Wind Advisory Is In Effect For Armonk Till 6 p.m. | The Armonk Daily Voice.
Wind Advisory Is In Effect For Armonk Till 6 p.m. | The Armonk Realtor
Leave a reply
Tag Archives: Armonk Luxury Homes
7 Things to Do Before You Move Into a New House | Armonk NY Homes
Our son and daughter-in-law just purchased their first home. It’s in a location that allows an easy commute into Boston, where our son works, and is just a few towns away from where his wife works. The house is in a older suburb adjacent to Boston, and is itself older and in need of some TLC. So rather than move in right away, the new homeowners will stay in their apartment until the lease is up. They’ll spend just about every free moment of the few months getting their house ready to live in.
Of course, we didn’t let them do all of this alone. Uncle Ralph and I traveled to Boston to spend a week helping them clean, paint and otherwise get the house ready. One of the things that we really helped with is how to prioritize tasks. Since it’s getting close to winter, we stressed the importance of getting only the most basic outside things done. Fixing up the yard, cleaning the siding, touching up the paint etc. can all wait for the spring. What really needed to be done is the inside, not only so they can move in but so they can live there comfortably through the approaching winter.
With that in mind, here’s a list of tasks that needed doing. It’d be great to hear from you what your list of tasks would be.
1. Change the locks on the exterior doors. As soon as the closing is over and you’ve gotten the keys to your house, either buy and install new lock sets or call locksmith service to come to the house to switch them out. Let’s face it, the previous owners, Realtors, maintenance folks and who knows who else are all likely to have keys to your place. For some peace of mind and as a necessary step in making this house yours, get new locks installed immediately. The locksmith walnut creek ca provide locksmith services such as: lock & key cutting, lost car keys replacement, re key and unlock door assistance. Locksmiths of today go beyond just audits and installation, they offer services to maintain and upgrade these systems installed by them. Brisbane locksmith come to offer services as a package of tasks that include auditing a space that requires security, upgrading existing systems, installing new security systems, installation of sophisticated security and vigilance equipment such as sensors, radars, security cameras and CCTV recording systems.
2. Get the house cleaned up. While many folks will leave the house clean for you, some won’t. Even if they do, you’ll want to clean everything for yourself. You can hire a service to do a deep house cleaning, something I heartily recommend if time is tight, or you can do it yourself. If you do it yourself, set up an area with all of the supplies and tools you’ll need to get the job done: buckets, brooms, mops, a vacuum, cleaners for each type of surface etc. By hiring professional removal companies, like reliable removalist in Sydney, you’ll be able to clear out your rooms better in order to clean it up more thoroughly. Washing down cabinets, counters and plumbing fixtures and cleaning the carpeting etc. will make you feel good about the house. And don’t forget a healthy supply of rubber gloves. There are many good Carpet Cleaning Company who are always ready to clean house.
3. Paint all the walls and ceilings. This can be really time consuming, so you’ll probably want to hire professionals if you can. There’s no point in just slapping up a coat of paint if the walls and ceilings are damaged — if they have cracks, holes and other defects. Prepping these surfaces can be a real chore. So unless you have a relative or two who can help, save yourself a lot of time and just hire someone.
Also, if you’re short on time and the house is in dire straits and every surface needs painting, consider one neutral color for every room. This will just make it easier and limit the number of decisions you’ll have to make now. You can always go back and repaint rooms the colors you want as time permits.
4. Get some organizers. Many older houses suffer from closets that have a simple pole and shelf (if that). Look at where you’ll store what and get the closets outfitted to accommodate everything, to make moving in less stressful and your life in the new house more enjoyable.
And don’t just look at the closets. Think about where you’ll put everything, from winter boots to laundry detergent. A well-placed extra shelf, coat hook etc. will go a long way toward making the house that much easier to live in.
Also, if you’re short on time and the house is in dire straits and every surface needs painting, consider one neutral color for every room. This will just make it easier and limit the number of decisions you’ll have to make now. You can always go back and repaint rooms the colors you want as time permits.
4. Get some organizers. Many older houses suffer from closets that have a simple pole and shelf (if that). Look at where you’ll store what and get the closets outfitted to accommodate everything, to make moving in less stressful and your life in the new house more enjoyable.
And don’t just look at the closets. Think about where you’ll put everything, from winter boots to laundry detergent. A well-placed extra shelf, coat hook etc. will go a long way toward making the house that much easier to live in.
China’s Housing Prices Rise For Tenth Straight Month Despite Government Measures To Cool Real Estate Market | Armonk Homes
Dodgers Ex-Co-Owner Jamie McCourt Buys In Napa for $11.25M | Armonk Real Estate
14 images
Jamie McCourt, former CEO and co-owner of the Dodgers with ex-husband Frank McCourt, spent $11.25 million on the sweeping Napa Valley estate at 40 Auberge Road. Situated on over 21 acres next to the Auberge du Soleil resort, the property boasts a 4 acre working vineyard that yields between 6.6 to 10 tons per year, a 3,500-square-foot 2-bedroom main house, an architecturally renowned 2-bedroom guest house, and a show-stopping lap pool.
The main house was designed by Scott Johnson of Johnson Fain Partners. It contains two bedrooms, an office, a gym, and views of both the valley and the property’s outdoor space, which was designed by Roger Warner and Jack Chandler. The guest house, designed by Stanley Saitowitz, won an AIA Award for design.
The property’s former owner was attorney Robert Lieff, founder of the law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein. He reportedly purchased the land in 1998 for $805K, and built the house and guest house over the next three years. He used the vineyard to produce a highly-regarded private-label Cabernet Sauvignon. He listed the property in April 2012 for $17 million, and then reduced the price to just under $15 million.
McCourt’s broker in the purchase was Ginger Martin, who has the current record for closing the sale on the most expensive Sonoma County property on record ($35 million). Martin was at one point the broker for the seller of 40 Auberge Road, and it’s not clear if she represented both sides of this transaction. Regardless, McCourt got the property for well under the original asking price, and now plans to split her time between LA and Napa. · Former Dodgers CEO Pays $11.25 Million for Napa Vineyard Estate [WSJ] · A Glass House In Napa Wine Country [WSJ] · 40 Auberge Road [Ginger Martin & Co.]
Schiliro Leads Arden In North Castle Supervisor Race | Armonk NY Real Estate
Councilman Michael Schiliro remains in the lead in the race for North Castle Supervisor as of 11:50 p.m.
Schiliro is leading Supervisor Howard Arden 56 percent to 44 percent with 90 percent of precincts reporting.
Republican Barbara DiGiacinto and Democrat Barry Reiter are pulling away in the race for town board, leading with 29 percent of the vote each. Incumbent Republican John Cronin trails with 22 percent of the vote and Democrat Jose Berra has 21 percent.
Arden, a Republican, was running for a second term as supervisor, is opposed by Schiliro, who has served three terms on the Town Board. Cronin was running for a second term on the board. Cronin campaigned with Diane Didonato-Roth, who was defeated in the Republican primary by DiGiancinto.
Berra and Reiter were running for the first time on the Democratic line.
http://armonk.dailyvoice.com/politics/schiliro-leads-arden-north-castle-supervisor-race
Modern Plays Nice in a Historic Houston Neighborhood | Armonk Homes
14 Steps to a Perfectly Polished Bedroom | Armonk Real Estate
Have you been putting off finishing your bedroom? Had it with procrastination, and just need a push to get the decorating job done? Then you’ve come to the right place. The following 14 steps will walk you through the decorating process from start to finish, leaving no detail overlooked. Let’s get started.
1. Find inspiration. This is the time to save favorite images from Houzz, blogs and magazines for bedroom inspiration. Sift through your collection and choose two or three images that together best represent the look and feel you want to create in your bedroom. Once you have your inspiration images, make a list of all of the elements you like about the photos. Try to move beyond “mood” words (“serene,” “fresh” etc.) and nail down specific furniture styles, colors and accessories that you want in your space. Using the room shown here as an example, you might list:
- Upholstered headboard
- Nailhead trim
- Chests as nightstands
- Marble
- Creamy tones and black accents
- Round mirror
- Bench at foot of bed
List each detail separately: “nailhead trim” and “upholstered headboard” each get a separate line. The reason: If you get too specific, you can get stuck trying to track down one item from your wish list (an upholstered headboard with nailhead trim); this way you can create your own look that still contains your favorite elements.
You might find an upholstered headboard and pick up a bench or chest with nailhead trim, for instance. Or the marble lamps shown in the room here may translate into a marble-topped dresser in your finished room. Browse thousands of bedroom photos by style
2. Paint or paper the walls. It’s important not to get too wrapped up in the inspiration phase of your project — you may never really get started! Get a jump on things by choosing your wall treatments early in the process. Another reason it’s a good idea to paint or paper early on is it will give you a chance to live with the colors and tweak if necessary. Plus, going to all the trouble of painting is usually a great motivator to get the rest of the work done.
3. Decide what to keep, what to revamp and what to buy. Most of us cannot feasibly go out and completely redecorate a room in one go, and you may not want to anyway. Try to look at each item in your bedroom with fresh eyes (sometimes taking photos helps) and decide what you can work into the new scheme. Some pieces can be used as is; others may be moved (for example, use an old dresser as a nightstand); and some pieces you may want to alter (repaint an armoire and line the glass doors with burlap). Once you have your list of keepers, make a fresh list of what you still need, including supplies for refurbishing your old stuff. And don’t forget, you can always shop other rooms in your house, too.
3. Decide what to keep, what to revamp and what to buy. Most of us cannot feasibly go out and completely redecorate a room in one go, and you may not want to anyway. Try to look at each item in your bedroom with fresh eyes (sometimes taking photos helps) and decide what you can work into the new scheme. Some pieces can be used as is; others may be moved (for example, use an old dresser as a nightstand); and some pieces you may want to alter (repaint an armoire and line the glass doors with burlap). Once you have your list of keepers, make a fresh list of what you still need, including supplies for refurbishing your old stuff. And don’t forget, you can always shop other rooms in your house, too.
4. Take measurements and create a furniture plan. Measure the length and width of your room, the distance between windows (that is, available wall space) and the windows themselves. From your measurements decide what size pieces will comfortably fit in your room. If you were thinking of getting a king-size bed, but a queen would give you more room for a dresser and sitting area, now is the time to make the call about what is most important to you.
Plug your measurements into an online tool (search for “free floor plan tool”) or make a sketch on paper and play around with potential furniture arrangements. It’s much easier to move or swap out furniture on paper or onscreen than in real life — so do some virtual lifting before you plunk your money down on new stuff.
Plug your measurements into an online tool (search for “free floor plan tool”) or make a sketch on paper and play around with potential furniture arrangements. It’s much easier to move or swap out furniture on paper or onscreen than in real life — so do some virtual lifting before you plunk your money down on new stuff.
5. Choose a bed. If you are buying a new bed, you probably already have a pretty good idea of the kind you want, but if not, it’s time to make a decision. Four-posters and canopies are quite tall, so be sure to measure your ceilings before committing to one — you should have well over a foot of clearance.
If you like to read in bed, consider an upholstered headboard or a wood headboard with an ergonomic shape. Try to see the bed you want in person before buying it. If that’s not possible, at least be sure to check the return policy in advance.
If you like to read in bed, consider an upholstered headboard or a wood headboard with an ergonomic shape. Try to see the bed you want in person before buying it. If that’s not possible, at least be sure to check the return policy in advance.
6. Track down the right-height nightstands. It’s important not to choose your nightstands before your bed, because the height of the nightstands will depend on the height of your bed, including the mattresses. The ideal nightstand height for most people is mattress height or a few inches higher. The tabletop should be no lower than your mattress, but up to 6 inches higher can work. The reason: It’s easier to reach up than to reach down when you are in bed.
In a tiny space, hang a shelf or bracket on the wall, a few inches above the level of the mattress.
In a tiny space, hang a shelf or bracket on the wall, a few inches above the level of the mattress.
7. Choose or revamp a dresser. Look for a dresser that complements your bed but is not identical in style. If you have the space, get a long, low dresser; it will provide lots of display space, and it won’t tower over the bed. If you move frequently, consider a tallboy style, since it will fit into more spaces. If you plan to revamp an existing dresser, look at potential paint colors and finishes, and choose new hardware if desired. Mark a calendar date for working on your project.
8. Add lighting. For bedside lamps you can’t go wrong with a matched pair. If floor space is tight, look into sconces — plug-in sconces with cord covers are a good solution for renters. Bedside lamps are essential, but a room really needs at least three light sources to feel well lit. Add a pendant light overhead or wind fairy lights over the top of a canopy or four-poster for extra glow. Overhead lights in the bedroom should be on dimmers; bedside lamps should have dimmers or three-way bulbs.
Judge Dismisses Armonk Square Lawsuit | Armonk Real Estate
A lawsuit that alleged the town of North Castle made unauthorized and improper changes to the site plan of Armonk Square has been dismissed.
The Planning Board has already approved Armonk Square’s site plans for the construction of a supermarket, office space, retail space, and residential units.
In July, 37 Maple Avenue, a corporation managed by Armonk Developer Michael Fareri, challenged the town’s issuance of these certificates of occupancy. In a decision dated Oct.17, Acting State Supreme Court Justice Susan Cacace, wrote that the petitioner, 37 Maple Avenue, does have standing to bring this proceeding. The 2012 settlement clearly stated that the filing of a new Article 78 proceeding was not a remedy provided for in the stipulation.
The town also said that 37 Maple Avenue did not exhaust its administrative remedies by failing to appear before North Castle’s Zoning Board of Appeal as is required by law. Cacace said that the court agreed that the petitioner, 37 Maple Avenue, “failed to exhaust its administrative remedies as a condition precedent to the commencement of an action or special proceeding.”
Mark Miller, an attorney with Veneziano & Associates, representing Armonk Square , said, “We think the judge rendered exactly the right opinion based upon two actions.” The certificate of occupancy issued by the building Inspector says the buildings of Armonk Square are safe and fully compliant with town laws.
Miller said one action taken by 37 Maple Avenue was its failure to file a challenge with the Zoning Board of Appeals within 60 days of when the certificate of occupancy was issued. Miller adds that the settlement of a prior lawsuit prohibited 37 Maple Avenue from filing an Article 78 proceeding against Armonk Square for essentially for the same project.
The lawyer for 37 Maple Avenue, Alan Singer, a partner of Welby, Brady and Greenblatt, said his firm is contemplating filing a notice of appeal of the judgement in an appellate court. They have 30 days from Oct. 17 to do so.
Singer said the judgement barring a new Article 78 suit is wrong because the previous settlement prohibiting the filing of an Article 78 suit was part of a judgement about a different set of plans for Armonk Square.
Miller said Armonk Square’s parking requirements were established by the Town Board as a blend of several requirements by the central business zoning district. Miller says all of the environmental impacts were considered and addressed. “They can file an appeal and we are confident that the appellate division will make exactly the same finding.”
Miller said there was excellent cooperation between his firm and the town attorney, and Supervisor Howard Arden said that the cost of defending the town in this lawsuit was $15,300
http://armonk.dailyvoice.com/politics/judge-dismisses-armonk-square-lawsuit
Must-Know Modern Homes: Mies van der Rohe’s Villa Tugendhat | Armonk Homes
wenty years before Ludwig Mies van der Rohe realized his famous Farnsworth House, and seven years before emigrating to the United States, he designed Villa Tugendhat in 1930 for the wealthy couple Fritz and Grete Tugendhat.
As a wedding present, Grete (born Grete Weiss Löw-Beer) received about a half acre of her family’s land, a portion on a slope immediately adjacent to Černopolní Street in Brno, now in the Czech Republic. On the property Mies developed a split-level house with three floors: The entrance, bedrooms, nanny quarters, a terrace and play area, and a garage with chauffeur quarters are on the upper level; the living spaces, kitchen, winter garden and another terrace are on the middle level; and the utilities are on the lowest level.
The house can be seen as a domestic version of Mies’ Barcelona Pavilion from just one year before, with its flowing, open plan and structural columns distinct from walls. It is also a precursor to Mies’ later “universal space,” found primarily in the office towers he designed in the United States in the 1950s. But the design is sensitive to the particulars of place and the family who occupied it for only a short time — the Tugendhats, Jewish in origin, fled in 1938, first to Switzerland then to South America.
Perhaps due to Mies’ open plan, the building was able to serve later as a school and hospital (housing a child psychology department) before the municipality took ownership and restored the villa in the 1980s. In 2001 the house was named a Unesco World Heritage site, and 10 years later it underwent more restoration work, opening to the public in March 2012. The photos in this tour follow the latest restoration.
Villa Tugendhat at a Glance Year built: 1930 Architect: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Location: Brno, Czech Republic Size: 2,600 square feet Visiting info: Guided tours with advance tickets available
 Add to ideabook |
The west side is where we find all three levels, but the massing does not make it appear so. The horizontal glass of the middle floor dominates, while the top floor is set back, almost out of sight, and the lowest floor is short and predominantly solid. |
 Add to ideabook |
From the street side on the east, the house appears as one horizontal level. With its planar surfaces, glass expanses and garage front and center, the house must have made a stir in 1930. Even now it presents a very un-house-like face to the street. Between the garage on the right and the glass expanse in the middle is a gap that frames the landscape beyond and draws one toward the entrance. |
Add to ideabook
The milk-white glass curves to subtly hide the front door from the street but also to encourage movement toward it once someone is beyond the gate. The cover is generous, but the step up to the door is subtle. Nevertheless the latter is important, particularly in the change from one stone to another.
Add to ideabook
Inside, on the travertine flooring (a favorite of Mies’), the reason for the curved glass becomes apparent. The bedrooms are located to the left and behind us in this photo, while the stairs provide access to the main living space downstairs.
 Add to ideabook |
Here is a plan of the main level, where we find the living area, kitchen, winter garden and terrace. The stair from above is located in the middle. The spiral below it on the drawing provides access to the lower (utility) level. After the 180-degree turn from above, one enters a large, open space with the primary view to the right (bottom on the drawing). But two walls — one straight and one curved — break up this space, as does a grid of small columns. What looks open is actually made up of smaller areas defined in unconventional ways. |
Archbishop Stepinac Goes All-Digital With Textbooks | Armonk Real Estate
Archbishop Stepinac High School introduced a new concept to its academic program on Tuesday as it rolls out a complete digital textbook library for its students.
This program will eliminate the need for the traditionally heavy and expensive books that students use for their academic courses.
In partnership with Pearson, a provider of educational materials, technologies, assessments and related services, Stepinac implemented the new digital library for its 675 students on their first day of the new school year. Stepinac has worked with Pearson for the past two years to offer select digital books to its students, but this is the first time all of its textbooks will be online.
“In keeping with Stepinac’s commitment to remain at the forefront of educational technology, we have moved to this digital library,” said the Rev. Thomas Collins, president of Stepinac. “We are thankful to Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, for working with us on this national pilot program that will set the trend for schools across the United States for years to come. The digital library will help keep our tuition affordable as well as prepare our students for their college careers.”
After a student is charged a one-time annual fee of $150, he can visit the 40-textbook digital library through a website or application for various Androids and iPads to gain access to its College Prep Digital Library and the Honors/AP Digital Library. Typically, students purchase seven hard copy textbooks for the school year, costing $500 to $600 on average.
http://whiteplains.dailyvoice.com/schools/archbishop-stepinac-goes-all-digital-textbooks