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Armonk NY Homes

The 13 Most Haunted Buildings in New York City | Armonk NY Homes

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New York has been called the most haunted city in the world, and with good reason. Every single street is steeped in history, and in the four-hundred-plus years of cycles of expansion, construction, destruction, and rejuvenation, you’re bound to hear more than a few legends and tales of the otherwordly. So, in the spirit of Halloween, we’re proud to present this map of the most haunted buildings in town, from the southernmost tip of Staten Island, all the way up to the hills of Washington Heights. We’ve got ethereal authors, pesky poltergeists, creepy colonials, phantom flappers, and even a mysterious mayor or two. And hey, if a skeptic you remain, a lot of these locales are open to the public, so by all means, check them out yourself if you think you ain’t afraid of no ghost. You might just learn something too!

Special thanks to The Bowery Boys and Forgotten NY.

14 Steps to a Perfectly Polished Bedroom | Armonk Real Estate

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Try Quick Hoops — Easy-to-Make Mini-Greenhouses | Armonk NY Homes

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Gardeners through the ages have tried to extend summer. A sheltered  area in a winter vegetable garden used to protect plants from cold and wind can  often take plants past their normal season. Even the south side of a board fence  or a thick hedge, blocking the cold north winds, will provide a slightly more  benign climate. Old-time gardeners took advantage of these warm, sheltered spots  to keep the fresh harvest going as long as they could in their winter  gardens.

Quick Hoops

Harvesting winter fare is so satisfying that, after you try it, you’ll  probably want to extend your repertoire. But adding more cold frames to winter  gardens means more time and money spent acquiring them. That’s why we came up  with simpler, lighter, and less expensive structures we call quick hoops.  They’re just sheets of clear plastic or row cover material supported by 10-foot  lengths of pipe, bent into half circles and poked into the ground. Quick hoops  look like 3-foot-tall mini-greenhouses.

You can use two types of pipe material to build quick hoops. One is plastic  electrical conduit, which is cheap, lightweight and easy to bend by hand. This  option is fine in areas that receive no more than a few inches of snowfall. But  to support the amount of snow we get in Maine, we needed 1/2-inch galvanized  metal conduit, sold as “EMT” at most hardware stores. In addition to its  strength, the advantage of EMT is that, after bent, it holds its shape  permanently.

To give EMT a curved shape, bend it around a quick-hoop bending form. You  bolt the form to the top of a large, flat surface such as a sturdy picnic table.  You just insert one end of the pipe, pull it against the curved surface of the  form, slide it in farther, and pull again until you achieve the desired shape.  The form itself is reasonably priced and could even be purchased by a group of  friends and made available to everyone for use in year-round gardening. (Bending  forms are sold by Johnny’s Selected Seeds.)

If you take a 10-foot length of EMT and bend it into a half-circle bow, it  will have a 6-foot diameter. That 6-foot width will cover two of our  30-inch-wide beds with a 1-foot path between them. We make 10-inch-deep holes  with an iron bar on either side of the two beds, and insert the ends of the  conduit into them, placing one of these conduit bows every 5 feet along the  beds. Just three bows will cover a 10-foot-long area.

Then, we drape a 10-foot-wide piece of floating row cover material over the  bows. This spun-bonded, white polyester fabric lets in water and light, conveys  up to 4 degrees of frost protection and excludes insect pests. We cut it long  enough so that it can drape down to the ground, plus about 2 feet at the ends of  the structure. We then secure the edges of the row cover around the perimeter of  the structure with sandbags. These can be recycled plastic bags filled with  soil. Be gentle with the row-cover fabric, but try to secure it without any  slack so the wind is less likely to catch it and blow it around in your winter  vegetable garden.

Clearly, you can plant much more ground under quick hoops than under a cold  frame, and you can also grow and protect taller crops for more extensive winter  gardening. You might start seedlings in one covered bed and grow early salads in  another. Because spun-bonded floating row cover is self-venting, there’s no need  for automatic arms to prevent overheating. And the row cover lets in both  sunlight and water. Access to the crops is achieved by removing the sand bags  and folding back the cover.

Another trick is to add a layer of clear plastic over the row cover for extra  protection during extremely cold weather in winter gardens. With added plastic  in place on mini-greenhouses, you can overwinter crops such as spinach, lettuce,  and onions without worrying about the snow load, which can rip row-cover fabric.  The plastic layer can be held down with sandbags along the perimeter and ends,  just as with the row cover. But, because we live in a windy area, we also use  form-fitting plastic clips to secure the plastic to the bowed pipes. When the  temperature inside quick hoops can rise to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll need to  vent the plastic by opening the ends, or remove it entirely so only the  underlying row cover material remains.

 

 

 

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/print.aspx?id={E8447B3F-0DB4-41F0-8152-4FFFCF39A4FA}#ixzz2j1Q8oOrO

Appreciating Values Make it Easier to Move | Armonk Real Estate

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One in three Americans would consider moving to another state in the next one to two years for financial as well as lifestyle considerations, according to a new survey by ERA Real Estate

“While U.S. unemployment has declined and real estate values have been on the rise, many Americans who met with financial challenges during the last five years may be looking to make a change by moving to a new job market,” said Charlie Young, president and CEO of ERA Real Estate.  “That not only makes good financial sense, but would likely increase their quality of life.”

For those consumers who would consider relocation, the primary financial drivers are better job opportunities and a lower cost of living, while curiosity about new places and better weather were equally important in the lifestyle consideration set.

For those who were not interested in a major move, 72% of respondents reported it was because they were happy living in their current local market.

With U.S. Census data pointing to increased “migration” – the number of people who moved out of state or region in 2012 increased 6 percent over 2011 – and ERA brokers citing an increased interest in self-directed relocation, ERA Real Estate partnered with HGTV to dig deeper into the American appetite for relocation.

“As the overall economy and job market improves, people are more likely to consider a major life change that is on their terms, not because they have to,” said Dr. Leslie Reiser, a behavioral expert who worked with ERA Real Estate to understand consumer psychology, attitudes and behavior surrounding relocation.

Moving to a market with better job prospects, a lower cost of living and better weather appears to be favorable to prospective house-hunters, even if it means leaving family and friends behind.

In addition to the consumer survey with HGTV.com, ERA Real Estate also conducted a national survey of its real estate brokers, who cited an improving economy and real estate market as the main reasons that their clients find relocating out of their local market today more attractive than it was 2 to 3 years ago. Other findings include:

  • About two-thirds (63%) of ERA brokers reported that homebuyers and sellers are more open to the idea of moving to a new area, outside of their current local market.
  • Nearly half (48%) of the brokers indicated that they are seeing an increase in the number of people in their market relocating, driven equally by financial reasons (lower cost of living, better job opportunities, increased equity position and lower home prices) as they are motivated by lifestyle reasons (better weather, closer to family/friends, retiring, curious about new places).
  • ERA brokers reported that the two most important selling points in finding a home for a client who is relocating are home prices (29% of respondents) and schools (28%). Proximity to work was important for 17%. Real estate taxes were not a major consideration: only 8% of respondents indicated that was a major selling point.

 

 

http://www.realestateeconomywatch.com/2013/10/rising-values-make-it-easier-to-move/

Sophisticated Modern in East Hampton for $4.5M | Armonk NY Homes

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This gorgeous house is brand-new, just completed by high-end builder Chris Vila (yes, Bob’s son). Pretty much any amenity you could want has been included. Low-E walls of glass: check. Kitchen with high end appliances, right within reach of an outdoor grilling station and herb garden: yep. Six bedrooms, all ensuite: affirmative. Wine cellar: absotively! Outdoor living room with fireplace: indeed. Double-edged saline infinity pool: you have to ask? All this on 2.08 acres. · Modern Retreat With Village Convenience [Saunders]

Interest in Miami real estate spikes | Armonk NY Homes

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Visits to the Miami Association of Realtors’ property search portal rose 47 percent on an annual basis in September, to 114,338.

Among foreign countries, house hunters from Venezuela topped the list last month, likely spurred at least partially by political instability, the Realtor association said. Rounding out the top 10 were Canada, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Lithuania, France, Italy, Spain and the Philippines.

 

Source: MIAMI –

 

 

See more at: http://www.inman.com/wire/interest-in-miami-real-estate-spikes/#sthash.wFBphAws.dpuf

Updates from North Castle Supervisor Arden | Armonk NY Homes

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Dear Neighbors,

 

One of my key strategies for North Castle has always been to improve the appearance of our Town while reducing cost. That is why I am pleased to announce our green initiative this week that reflects this two-part philosophy. I would also like to draw your attention to a very special memorial service.

 

2014 BUDGET PROCESS

North Castle has begun its 2014 budget development. I have been meeting with the Town Administrator, Comptroller and the various Department Heads to review their plans.  During these meetings we will be drilling down and developing budget plans for each department and for the Town overall. I am encouraged by the numbers thus far and want to thank all the department heads for their hard work. I am confident that in the coming weeks we will once again deliver a budget that provides necessary services at the lowest cost to the taxpayers.  My goal, simply put, is to restore North Castle’s reputation as the low tax town in Westchester County. The tentative budget is due onOctober 30, 2013.

BEAUTIFICATION

If we want North Castle to stay a beautiful town, we have to nurture our environment and keep giving back to it. In this spirit, for the second year in a row, North Castle has taken advantage of the New York Power Authority’s Fall Tree Power program. This program enables us to purchase trees at a substantial savings. When you purchase one tree at the discounted price, you receive the second one free. This year we will be receiving 10 Colorado Spruces, 10 Flowering Pears for a total of 40 new trees. Importantly, we will be planting these trees in all three hamlets of North Castle, not just Armonk. Thanks very much to the members of our Beautification Committee and the Green Acres Garden Club for all their hard work. Special thanks to our Parks employees for planting our new trees.

 

MEMORIAL FOR SOCCER COACH MICHAEL JONES

If your children play soccer in North Castle, you know the name Michael Jones. Mike Jones, better known as “Jonesy” was one of our community’s most beloved soccer coaches and he was tragically murdered on October 7th, one year ago. The soccer families I have spoken to have told me that Mike, who came here from Liverpool, did much more than teach soccer skills to our kids. With his ever jovial personality, he created a special connection with each and every child. He was a spirit-lifter, self-esteem builder, parent supporter and incredibly loyal friend. Over the years, he lived with several Armonk residents on his tours here and became part of their families. On October 14TH, at 11:00 am, on the IBM Track Field  there will be a dedication of a memorial to this special young man to help insure that he is never forgotten. Please contact rememberjonesy@gmail.com for more information or make a donation at www.mikejonesmemorialfund.com.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Supervisor Howard Arden

Latest Update on Brynwood Development | Armonk Real Estate

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Dear Neighbors,

We write to announce another significant step in our effort to transform Brynwood Golf & Country Club into a world-class club and residential community.

As you know, over the last year Brynwood has undergone a comprehensive environmental impact study as required by the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQR”). Brynwood’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (“DEIS”) has been reviewed and commented on by the Town of North Castle and its independent experts, citizen groups, and residents. In the coming days, we will submit a Final Environmental Impact Statement (“FEIS”) to the Town Board for consideration of acceptance.

We are reaching a critical juncture in the SEQRA review process. The Town Board is required to ensure that the FEIS adequately and accurately reflects the Town’s positions regarding the proposed project, and its potential impacts. The acceptance of the FEIS will be followed by the adoption by the Town Board of its written findings and determinations under SEQRA.  This will conclude the SEQRA process.

With this in mind, we have once again taken a very hard and critical look at our proposal to see how we can best address the concerns most recently expressed in the oral and written comments on the DEIS. We have listened carefully, and as a direct result of these comments, we have offered the following additional mitigation measures to the Town:

  • Any building permit for condominium units beyond 49 will be conditioned upon Brynwood substantially completing the renovations to the golf course and clubhouse – this further ensures the projected property taxes generated by these components are realized.
  • Brynwood will guarantee the Town $500,000 per year in property taxes on the golf course and clubhouse for ten years after they are renovated.
  • Brynwood will contribute $1 million to Water District No. 2 (which serves Windmill Farm) toward the district’s project to rebuild the community’s pipe system. Brynwood will also buy in to Water District No. 2, and its annual use fees from the residences and clubhouse will be added to the district’s revenue, which will save Windmill homeowners approximately $3 million over 25 years.
  • Brynwood will permanently, via a conservation easement, limit the future use of the property to either golf course or open space.
  • Brynwood will maintain all private roads, sewage, snow plowing, ground maintenance and garbage removal at no cost to the Town.
  • Brynwood will withdraw a pending tax certiorari in the amount of approximately $1 million.
  • Brynwood will contribute $150,000 to the Town for a right turn lane on Tripp Lane for cars exiting Byram Hills High School; contribute $250,000 to the Town for the construction of a new bike path; and contribute $25,000 to help fund the relocation of the historic Miller House (Washington’s Headquarters in North White Plains).
  • As stated in the DEIS, Brynwood will implement “green” best practices for the golf course and overall club environment.
  • Brynwood will set back all new structures on the property at least 100 feet in a landscaped buffer from the perimeter property line to reduce visual impact to neighbors.

Over the last several years, we have worked diligently and in good faith to develop a plan for Brynwood that balances the club’s objectives with those of the community. We believe this is a conscientious and responsive proposal for a project that will undoubtedly have a long lasting positive effect to the Town, surrounding homeowners, and our members. Together we are creating something of high quality that we can all be proud of being part of for many years to come.

As noted above, we expect to submit the FEIS to the Town shortly, and it will reflect our new proposal.

Your continued support is greatly needed and much appreciated as we work together in realizing Brynwood’s amazing potential.

Sincerely,

Brynwood Partners

How Much Does it Cost to Install Windows? | Armonk Real Estate

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Windows can bring light and warmth, provide views, beautify inside and out and add tremendous value to your home. They also can let in the elements and intruders that put your home at risk. That’s why windows – quality windows – must be considered an important investment. The cost of windows will depend on the type, dimensions, materials used, security features, the complexity of the installation, and, of course, the number of windows needed.
Number of Windows

Generally, the more windows you need to install, the more expensive the installation price. But installation professionals will charge less per window if you install several at the same time. So if you’re thinking about only replacing a couple of windows, it might make sense for you to talk to your pro about the cost of installing multiple windows at one time. It may save you money in the long run.  Continue Reading

Window Sizes

Windows tend toward different dimensions depending on where they’re needed. Living rooms typically have larger picture windows hung in multiples ranging from 3×4′ to 6×6′. Standard bathroom windows are quite a bit smaller, ranging from 2×1.5′ to 2×3′. Major window manufacturers can customize windows to any dimensions, but be aware that you may pay more for odd sizes.

Window Sash Materials

Vinyl windows are inexpensive and require little or no maintenance. They’re also extremely durable; changes in humidity don’t cause them to swell or shrink. Most vinyl window manufacturers stand behind their products with strong warranties. Their greatest drawback is that they’re not as sturdy or attractive as wood. Wood frames, on the other hand, cost more and require much more maintenance. Fail to repaint and finish wooden window frames and they become susceptible to the elements. But all that work and money can be worth it for the classic, authentic architectural appeal of wood. That’s why some historical neighborhoods have covenants requiring that windows be framed with wood. New composite windows attempt to capture the best of both worlds by mixing PVC polymers with wood fiber to create a stronger, more attractive synthetic window frame.

Window Panes

New windows can save you considerable money on your utility bills and make your home more comfortable. Windows are rated by the U-factor. The lower the U-factor, the more energy efficient and higher the initial cost. You’ll pay more for double-pane windows, but they will pay for themselves over time. Experts say double-pane windows can save up to 24 percent in cold climates during the winter and up to 18 percent in hot climates during the summer. More about double-pane options.

Other Window Cost Factors

Replacing existing windows is, of course, usually cheaper than cutting walls for new ones. You might consider talking to both your contractor and a security firm about how to make your windows safe from burglars. Also, be aware that windows above the first floor may be more expensive to install because of access issues.

Armonk Election Season Heating Up | Armonk NY Homes

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Armonk Politics:

Dear Neighbor,
On November 5, our town faces an important election.  I am running for Supervisor against Howard Arden, and I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce my running mates for Town Board, Barry Reiter and José Berra.  I urge you to support them as their experience and abilities will help me in continuing to protect the taxpayers of our town.
Barry Reiter and José Berra are joining me in bringing the right change to our community.  We strongly oppose the way Diane Roth, Howard Arden, and John Cronin have been running our town, as this “ruling majority” has brought a disrespectful, arrogant, and secretive approach to North Castle.  Instead of basing decisions on facts, too often false personal attacks are used to get their way (the latest example is the inexcusable campaign of a vicious character assassination conducted during the Republican primary).  Too often they are not honest with the residents, treat them with disdain, and focus more on their own personal agendas then with your priorities.
José Berra and Barry Reiter provide a superior alternative for the Town Board than what we’ve seen from Diane Roth and John Cronin.  Both Barry and José offer excellent professional experience coupled with a clear commitment to our community.
Barry Reiter is an expert on budgeting and resource management as a local business owner, which are important skills that will help protect our taxpayers.  In addition, Barry is truly committed to our community.  From serving on the Byram Hills Education Foundation that benefits our children, to chairing NC4 (North Castle Citizen Corps Council), to coaching AYSO soccer, to volunteering in Boy Scout Troop 94, Barry understands the importance of giving back to our town.  Any of the more than 2000 residents that passed through the Herganhan Recreation Center for comfort during Hurricane Sandy understand Barry’s commitment to his neighbors, as he managed that facility 24/7 as Chairman of NC4. Barry is a respected fiscal conservative and is endorsed by both the Democratic and Conservative parties.
José Berra has lived and volunteered in North Castle for nearly 25 years and possesses an exceptionally strong combination of financial, business, analytical, and legal skills.  José is a CPA and attorney who earned his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School.  He is uniquely qualified scrutinize the town’s finances and to help improve deteriorating town roads and services in a fiscally responsible manner.  José knows the importance of giving back to our community and among other things has volunteered every year for almost 20 years for the Friends of the North Castle Public Library at the Armonk Outdoor Art Show.  José has been enthusiastically endorsed by the Democratic and Independence parties and has strong support throughout North Castle.
Barry, José, and I want to bring responsible, respectful leadership back to our community.  We hope you will support us on November 5 and we look forward to talking with you in the weeks to come.

Sincerely,

Mike Schiliro

www.electmikeschiliro.com