Places
On the Market: 10 Historic Gems
by Elliman Editors
July 2020
Historic homes offer more than just a place to eat, play and live—they tell stories of previous occupants, sometimes offering a secret or a scandal along with historic facts. Whether the homes belonged to notable individuals such as William Randolph Hearst or President Chester A. Arthur, or were designed by famous architects, these homes are chockfull of noteworthy pasts. Step inside with Elliman Insider as we explore each of these homes’ distinct characters.
Massachusettes
321 Atherton Street Milton, MA | $3,895,000
Agent: Stephen Kraunelis of the Live in Luxury Team
Built in 1920 and only nine miles from Boston, this home is privately nestled in the woods adjacent to The Blue Hills Reservation. The nearly 8,000-square-foot-home sits on five and a half acres of manicured gardens and comes complete with a heated greenhouse imported from England, clay tennis court and a private carriage house. This is a quintessential, storybook New England home that boasts seven bedrooms, ample closet space, a home office, gym, sunroom and more.
Westchester
131 Alta Avenue in Yonkers, NY | $2,250,000
Agent: Kat Tambor
Amazing opportunity to live in a grand, turn-of-the-century, three-story mansion with lovely Hudson River views within a 30-minute drive to Midtown. Built in 1914 by acclaimed architect G. Howard Chamberlin (NRHP Philipsburg Building, The Breakwater) this historic Park Hill home boasts 12,000 total square feet on a manicured 12 acre with a heated in-ground pool, outdoor terraces, covered patios, security gate and porte-cochère circular driveway. This home retains the original details of a formal receiving hall, 5-foot wide grand staircase perfectly preserved with wood-carved newel post and balusters, walls of decorative lead glass windows, wood beamed ceilings, 10 fireplaces and wide plank floors. A truly impressive, one-of-a-kind home that accommodates any extended family in comfort and offers the perfect setting for formal and informal entertaining.
Connecticut
205 Round Hill Road in Greenwich | $14,500,000
Agent: Jennifer Leahy
Round Hill Road’s iconic ”Red Door House.” The Israel Peck Estate is an exquisite 1820 architectural masterpiece. Situated on 5.12 acres, this legendary compound consists of a 9,500 SF updated classic estate featuring 7 bedrooms, 7.2 baths, beautifully appointed formal spaces, gourmet chef’s kitchen, butlers pantry, massive breakfast & family room with fireplace. This home has been painstakingly restored, adding every modern amenity one could ask for while maintaining and preserving every original detail. The property features a pool, pool house, tennis court, and English gardens. A guest cottage, caretakers cottage, and garaging for six cars complete this estate. Located moments from town, shops, train, and less than one hour to Manhattan. A rare opportunity.
Hamptons
20 Union Street in Sag Harbor | $14,000,000
Agent: Rima Mardoyan Smyth
Known as the “Summer White House,” 20 Union Street was built in 1796 and was once the summer retreat for President Chester A. Arthur. The historic, three-story Greek Revival home has more recently been completely renovated and redesigned by Steven Gambrel. Located on a secluded .34 +- of an acre property, it features a gunite pool, elegant terraces, amazing landscaping and your own garage and parking spot. Over the last three years, this six-bedroom home underwent a complete renovation and has emerged as an immaculate home for a luxurious lifestyle, all while retaining its elegant and historic character. The main floor includes a library with a fireplace, formal dining and living room with stunning antique fireplace, and kitchen and family room with a fireplace overlooking the garden and pool.
Long Island
7 Upper Drive in Huntington Bay | $2,195,000
Agent: Sabrina Teplin
William Randolph Hearst is believed to have purchased this home for his Ziegfeld showgirl-mistress, Marion Davies. Hearst and Davies met during her performance of Stop! Look! Listen! He was 52 and married for 12 years; she was eighteen. It is said that when they weren’t at Hearst Castle in California, Davies spent much of her time at this summer house on Upper Drive. This love affair would have taken place between 1918-1951.
The home is a fine example of the Tudor Revival style of architecture in the Beaux Arts Park Historic District. The two and one-half story dwelling has prominent half-timbered gables with decorative bargeboards, a central projecting entrance pavilion with parapet, bands of multi-pane casement windows and heavy dark wooden trim.
New York City
The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria—Park Avenue, New York, NY
Starting at $1,700,000
Douglas Elliman Development Marketing
The Waldorf Astoria has been a beacon of timeless glamour and luxury for nearly a century—home to Hollywood’s elite, host to countless world leaders, including every U.S. President from Hoover to Obama, and the site of cultural events and galas that hold a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. When the Waldorf Astoria opened on Park Avenue in 1931, it was the largest and tallest hotel in the world; it is now NYC’s largest privately-owned landmark building.
Now, for the first time in nearly a century, buyers will have an opportunity to actually own a residence at The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria , living within the same walls as famous Waldorf Astoria residents like Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. Currently in the midst of an unprecedented restoration, the celebrated New York City landmark will offer residents a world of exclusive private amenities along with special access to the best-in-class services found only at the globally-renowned Waldorf Astoria New York.
The wide variety of residences range from gracious studios to opulent four bedrooms and magnificent penthouses, many with unique floor plans, and several marquee residences with expansive private outdoor spaces. Pricing starts at $1.7 million.
Texas
3640 Inwood Drive, Houston, TX | $5,495,000
Agent: Patricia Reed
A rare 1939 Houston treasure in River Oaks, originally designed by renowned architect Hiram Salisbury, set on a half-acre lot in the heart of River Oaks. The oversized, welcoming entry includes a gracious staircase, grand formal living room and dining room for fabulous entertaining possibilities. Handsome wood paneled study with built-ins and back yard views. Gourmet kitchen with abundant storage, multiple work spaces and quality appliances. Spacious family room with pool and yard view, as well as a cabana room with kitchenette. Upstairs is a grand primary bedroom, plus five additional bedrooms. The home also includes an elegant pool with slate surround, fenced side lot yard and inviting covered porch with summer kitchen, three car garage with extra parkinggame space.
Florida
224 Greenwood Drive, West Palm Beach, FL | $1,475,000
Agent: Mae Ferguson
Exquisitely restored Spanish Villa one street south of iconic Worth Avenue. Overlooking the expansive golf course, in the heart of Palm Beach, this 4-bedroom, 4.1-bathroom landmarked estate built in 1928 was meticulously renovated with the most discerning buyer in mind. Offering the convenience and ease of new-construction living while honoring the architectural details and integrity of its 1928 design, the home boasts soaring pecky cypress vaulted ceilings, private double master suites, light-filled rooms, elevator, renovated kitchen, new coquina pool, rear courtyard and gardens and a custom two-car garage. Thoughtfully curated by Fairfax & Sammons Architecture and Betsy Shiverick Interiors, the property features the highest quality finishes and materials along with beautiful attention to scale and proportion.
Colorado
320 W Main Street, Main Street historic District, Aspen | $4,995,000
Agent: Bill Stirling
This 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom Victorian mansion is one of the most distinctive houses located anywhere in Aspen. Built by one of the litany of 19th century silver barons in 1886, the 3,681 square feet house sits on a large 4,500 square feet lot on the top right of the W. Main and West End promenade, allowing for more late afternoon sun. The house is south facing and receives great light year-round with stunning views of Aspen Mountain and Shadow Mountain. Centrally located, only 6 blocks to the Music Tent and the Hotel Jerome, the mansion has a generous feeling of space throughout. Designated historic by the Aspen Historic Preservation Commission and the National Historic List.
California
2050 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Laurel Canyon | $3,385,000
Agent: Austin Victoria
A classic among the Hollywood elite, this storybook 1920s 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom is a must see. This home is bursting with charm and character while embracing modern updates. Located off the iconic Laurel Canyon Blvd in Hollywood Hills just steps away from Laurel’s own corner bodega haven. This beautiful home offers everything you could need to relax in Los Angeles, all while being centrally located. Some of the highlights include a large heated pool, hot tub, sauna, waterfall, outdoor entertaining space, gas BBQ and on-property parking for up to 5 cars. Enjoy your summer lounging by the pool and entertaining guests where the 1930s silent film stars and 1960s rock stars created magic.
Find your next historic home today.