Nick Churton of Houlihan Lawrence’s London office visits a home in Briarcliff Manor, New York that couldn’t be more gloriously American if it tried.
Broker: Houlihan Lawrence
Agent: Marilynn Sternschuss
It doesn’t get more American than apple pie – or Scarborough Hill. This three-storey hipped roof Victorian home, only 45 minutes from Manhattan and built in 1874, has it all. A demilune porch with fine columns and sunburst fanlights leads to an elegant house of substantial presence. Then there is the view of the Hudson River and its wooded western banks from the porch, front facing rooms and garden. It doesn’t get more American than that.
All-American features stud the house and its five-acre grounds – a widow walk on the roof, a breezeway connecting the house with a guest/recreation/garage/studio wing. Above the house in a commanding, elevated position with more amazing river views is a pool and magnificent pool house with expansive terrace.
In the world of the New York commuter the Hudson Valley is one of the best ways to get from home to desk. After a healthy, tree-lined walk to Ossining or Scarborough stations the rail service sweeps one alongside the mighty Hudson to Grand Central Station in style.
I can’t think of many nicer houses to come home to. But then I really wouldn’t want to leave it in the first place. But real estate is like that. It is full of little compromises. But the good thing about Briarcliff Manor itself is that it is uncompromising about its spacious accommodation, fabulous view, impressive position and handsome look.
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