Riverdale is a neighborhood known for its incredible mansion properties. But this one at 4970 Independence Avenue–now on the market asking $3.69 million–really stands out among them all. First there’s the architecture — the home is a fine example of the Stick-Eastlake style, rarely seen in New York City. Then there’s its “utterly fascinating history,” as reported by Cured. Known as the Henry F. Spaulding Estate, it was constructed in 1880 in Riverdale when the area was a private community of country estates. To make way for the development of Wave Hill, the sprawling property was picked up and moved to its current location in 1909. If all that sounds interesting, just wait until you see the interior.
Stick Style architecture, a style that emerged in the 1870s, used crossed exterior sticks and brackets to express the underlying wood construction of the building. According to the listing, “This Victorian style features board-and-batten siding, jigsaw ornamentation, twin chimneys and a slate roof.” The main building was designed by Charles W. Clinton, who had just finished the Seventh Regiment Armory on Park Avenue. The home was connected to the property’s cottage in 1966, so now it’s a two-part home one a one-acre property.
This pad feels like it belongs in the country, with large bright rooms, French doors, bookshelves galore and fireplaces. A large music room connects the cottage portion of the house with the rest of the home.
The dining room is on the formal house side, while the kitchen is located in the cottage.
Although the home is only two stories, it manages to fit eight bedrooms and four bathrooms.
When the two buildings were combined, by architect Walfredo Toscanini, he added a skylight, fireplace and an elaborately carved drinking fountain that is actually from the old Metropolitan Opera House.
Sure, a historic drinking fountain is great, but this patio is even more impressive. Not a bad place to soak in the incredible and lush greenery that surrounds the property. This is, perhaps, the best NYC “summer home” on the market right now.
[Listing: 4970 Independence Avenue by Mary Phelan Kavanagh for Douglas Elliman]
[Via Curbed]
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Photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman
