The 9,000 square foot home has eight bedrooms, 6.1 bathrooms and 15.42 acres. It is listed by Houlihan Lawrence realtor Nancy Lawton for $8,995,000.
“The size of the property is unique for lower Westchester,’’ Lawton said. “It originally contained the 500 acres that are now much of Purchase Estates. There are gorgeous old weeping bench trees that welcome you to the property.”
The home was built in 1917 by the architectural firm of Carrère and Hastings. The firm included John Merven Carrère, a native of Brazil, and Thomas S. Hastings, a New York City native who was the son of a prominent minister. Carrère died in 1911, before the home in Purchase was built. Prior to that, the firm designed the New York Public Library in 1897, and other prominent public buildings in Washington, Toronto, London, Paris and Rome.
The home features a balcony, formal dining room, guest quarters, hardwood floors, master bath, pantry and parking for three cars.
“The house has wonderful rooms including an old prohibition area in the basement,’’ Lawton said. “The living spaces are grand with lovely terraces. There is a fully finished third floor that was a playroom area. The house was built as a summer cottage and used as such.”
The home was originally owned by Carl Pforzheimer, an investment banker that concentrated on oil and gas. The home has remained in the family since his death in 1957.
Carrère and Hastings were among the best-connected New York architects, and benefited from associations with the richest and most powerful of the city's citizens, including Pforzheimer.
“I don't know of many other firms in the area that have the land size, the house and a caretaker’s cottage,’’ Lawton said. “I think it is really a one-of-a-kind property.”
Along with its spaciousness, opulence and amenities, the next owner will also enjoy easy access to Westchester County Airport, Interstate 684, SUNY-Purchase and golf. Five country clubs are within 10 miles.
“It has great convenience to anything in southern Westchester and the airport for sure,’’ Lawton said. “The house has wonderful bones. The exterior of brick with a slate roof makes this house very imposing with lovely public rooms.”
Click here for the property listing. Request a showing by contacting Lawton at 914-967-7680 or via email at nlawton@houlihanlawrence.com. Click here for a video tour of the home.