8 Putnam Ave

Boasting distinguished provenance, this home was built in 1897 by a Howes family member when she was forced to leave the Howes family homestead in the Town of Southeast, NY due to the construction of multiple damns along the Croton River to make way for the New York City reservoirs.  It was occupied by her and her family for the next 47 years and known as the Birch White residence.  Many families then sought the conveniences and amenities of the newly founded Village of Brewster, where this home is situated.  Just before Melissa Howes Birch built this home, her uncle Seth B. Howes, considered to be the father of the American Circus and the greatest showman on earth, built the Morning Thorpe Castle just outside of the village.  Her father Jacob Howes had earlier built the first brick buildings on Main Street in the Village directly across from the new train depot called Brewster’s Station.

This well-maintained neoclassical revival shingle style home showcases timeless architectural details and fine construction, all on a nearly half acre lot in a commuter’s dream location. It also provides a turnkey rental opportunity by offering a legal 2-bedroom apartment perfect for generating extra income. The apartment can be easily recombined with the main 4-bedroom dwelling to create a stately 7-bedroom single-family home. The exterior 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, this extraordinary home impresses with generously scaled and proportioned rooms featuring 9-foot ceilings, large sun-filled wavy glass windows, classic millwork, pocket doors, original hardware, 3 magnificent fireplaces with original tile surrounds and other exquisite features too numerous to mention. The recently renovated dream kitchen offers granite countertops, island seating, custom cabinetry, upscale stainless appliances, a vaulted ceiling and an adjacent pantry. The classic marble or porcelain tiled baths add luxury, in keeping with the original character of the home. The home has many other recent esthetic, mechanical and structural updates, including magnificent refinished wood floors, fresh paint, a new architectural roof with rebuilt Yankee gutters and re-pointed brick chimneys. The property offers room to grow an organic vegetable garden, and the gorgeous landscaping allows for multiple outdoor living and entertaining spaces, with majestic evergreens, stunning specimen flowering trees, many perennials including a thriving wisteria and rock walls, which add so much character to the home.

This surprisingly private and serene retreat for relaxation and bird watching is a short convenient walk to MetroNorth for a hassle-free commute to NYC. It is also located walking distance to the Putnam Trailway bike path, close to many parks, lakes and reservoirs, in a desirable school district, near stores and the intersection of Interstate 684 and 84. Additional features include a large basement with outdoor access and a laundry area, a 2-car detached garage with a spacious loft above that can serve as a workshop, formal office space, an art studio, or be converted into another rental unit for added income. While the Virtual Tour link provides additional photos and a video, this unparalleled property must be seen in person!  Call today for a private viewing and make this magical home your getaway.

Details

Property ID
493731

6
Bedrooms

2.5
Bathrooms

Square Footage
3710

Lot Size
.41

Year Built
1930

Style
Early Classical Revival

Property Website