambling farmhouse with additions built over decades.
The cabin held many great memories for three generations of the family. Their first idea was to preserve the original cabin as a guesthouse and build a new main house. But the owners and designers realized that the cabin’s location atop the knoll was the most picturesque spot on the property.
AFTER: Creating more ways to enjoy the views of the 100-acre farm and lake was a priority. Each room now leads to a porch or is open to the pastoral views. This new front entry unites the original cabin (left) with the addition (right).
The metal roof of the old house was the right choice for the new farmhouse as well. “It’s about as indigenous to this type of farm as the local fieldstone seen on the old stone walls around the property,” says Historical Concepts principal Terry Pylant.
The shaded portion of the plan shows the footprint of the original house, which was kept intact. The placement of the new entry porch and hallways gives the interiors a comfortable flow.

Eichler Remodel Spawns a Design Career | Armonk NY Homes

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Sometimes you don’t know what you want until it’s right in front of your face. Pamela Lin and her husband, Erwin Tam, had set out looking for a run-of-the-mill, contemporary cookie cutter home with two stories that they could move into without much renovating. But none of the dozens of homes they toured wowed them. Until they walked inside a home designed by well-known California developer Joseph Eichler.
Seeing the open-sky atrium surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and the open floor plan, Lin and Tam’s style compass completely shifted. Turned out, they weren’t lovers of contemporary style at all; they were midcentury modernists at heart. “Right away we knew this home was for us,” Lin says.
Another thing they soon discovered: Lin is a natural designer. A full-time project manager for Google at the time, she reached out to a few professionals, but her tastes were so particular that she just decided to design the whole house herself, reimagining the kitchen and bathrooms and choosing furnishings, materials and paint colors. Two of her fellow Googlers saw the end result and each hired her to do their homes. Then a neighbor’s friend saw the house, knocked on her door and hired her. After that a different neighbor procured her services as well.
With such demand, Lin decided to start her own interior design company, Urbanism Designs.
Houzz at a Glance Who lives here: Pamela Lin, Erwin Tam and their daughters, Eniko (8 months) and Eliana (4) Location: Sunnyvale, California Size: 1,890 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Lin researched Eichler homes because she wanted to preserve the Eichler feel but modernize it slightly. Previous owners had already altered a few features — they had removed some original interior wood paneling and painted the ceiling, for example — but she tried to keep the structure as original as possible. “We tried to preserve as much as we could and just modernize things without losing the structure and bones,” Lin says.
The exterior form is virtually unchanged apart from new paint. Lin also added frosted glass to the front door sidelight, changed the side fence to ipe wood and added landscaping steps and concrete planter boxes, which she designed based on a photo she saw on Houzz.
Exterior paint: Dolphin; door paint: Pumpkin Cream, both by Benjamin Moore
The front door opens to this atrium, which originally wooed Lin and Tam into buying the house. In their research they saw that many people opted to cover Eichler atriums to add more interior square footage, but they chose to preserve it.
Lin believes the previous owners thought to hire a company like Elizabeth Gordon Studio to design  a wood wall originally separated the interior and exterior and that changed it to frosted glass.
AFTER: Lin took the connectivity a step further by adding clear, double-pane glass. She also replaced the concrete with an ipe wood deck and a fire pit. Mexican pebbles keep other areas clean looking and low maintenance. “We wanted to make it a place where you’d want to hang out as a family,” Lin says. Cube: Frank Gehry; glass doors: Palo Alto Glass
The atrium leads to the kitchen, where Lin removed a partial wall that had blocked views inside. With that and the frosted glass removed, this outdoor space has become a focal point.
Previous owners had painted the ceiling white. “I would have loved to have the original wood color,” Lin says. They had also added generic veneer wood cabinets and a Spanish terra-cotta tile floor.

Home buyer demand drops in November | South Salem NY Homes

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Home buyer demand witnessed a steep decline in November, with the number of Redfin customers requesting tours and signing offers dropping 1.2% and 10.6%, respectively, following seasonal trends.

However, the drop was not as drastic as the same month in 2012, which saw tours and offers falling 11% and 13.6%, respectively.

Few buyers tend to shop for homes as the holidays start to loom closer. However, “with October’s budget and debt-ceiling mess in the rear-view mirror and the prospect for higher mortgage rates in 2014, many buyers felt like November was a window of opportunity,” Redfin agent Paul Reid said.

Additionally, Thanksgiving fell on the fourth week of November instead of the third week, giving buyers extra time to shop for houses and offset reduced demand during the holiday week.

Looking ahead, Redfin said, “In December, house hunting generally takes a back seat to retail shopping and holiday preparations for most buyers. We expect demand to drop off dramatically as Christmas nears.”

 

 

http://www.housingwire.com/articles/28223