Historic Brewster Home

This architecturally significant 1897 home is a fine example of American Shingle Style architecture as that style developed to feature neoclassical revival architectural elements at the turn of the last century, in-step with the early private homes designed by the architectural powerhouse of the time, McKim, Mead & White.  It also boasts distinguished provenance as the home was constructed for Elbert Birch and Melissa (Howes) Birch and, like the other Howes family homes, showcases Howes family wealth.  Melissa was the niece of Seth B. Howes, considered to be the father of the American circus and the greatest circus showman on earth, who built the Morningthorpe Castle just outside of the Village of Brewster on Turk Hill Road at Allview Avenue, as well as as his prior home known as Stonehenge on the Howes homestead on Brewster Hill Road.  Both are local treasures and are listed in the Town of Southeast’s list of historic sites/local landmarks, as are two other Howes family homes, one on Turk Hill Road (built for Seth’s nephew Egbert) and the other Howes House on Route 6 and Drewville Road.  See Local Landmarks | Southeast, NY  and see Historic Homes/Sites of Southeast – Adventures Around Putnam.  The Putnam County Historian’s Office records refer to this home as the “White-Birch Residence” as the home was inherited and first sold in 1944 by Agnes White, the daughter of Melissa & Elbert’s daughter Esther (Birch) White. The Howes family was locally prominent and intertwined with the establishment of Town of Southeast and the Village of Brewster, as Moody Howes, a prominent landowner, first settled in Southeast in the 1700s.  Melissa’s father’s (Jacob O. Howes) company J.O. Howes Co., built the first brick buildings on Main Street, across from the train station, which still stand today and are iconic structures in the Village.  Howes money was donated to build important structures in Brewster including St. Andrews Episcopal Church as well as the Old Town Hall located on Main Street in the Village.  Further, proceeds from the sale of the Castle were directed to be used to establish a hospital for the residents of the Town of Southeast, and Putnam Hospital become the beneficiary of those proceeds.

This grand village home is replete with exquisite architectural details and showcases its timeless fine construction on a manicured almost half acre lot.  Converted to a 2 family in 1977, it combines a move in ready 4 bedroom residence that lives like a 2 story single-family, with a separately accessible renovated 2 bedroom apartment, perfect to generate extra income.  One can easily recombine the apartment into the main residence to restore the stately 7 bedroom home. The exterior of this home exudes grandeur, with 3 granite block front steps and an expansive front porch spanning the width of the home, a perfect spot to host friends and family in style.  Inside, the 4 bedroom residence impresses with its grand parlor and glamorous center staircase, generously scaled and proportioned rooms with 9-foot ceilings, multiple fireplaces with unique mantels and hand-glazed tile surrounds, large sun-filled windows, custom millwork, pocket doors, bronze hardware, a fabulous 2nd floor sunroom and many vintage design features such as an interior “second“ staircase.  The classic marble and porcelain tiled baths add luxury, in keeping with the character of the home.  The recently updated dream kitchen offers today’s coveted amenities including high-grade granite countertops, island seating, white cabinetry, upscale stainless appliances, a work-station sink and an adjacent pantry, breakfast nook and mudroom.  The semi-vaulted kitchen ceiling elevates the space. There are many other recent updates including an architectural roof with rebuilt Yankee gutters, repointed and decoratively flashed brick chimneys, polished original wood floors and fresh paint throughout with a stylish sensibility.

Located just a short walk to Metro-North for a hassle-free NYC commute, the large grounds offer a private and serene retreat, and feature gorgeous landscaping allowing for multiple outdoor living and entertaining spaces.  Majestic evergreens, stunning specimen flowering trees, many perennials including a thriving wisteria and rock walls, add to the character of the home. This garden lover’s paradise is also walking distance to the Putnam Trailway bike path, close to parks, lakes and reservoirs, in a desirable school district, near tons of great shopping and convenient to I-684 and 84.  Storage space abounds in a spacious basement with outdoor access and in a detached 2-car garage with a bonus unfinished 575 sq ft loft above that, with appropriate permits, can quickly become a rental apartment for additional income.  A savvy investor interested in a rental opportunity will appreciate this turn-key home, with municipal water, sewer and the convenient walk-to-train location.  While the Virtual Tour link provides more photos and a video, this incomparable property, owner occupied for 46 years, must be seen in person!