The New Season at Caramoor can mean many things. First of all there is the Summer Music Festival. There is also The Rosen House Museum. The new show this year in the Rosen House from the Collection is: “From Here to Eternity: Popular Female Deities in Chinese Art.” Then there are the Galas which raise funds for each of them.

As a Docent at Caramoor, the new season means waking up the dormant memory cells in order to give a rewarding tour at the Rosen House Museum.The lives of the Rosens plus their collections is a topic too vast for any blog. Therefore I have struggled how to share the story of my new “Home Away From Home.” My solution - to tell you the introduction I give in the Music Room before the audience is broken out into smaller groups for the House Tour.

“Walter Tower Rosen was born in Berlin in 1875 and came to the United States with his family in 1885 for business reasons. He was tutored at home, entered Harvard at the age of 16 and graduated in three years. He played classical piano and practiced every morning before breakfast. He also befriended the Gardiners of Fenwick Court in Boston and perhaps their love of collecting inspired young Walter to do the same some day.

He returned to New York, graduated from New York Law School and while working in a New York Law firm he caught the eye of a client and went on to investment banking where his specialty became railroads.

Lucie Bigelow Dodge had a very interesting background as well. Her grandfather was one of the Founders of the New York Public Library, an Ambassador to France for Lincoln during the Civil War and an editor at The New York Post. Lucie’s Mother divorced her father when Lucie was twelve and a student at the Brearley School in New York. In order to divorce they had to establish a residence in South Dakota. Her mother Flora then married Lionel Guest - first cousin to Winston Churchill. They had a social life in London that Lucie quickly tired of. She missed working for her grandfather in New York and she ran away from home. She was found by Scotland Yard and returned under the condition that she could return to New York. She also then studied at McGill University in Montreal . It was at the Guest summer home in Quebec that her brother introduced her to Walter Rosen. They soon married in a simple ceremony due to the War of 1914. He was 39, she was 23. He was 5’6”, she was 5’10”.

They had two children - Walter Jr. and Ann. They used to travel on vacation to Venice every fall from their four adjacent town homes on West 54th Street which were over flowing with their growing collections of Renaissance Art. Lucie fell ill one year while there and suggested to her husband that they find a spot closer to her New York doctors and hospitals.

A colleague at his law firm told him that his mother Carolyn Moore Hoyt was thinking of selling her 100-acre estate in Katonah, NY. The name Caramoor is either the name of the property at that time after Carolyn Moore or we muse that it may be due to the Rosen’s love of all things Italian and their celebrated love for one another - Cara & Amore. Since it was 1929, they shelved their plans for a grand palazzo and expanded on the stable and staff buildings that were first built. Walter Rosen continued to visit his art dealer in Venice every September and would have the rooms from the palaces of Europe dismantled and retrofitted into the new space. It was completed in 1939.”

That is where I will have to stop! For more of the details on the Rosen Family, the many fascinating and some tragic stories, plus to enjoy their vast collections plan a visit to Caramoor! Group Tours, Concerts and Teas are all available as well. Plus, plan to come to one of the many concerts planned this Summer. Picnicking is also welcome on the grounds pre-concert.

As a Realtor I must share with you the fact that there are very special homes on the market right now in the Caramoor area. If you are interested, please give me a call! 914-232-1212 x342; KBenvinRansom@HoulihanLawrence.com

Caramoor.org

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Thursday evening I attended with colleagues from my Houlihan Lawrence Office in Katonah NY the opening of a new exhibit in the Manhattanville College Gallery of Fine Art - “Broadacre City/Usonia: The Ideal Community and The Ideal Suburban Home” The exhibit will be on display until June 19th, 2009. The address is 2900 Purchase Street and the Gallery is in the Richard Berman Student Center.

The purpose was twofold: My long time friend, Johanna Cooper is the curator and is also one of the original owners of an Usonian home. Secondly, in our positions as Associate Real Estate Brokers, it is our “duty” to know the possibilities available to our clients. Should any of them want “Mid-Century” - that is the place to be!

There are several things we learned and of course as Realtors we asked all the usual questions: is it on septic? What is the acreage? Do you need approvals?

In 1945 a 100-acre parcel was purchased by a cooperative of New York City residents who had given Frank Lloyd Wright the opportunity to build his dream community. He had presented this concept to the world in 1935 from Rockefeller Center as Broadacre City.

Each of the 47 homes were given 1.25 acres - not rectangular in shape but as a circle - therefore the empty spaces other than the four points that were not contiguous were green spaces for the community to enjoy and it lessened the probable squabbles between neighbors since it was to be an Utopian Society in many regards. Appraisers/surveyors seem to have a tough time of it, I thought - they must not know their pi formulas!

There was also very little clearing - very natural surroundings and the homes were built into the hillsides and along the existing terrains. Frank Lloyd Wright built the first three houses himself and the remaining 44 were done by other architects but with his approval. There were no attics or basements and most of the furniture was built in - all in the Wright Style. He also employed the use of passive solar energy by the mere site placement that would ensure heat penetration during the day to warm the homes - many years before his time! The homes are on septic but with town water. They have over the years added a community swimming pool and tennis courts.

There will also be a panel discussion on June 6th, 2-4 pm moderated by Johanna Cooper. Panelists include Roland Reisley, resident and author of “Usonia New York, Building a Community with Frank Lloyd Wright.”

If you would be interested in such a home - we are doing our research now to see what is available in this community, so contact me today! KBenvinRansom@HoulihanLawrence.com and/or 914-232-1212 x342

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Bedford Hills Memorial Day Parade
9am at Babbitt Rd & Glen to Main Street & Community House to The Bedford Hills Firehouse.
Speaker: Bedford Judge Kevin Quaranta

Katonah Memorial Day Parade
10 am - from Katonah Firehouse to Memorial Circle across from the Katonah Library - ice cream to be served to children after the Parade behind the firehouse!

Mt. Kisco Memorial Day Parade
FRIDAY, MAY 29th, 7pm from Smith Avenue to Oakwood Cemetery and then down Main Street to the War Memorial at Village Hall. It is a great night to be in Mt. Kisco- my Dad used to get us a ring side table at a restaurant along the parade route!

Somers Memorial Day Parade
10am at the Intermediate School 240 Rt 202 to the Cemetery

South Salem Memorial Day Parade & Service
12:15 from Lake Shore Drive & Spring Street to Lewisboro Town House - 11 Main Street

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Home Maintenance Tip: One of the most frequently encountered defects found during a home inspection are GFCI outlets that do not operate properly. These are the special outlets with two buttons found in bathrooms, kitchens, the exterior, most importantly for jetted tubs and hopefully the garage, unfinished basements and wet bar sinks. They are intended to protect us from serious electric shock in the presence of water. These outlets need to be exercised periodically, or they get stuck and will not perform their function. GFCI outlets must be cycled, as per manufacturer’s instructions, typically every month by pressing the “Test” and “Reset” buttons. The outlet should trip (click) when the “Test” button is depressed and power should be restored with the “Reset” button. If the outlet does not cycle it should be replaced.

Posted By: Marjorie Weschler

When it becomes necessary to replace your home’s hot water heater, you may wish to consider installing the heat on demand, or tankless type that has been in common use in European countries for many years. They are more energy efficient and therefore “greener” as they do not expend energy keeping a body of water heated at all times ready for use. They do need to be properly sized by a knowledgeable plumber or heating system contractor.

Information about tankless hot water heaters may be gained by visiting the following web sites:

• Adwords.TanklessWater.com
• PlumbingSupply.com
• HouseNeeds.com
• GoTankless.com
• Tankless-Water-Heater.com

Posted By: Marjorie Weschler

Ouch, ouch, ouch! That’s what my client said after seeing a house with three bedrooms painted brilliant colors of the rainbow. Then it was on to the next house, and the comment was, “this house seems a little drab don’t you think?” It was because they didn’t have any color on the walls, or a decorating theme.

What many sellers don’t understand is buyers are not just looking for “location, location, location,” but they also want freshly painted and clean, clean, clean! The first step of achieving that is through paint. Color creates an emotional response so if you place your home on the market without taking that into consideration it will cost money in many ways. Paint covers a multitude of sins and let’s face it, if you don’t want to wash or paint away your dirty fingerprints and scratches, odds are the buyer won’t either. So consider giving your home a fresh new character with the use of paint and color.

There are lots of tools and techniques available for homeowners to tap into if you’d like to do it yourself. Start watching HGTV for ideas and pick up some decorating magazines. An interior decorator can help you pull it all together or you could also consider a professional “home stager.” At the very least find a hardware or paint store and talk to someone who can help you select a theme and the right colors. Paint companies even sell small pouches or bottles that you purchase and test the color on your walls before buying the whole gallon, since lighting in the room effects the way a color will look. You should keep it simple, soft, and flowing. If you have already gone crazy with color, it’s time to tone it down before putting your house on the market. After showing 4 similar houses that were on the final short list to purchase, the one my client liked the best was the house that was clean and freshly painted. They said, “they’re all about the same but this one just feels cheery.”

For more advice on how to sell your home call Sonja Lovas.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Europe has many fine rivers, but I don’t think they compare to our beautiful Hudson River. I am amazed at its beauty every time I have a chance to walk along the paths close to it. If you are crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge and look north you will see the Tarrytown lighthouse and beyond. On the other side you can see Irvington and on a clear night even the George Washington Bridge. Our office in Irvington covers the towns of Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, Irvington, Hastings, Dobbs Ferry and Ardsley, and many of the homes in these towns have river views.

Henry Hudson was looking for a shortcut to Asia, but found a shortcut to Albany instead. He returned under the English flag with a new ship and unfortunately his ship was ice bound. His plan was to continue exploring in the spring. However his rebellious crew had other plans. They set Henry, his son, and some crew off in a small boat. They were never heard from again…Poor Henry.

The Hudson of the 19th century was prominent in the arts. In literature some famous authors such as James Fenimore Cooper, William Cullen Bryant and Washington Irvington (author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow) were reliant on the lore of the Hudson Valley. Painters of the Hudson River School, which include Thomas Cole, Frederic Church and Albert Bierstadt painted wonderful scenery of the river.

Some of the wealthiest New Yorkers built their summer homes along the river. J.P. Morgan,Vanderbilt, Rockefeller and others loved the beauty and relaxation of the river.

This year is the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s momentous voyage. There are many celebrations to commemorate this historic event:

• River Day, organized by boat and yacht clubs, includes a fleet of boats that will assemble and head north behind several flagships including a replica of Henry Hudson’s famous Half Moon. This will take place on June 6th.



• Macy’s has commissioned the New York Pops to write a new score and play it with fireworks on July 4th.



• On September 1st, a fleet of Dutch flat bottomed boats from Amsterdam is scheduled to sail into NY harbour as part of a great Naval Parade…it will be a great sight to see.



• On September 25th the concourse at Empire State Plaza in Albany will have a stamp exposition and include a stamp commemorating the 400th anniversary.

Posted By: Barbara Eisert

The annual Katonah Firemen’s Parade will be on Wednesday June 3rd starting at 7pm. Come early to pick your viewing spot! Bring a picnic and your folding chairs. You will see the excitement in the hamlet as the proud owners of the gracious Victorians festoon their porches with flags and set out refreshments for their guests. The forty plus fire companies that participate from the tri-state area start out at New Street and travel down Valley Road into the main area of the town. The music is wonderful and I look forward to seeing these wonderful volunteers from our own Town of Bedford plus companies from my home towns of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow!

This also heralds the start of the Carnival which is held on the grounds behind the firehouse through Saturday the sixth of June. There are many food concessions available with the traditional fair fare. There are several great kiddie rides along with the famed “Ali Baba”, Ferris Wheel and others. There are the booths of games to be played with those outrageous stuffed animals as prizes that every child is proud to carry out as their trophy for the night. It is a great family night.

Thursday is bracelet night when there are unlimited rides for one entry fee. Hours are 6-10 in the evenings and on Saturday the carnival opens at 1 pm till closing at 10.

It is a wonderful way to catch the spirit of the town and see that it is a great place to raise a young family. As a Real Estate Broker with Houlihan Lawrence which is right in the heart of Katonah we are involved in most community events. To learn about other activities and local attractions go to my website: KarenFromKatonah.com or read some of my other blog posts: Karen’s Blogs.

See you there!

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

It is a well known fact that people love water views and also golf course views. Living in New Rochelle, our great city can offer you both types of elegant homes at simply breathtaking prices! I am thrilled and honored to have just listed a wonderful 5789 square foot Tudor home in New Rochelle located at 103 Mount Tom Road, being offered at $1,690,000. Not only does it overlook the Pelham Golf Course, but it is also a spectacular home.

What makes this home so special? Well, for starters the homeowners spared no expense in renovating this gracious home which has custom crafted features throughout. The home features a gorgeous chef’s kitchen with custom crafted cabinetry, recessed lighting, Thermador stove, Thermador double oven, a warming drawer, 2 Sub Zero refrigerators, dark green granite counters, new hardwood floors (basically throughout the home). The kitchen leads to a breakfast room with rosewood custom built-ins, and a convenient first floor laundry room with a Miele washer/dryer.. There is a sliding door to the patio where you will find a Jenn-Air built-in grill with a gas hook-up, and a rich wrought iron railing surrounding the tiered terrace and patio area which overlooks the wonderful lush property with beautiful perennials and the nearby golf-course of course.

There is an elegant formal dining room, a wonderful large living room - did I mention the house is very bright and sunny? A large media room with a bar, and dramatic wrought iron doors that lead to a little reading nook where you could place an additional wine cellar. Additional? Well, the finished lower level is a dream.. Currently having the Certificate of Occupancy processed, this 1500 square foot (approx) area features arches, brick walls with nooks, superb detailing, tiled floors, and an exquisite bar area with a granite so deliciously green with golden highlights that is unusual but sure to please. A wet bar, wine refrigerator (although there is certainly room to install that desired wine cellar), Miele dishwasher, closets, 3 recessed areas, seating arrangements, all perfect for that wide-screen television. There is a 13’X14’ spa area with shower/steam room with a gorgeous rust colored granite which compliments the Jacuzzi bath tub for 2. A bidet and toilet with a separate entrance also allows for privacy. I just love this room! Oh, and do not worry on those cold wintry eves, the heated floors will be waiting for you as you leave the spa area, and snuggle down for a warm beverage on the comfy sofa.

But I digress, there is a wonderful library off the large living room with a marble fireplace, and the whole first floor leaves one breathless. How can one home offer so much? There are also stained glass windows off the entrance foyer, a powder room and a dramatic wide open stairway with a wonderful chandelier.

The Master Bedroom with its walk-in closets is a dream also. Large and sunny with a Master Bathroom featuring a cobalt blue granite - so blue and so rich looking that one can realize that at first glance that it was expensive. The Neorest combined bidet and toilet awaits your needs as does the standing shower with the aforementioned blue granite which also trims the Whirlpool bathtub.

There is a large Jack and Jill Bathroom with travertine tiling, that same rust colored granite shower that is more akin to a mural - it makes such a statement, heated flooring (of course!), tumbled marble, and the two bedrooms which adjoin this lovely bathroom are equally as impressive. One features a walk-in closet with a heated tiled floor, beautifully appointed, and the other bedroom is equally impressive. The fourth bedroom is currently being utilized as a drawing/sitting room, and it overlooks the golf course with sunny views and great charm.

The property is located on 0.36 of an acre…and is awaiting that discerning buyer who values elegance, quality design and top of the line appliances, superb custom crafted touches with a warm, personal feel. It has gas heating, Rinnai Central Air conditioning, and the 97% insulated garage/basement door was manufactured in Canada. Even the garage floor is finished! Once owned by the Danish Consulate, this home would compliment any home design magazine. It is lovely! The home borders the New Rochelle Pelham border and is just 30 minutes from New York City and yet just 5 minutes from those water views too!

For more information, please contact me at (914) 907-2645 or grosen@houlihanlawrence.com, and it will be my pleasure to assist you.

Posted By: Gay Rosen

Growing up, “Go outside and PLAY” was a common line from our moms. “Play” in the 50s and 60s was running through backyards playing capture the flag, backyard softball or kickball in the street where the game took a time out when the Good Humor man came down the lane. In the spring we had softball, soccer started in the late 60s, but there were very few organized sports for girls. It was “slim-pickins” for girls who loved sports. Looking back I am grateful, I was a lucky one. My parents got me into skiing, tennis and golf. By 7th grade my all girls’ school had field hockey, basketball and lacrosse teams. I had a voracious appetite for sports as they were FUN! Through sports I got to visit other schools, clubs and mountains for competitions. I met other kids, both boys and girls and it taught me to socialize with all types of people. In college I played tennis, ice hockey and lacrosse and had so much fun, the camaraderie, the laughs, the pranks will be life long memories. What a gift sports have been for me. Along the way I was always busy, met people, exercised and felt good about myself. Without knowing it sports had empowered me. Looking back I realize what a positive impact sports have had on my life.

On May 19 school districts throughout Westchester county will put their proposed budgets for next year up for vote. Don’t miss this opportunity to have a say in how your money is spent, to select school board members, and to influence the direction your schools will take in the future. Start educating yourself now by visiting your school district online:

• Briarcliff Manor
• Croton-on-Hudson/Croton-Harmon
• Hendrick Hudson
• Peekskill
• Pleasantville
• Ossining

For other sources of information email Liz@eLPereira.com.

Teach your children well … VOTE.

Posted By: Liz Pereira

Mother’s day is over which signals the end of frost danger so I’m ready to put flowers for my garden on the deck. Living in Pound Ridge where the deer love plants it seems the deck is the only safe spot for my favorite flowers.

While planning my flower garden I make sure I have lots of Impatiens (I usually buy red) to attract my favorite little hummingbirds! I don’t wait until the flowers are potted to start attracting the birds so I set out the feeders the end of April to catch the early ones. It is such a delight to see them return year after year and I can’t resist setting out new and decorative feeders. I place my feeders in places that give them room to fly up, down, and around the feeder and they are close to branches of trees that give them camouflage cover. Some feeders have a ring for them to perch and drink without using their wings, others hang and offer the option of landing or hovering.

I make my own nectar and change it frequently when the summer heats up. By the middle of summer I also hang a bee trap away from the feeders (filling that with beer) to keep the yellow jackets from attacking the birds and competing for the sweet stuff. Here’s my recipe for the nectar:

Combine 1 part white sugar (be generous) to 4 parts water. Bring it to a boil for 2 minutes to dissolve the sugar and then let cool before putting in feeders. Keep any excess in the refrigerator for refills. Never ever use honey or artificial sweeteners, and do not use food coloring! The feeders and your flowers are the magnet to attract these sweet birds.

If you live in Pound Ridge, Katonah, South or North Salem, get yourself a hummingbird feeder and enjoy these wonderful birds. Capturing them with the camera takes patience, but I wanted to share with you what I see all day, every day!

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

When you live in Pound Ridge, Bedford, Katonah, or Lewisboro, the seasons provide you with distinct different points of view. It was amazing to me after moving to Pound Ridge (from Oregon where it’s just always green) that the change of seasons not only brought a change of weather but of the views outside. Those living in the city will notice subtle changes with the foliage on the trees or flowers planted for the summer, but when you live near the woods the scenery really changes dramatically and always displays its beauty. The points of view I am sharing with you were all taken from my deck, looking into the backyard.

You can also enjoy the beauty of the seasons. Just take a drive through the country in the summer months, you’ll see lush green heavily wooded trees, but you’ll never know of the beautiful estates hidden by the trees and leaves. Take the same drive in the winter and you’ll see houses in places you once thought were forests. Fall provides a blanket of gold, while spring surprises everyone with the lacey leaves, distant views and the beautiful wild dogwoods.

For city dwellers who want to enjoy my points of view as a visitor you can check out Walking Wild Lewisboro, for a guide to Lewisboro’s trail system. You can pick up your own guidebook at Houlihan Lawrence in Katonah for a contribution of $5.00 which only covers the printing costs. After you take a few hikes, I am sure you’ll want to contribute more (vi@westchesterlandtrust.org) to help preserve the land. If you would like to find a home for year round enjoyment near the woods, call Sonja Lovas.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Realtors can no longer state in the Westchester Multiple Listing Service that homes are ‘mother-daughter’ as it implies that the home is a 2 family with 2 kitchens, etc. A home can only have one kitchen if it is a single family home which sounds logical but you will be surprised at what we see! We can state that a home has a separate entry for a lower level, but we must be truthful and legal in whatever we describe. For prospective buyers who are seeking a home that will accommodate both themselves and their extended family, all you need to do is to contact your local Real Estate agent, who can search the listings for you, and request of them to seek a home with a separate entry and finished space/rooms, or seek out a two family property.

I happen to have a wonderful 5 bedroom listing currently available that does offer a lower (above-ground) level with a separate entrance, with a wonderful tiled family room, and 2 bedrooms. It is located at 251 Broadfield Road, New Rochelle, New York 10804, http://www.houlihanlawrence.com/MLS:2908753< is 2508 square feet with an enclosed sun porch and a library too. It is currently being offered at $749,000. It only has the one kitchen but is perfect for people who would like more space, more bedrooms - or who simply like to entertain! The kitchen which has granite counters leads to a large deck, and the dining room offers granite walls for a dramatic effect. The bathrooms also have granite or marble counters. The home is within easy walking distance to the shops, transportation and fine dining and is just 35 minutes away from New York City.

For more information about this home, please contact me at grosen@houlihanlawrence.com.

Posted By: Gay Rosen

1. According to the New York Times this morning May 5, 2009, a forward looking indicator based on March contracts shows pending house sales rose.
2. Mortgage rates have reached an historic low.
3. Inventory provides an extraordinary choice of homes to choose from.
4. Affordability for first time buyers…an $8000 tax credit…increases buying power.
5. NAR’s housing affordability index (HAI) remained near record highs - 30.8 percent higher than a year ago.
6. Economic conditions seem to be stabilizing

What are all the buyers waiting for? Opportunity knocks..answer the door.

Posted By: Barbara Eisert

You are cordially invited to attend our First Time Homebuyer Seminar

Wednesday, May 20th
at Bloomingdales
175 Bloomingdale Road in White Plains

Light refreshments will be served from 6-6:30pm immediately followed by:

Christopher Meyers, COO Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate
"Taking advantage of current market trends in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess"

Mark Logue, Manager of Thoroughbred Mortgage an affiliate of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
"Mortgage financing opportunities and tax benefits for first time homebuyers"

Question and Answer Session

To ensure your space RSVP to 914 684 6306 or RSVP via email to events@houlihanlawrence.com by no later then May 18, 2009

Posted By: Carol Dorado

I love looking at the variety of stonewalls while driving through Bedford, Katonah, Somers, Pound Ridge, South and North Salem. Some of the stonewalls are historic (especially those around cemeteries) and date back to the 1600s when settlers cleared the land for farming. As the land was cleared the stones were placed around the perimeter of the property to create fences. Since small rocks or stones made plowing difficult, they were moved and placed around cultivated areas while the larger rocks were used to contain livestock in pastures. Rocks and stones were also used as foundations for barns and houses. The size and shapes of the stones are varied, as well as the construction methods used to build stonewalls.

When the water levels are low in the surrounding reservoirs you can still see the stonewalls and where they they were before the land was used for water shed.

In an effort to preserve these stonewalls, many local towns require building permits and have ordinances regulating stone walls, everything from repair, new additions, and setbacks. Here’s a little slide show with some do’s and don’ts to building stonewalls.

While there are many methods used to build stone walls, my favorite walls are always the original rather than the uniform perfectly shaped and placed stone.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Last year one of my European clients told me that they were looking for a home that would be totally “American.” But what is “American” – a Victorian House, no that’s British, a Ranch, well, yes that’s better, a Tudor, a Colonial. But there is nothing that screams out: I am American.

Knowing that this client was renting a classic Victorian in the Larchmont Manor at the time and being fully aware how much they loved this house (I actually was the listing agent for this house, that’s how I “inherited” the tenant, my new client), I was confused. Maybe they were counting on the fact that I am European too – and thus should be able to find an “American” house easier.

I took them on several tours of homes on the market, hoping that I would stumble over the “American” house in the process. I showed them what I thought was “American”: one floor ranch houses and split level ones from the ’50s. They were all too dated. After one of these tours, the client showed me a listing that they had downloaded from our MLS-connected site (I like clients that do their homework). But this house was listed as a “colonial” and was for sale, not for rent. The next time we went looking at houses, I made sure that this “colonial” was part of our tour. As it turned out, the “colonial” wasn’t a “colonial” – it had been built in 1974 and was exactly what a modern home looked like in the ’70s. It had had only one owner and a lot of the belongings of the owner were still in the house. The lime green couch, the painting of himself sitting in exactly the same living room (with the green couch), the artificial plants, the Japanese-inspired dinning room furniture and, not to forget, the shag carpeting in the bedrooms.

When I saw this house, a time capsule of 1974, I knew we had found it: the “American House.” The American house was like the American homes on TV that we Europeans had grown up with: welcome to the Partridge Family! (And it took me little effort to convince the listing agent and the owner to rent the house instead of selling it. After all the “colonial” had been on the market for over a year.)

Posted By: H. Juergen Hess