Is the enthusiasm to head to camp or the pool beginning to wane? Well, take your children and go “Make a Splash & Read!” at The Bedford Hills Free Library! At the Bedford Hills Free Library there is “Wacky Wednesdays” for those aged 4 and up at 4 pm - just when we all begin to fade on these hot summer days. Enjoy a story, a game or a craft. Knowing the storytellers at the Library, they are in for a treat!

Then there is a “Summer Reading Game” which continues until August 13 with the promise to take a folder of good reads back to school in the Fall! There are reading incentives, prizes and a wrap-up with an end-of-Summer Party. Contact the Library for more enrollment information: 914-666-6472 BedfordHillsFreeLibrary.org

Read more about the happenings at the Katonah Library and even more at the Bedford Village Library.

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

Based on the success and great interest of one of my last posts on the programs that are offered for children from tots to teens at the Katonah Village Library,  I thought to see what the Bedford Village Free Library had to offer!

For the youngest members of the community (12-30 months) there is still time to register for “Musical Mother Goose.” The next session will start Wednesday, August 4. The program is at 10:15 in the morning. I remember reading when I had my own children that Nursery Rhymes are important because they have their own rhythm and it leads to a love of reading - combine this with music and I am sure you have a winner!

For the age 4 - 3rd graders there is “Story & Craft Time.” They are broken up in age groups. They meet on Wednesday afternoons. “Beach Bingo” sounds like a great deal of fun!

There is still time to quickly call and get included in the following programs :

• Tuesday, July 20, join the New Canaan Nature Center when they visit the Library with their “Slimy & Scaly” friends. Age 5-3rd grade.
• There is an Origami class on Tuesday, July 27 at 4pm. This is for 4th & 5th Graders.
• On the Friday the 30th of July, at 4pm there is a digital camera class for 4-5th graders.

Call to Register: 914-234-3570

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

You found the perfect house, the contracts have been signed, the closing date has arrived and the final step prior to closing is the walk-through, so now what do you do?

The walk-through before closing is your final opportunity to see the house and make certain everything is in order and that the property is in the same condition as when you made your offer. It is also important to inspect any repairs that were agreed on in the contract and to make certain nothing has substantially changed since you last saw it. The day of closing is often very hectic as you are preparing to move, getting the checks from the bank, but it is never a good idea to skip the final walk-through.

Many times your home inspection report will contain a list of items to check at the final walk-through. They will most likely include but are not limited to these items:

• Start the dishwasher when you first arrive
• Turn on every faucet, hot and cold, then look under the sink for signs of any leaks
• Flush all the toilets
• Turn on the shower and open and close tub stopper
• Turn on light switches, and bring a tester to check electrical plug outlets
• Turn on all the burners on the stove, oven, fan and light
• Check to be sure the refrigerator is cold
• Start the washer and dryer
• Check the heating and air-conditioning
• Open and shut garage doors and look for remote controls
• Open and close all the windows and sliding glass doors
• Check in the basement and attic to be certain all debris is removed
• Check for owners manuals and any warranty for appliances and heating and air conditioning
• Check for a carbon monoxide detector, and test the smoke alarm. Move in day is a good day to change the batteries
• Check to make sure all the light fixtures and window coverings included in the sale are still there

If there are any issues, they can be addressed at closing and money set aside in escrow. It would also be helpful to take a photo of any item or issue and bring it to the closing. While at the closing, it is a good idea to get the seller’s new phone number, and/or email address in case there are any questions about the house. I also recommend getting a list of companies who have provided service on the house since they will be the most familiar.

After the walk-through is completed, it’s time to head out for the closing where you will receive the keys to your new house after all the paperwork for the transaction is completed.

Posted by:  Sonja Lovas

I met with Phillis Warden of Nine Gables on Bedford Center Rd. in Bedford last week to walk her gardens prior to the fundraising event to support The Bedford Hills Free Library, “Jazz in the Garden” which was to feature the Glenda Davenport Trio.

John and Phillis Warden are longtime residents of Bedford. Their gardens are fabled in the area and I was looking forward to the experience. My instructions were to just come over and find her in her garden where she will be for the day until it is time for her to plan for her evening.

I arrived at Nine Gables and started my quiet quest. The bells from St. Matthews pealed in the background and I heard the lilting voices of youths at play in the fields of the neighboring Rippowam Cisqua School. I walked from section to section photographing as I went along. I stopped along a charming elevated rock garden village which I was later to learn was the Alpine Rock Garden - levels of soil with gravel for drainage – terraced with Chinese pagodas dotting the mini landscape.

I then spied Phillis and we decided to stop at one of her refuges amidst her gardens for some question and answer time plus a review of the photos I had already taken. What I did learn was that I had just seen a fraction of her Secret Gardens.

The name Phillis comes from the Latin for branch or bough and I doubt a more apt name can be found. Phillis has the strength, beauty and resiliency of a fine bough.

Phillis had decided to share her gardens for a benefit for the Bedford Hills Free Library since she felt that “Who is not for a Library? It is a very important part of our Society. I am very sympathetic to their needs.”

She has also supported and made privy her gardens for the benefit of The Native Plant Center of The Westchester Community College and The Garden Conservancy.

She regards her work as the creation of An Enhanced Woodland Garden. I asked if she pursued a course of study at the Botanical Gardens. “No not at all,” she said, “it has been all observation, experimentation and conversation.”

She recalled a name given by a friend to describe her vast gardens and the word was “Wardenia.”

Her most prized plants? With over 150+ varieties it is easier to pick a section or her latest endeavor which is the Marsh area. She uses indigenous plants to the area. She started her gardens 22 yrs ago and has worked in the Marsh area for the last 12. The scourge to her work is not the deer population for which she has dedicated a portion of her land, but the beavers. People do not realize how beavers create dams and block water which then destroys trees. It is her constant battle to remove the debris they accumulate on the natural water channels and let the water flow naturally. When we see tree loss in the area it is often times the work of the beavers. She has also crossed the roads in her area to thwart their efforts.

The property was originally built around 1830-1840 as an apple farm. It was conducive to farming because it was not rocky and was mostly level.. There are several other water gardens and sanctuaries on the property. I asked if there was one special spot favorable for meditation or prayer and she quickly added, “the whole experience of my garden gives me peace and reflection.”

Her fascination with water gardens happened perhaps due to a tribute to the previous owners, Richard and Edith Goetz, who were instructors at The Art Students League in New York. They had members of the art, ballet and opera world as their house guests and artists in residence. They were American Impressionist painters and this was their touch of Monet’s Giverny complete with a small pond filled with water lilies. The small square pond which was left and the rock garden surrounding it was rearranged and it is now in three parts. It recirculates naturally

without filtration or chemicals. The water lilies are more than thriving now!

I asked if there were a secret to it all - “Once the plants are happy they grow.” One of her challenges is to keep something of color blooming at all times throughout the gardens. She also planned the gardens along the walkways to create shade for the shade-loving plants by the use of the towering plants which then protect the smaller plants. These are of course planned with the daily path of the sun in mind. It is yet another example of running secret gardens along the seemingly miles of paths. “I also throw the discards and trimmings under the desirable plants and beds since the death of one plant should benefit the life of another.” The combination and proximity of trees such as Japanese Maples comingling with dogwoods at a pond’s perimeter are reflective of the density of this lush garden.

Closest to the kitchen was the Renaissance Vegetable Garden - modeled after a famous French chateaux with gardens dating back to the early 1500s. The tall green almost obalisque pyramids are “tutors” as to teach the vines to follow their lead. The vines of tomatoes and squash are trained to grow entwined towards the top of the tutor. Phillis had them custom built after she had seen it in use.

There were also Italian influences with Pergolas and unexpected columns on a field. They reminded me of the original setting of columns on a field at Caramoor. Those columns later became The Venetian Theater – the setting for the concerts of the International Music Festival – a relative neighbor.

The croquet court was to establish some flat property and trim it with stone walls and topiary. A special grass seed was used - “bent grass” - that is used on golf courses specifically at the tees. I felt as though I was Alice in Wonderland and the Queen of Hearts was to appear at any moment!

As we proceeded through the property, I felt as though I was tumbling down the rabbit hole of Wonderland as I walked through the multiple settings. There were huge slate slab steps that led to additional water gardens and ponds filled with koi and goldfish. Phillis prefers the goldfish since they are easier to raise. The ponds must be deep so that the fish can drop to the bottom come winter into their state of suspended animation. I stepped across ponds on wood planks and perfect stepping stones - just keeping my feet above the water level. These many paths simply led from one delightful garden to another. Garden furniture and statuary also added definition to the spaces created.

I then experienced the final reward – an unexpected lake surrounded with fields of wildflowers.

It was a breathtaking view and tour. What a wonderful way to combine the love of libraries and nature, with philanthropy. What did I learn? I heard of Dutchman’s Pipe Vine - an old Victorian plant used for privacy between small homes that is coming back today. How Foxglove will “jump around” in a garden and how Zephyring Duhin roses are without thorns. Phillis has little time for plants with thorns!

Stay tuned for notices of possible future fundraising events at Nine Gables & Wardenia!

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

A celebratory fundraising cocktail party was held within the newly refurbished Sundial & Fountain Gardens of The John Jay Homestead in Katonah. An integral part of Museum Mile in Katonah, Town of Bedford, the homestead was the home of John Jay. One of the foremost Founding Fathers, his contributions through his life of dedication to the newly founded country included his role as negotiator with Benjamin Franklin of The Treaty of Paris which brought the Revolutionary War to a close, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, First Chief Justice, and the second Governor of New York State.

The restoration of The Gardens was greatly in part to the efforts of The Bedford Garden Club, The Herb Society of America, The Hopp Ground Garden Club and the Rusticus Garden Club. The event was made possible by a generous gift from Houlihan Lawrence.

The Peter Pratt Inn, known for their garden-to-table philosophy of food, was responsible for the catering. It was a delightful evening in an even more delightful setting.

Become a Friend of The Homestead -

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

Perched on a hilltop, this private retreat offers tranquility with simple sophistication yet is so near to the Toney Town of Bedford. The twenty mile views of the Hudson River Valley and the outdoor living space make for a serene living experience. The beautifully landscaped gardens surround the house and are completed by a Pergola, terraced decking, towering trees, annuals, perennials, herbs and stocked fish pond with a waterfall.

The home’s rustic elegance offers a great room/stone fireplace/Palladian windows for year-round outdoor views, a St. Charles kitchen, formal dining room and den/office. The vaulted ceilings and wooden pegged floors add additional character to this rustic space. Chose the way this purchase will work for you: the rustic retreat with 9.66 acres for $2,200,000, the rustic retreat and 5.66 acres for 1,250,000 or you may purchase the 4 acre BOH approved building lot for $950,000. Your opportunity and your choice. The property is located at 440- A Haines Road, Bedford Corners, NY.

If you would like to view or have any question regarding this spectacular property, please call me 914.450.6566 or e-mail rstengel@houlihanlawrence.com

Posted by:  Renee Stengel

The very popular entertainment “Summer Sunset Series” in the park is about to begin, so mark your calendars and plan to attend. There are six concerts held on Wednesday evenings, from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm and it’s free! The schedule is as follows:

June 30 - Katonah Memorial Park – “45 RPM Band”

July 7 - Bedford Village Memorial Park – “The Fairfield Counts Orchestra”

July 14 - Bedford Hills Memorial Park - “Reunion”

July 21 – Katonah Memorial Park – “John C. Magician and Ventriloquist”

July 28 - Bedford Village Memorial Park – Mad Science “Fire and Ice”

August 4 – Bedford Hills Memorial Park – “Goodwin’s Balloowins”

It is a wonderful opportunity to spend a warm summer night in the park so brings your blankets, pack a picnic dinner basket and head out to the park where you will be entertained. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people and reconnect with neighbors and friends and enjoy the summer evenings. For detailed information about the concerts including rain dates and locations, visit the Bedford Parks and Recreations Department website.

Posted by:  Sonja Lovas

On one of the most classic Bedford Roads, this Perennial Paradise of eight acres was designed by Penelope Maynard, who was trained by the staff at The New York Botanical Gardens. It has been noted as one of the most outstanding gardens in the Northeast.

In order to further delight in Nature, the outdoor pool is nestled into the landscaping making it a veritable Garden of Eden. If Bedford is known for its stone walls - these are the premier example. Terraced stone steps and pathways lead you through the gardens.

There is also a heated barn on the property. It is a house of light. This home of 4,000+ sq. ft. has views from each room that provide a breathtaking serenity. With beamed high ceilings, warm woods and walls of glass there is a very open California feel to this lovely home. The gazebo-like Master Bedroom Suite extension is a delight for all seasons with its surround of windows and doors out to the gardens. The second floor is more traditional in design with two bedrooms and bath plus an additional Master Suite.
The most surprising delight is the non chlorine indoor pool with a vaulted greenhouse glass structure which is also landscaped with vines and potted and planted greenery. It is almost a reflecting pool in nature. One would feel they are swimming at the most exclusive spa.

In the prime estate area of Bedford, it is a neighbor to The Caramoor Center of the Arts and the Rosen House where the International Music Festival is held each Summer and through the winter. It is also close to The John Jay Homestead and The Katonah Museum of Art which is known as “The Jewel in The Woods” as described by the Journal News May 6th, 2010. The area is known as Museum Mile which I had discussed in an earlier article. 
In between the hamlets of Bedford Village and Katonah, it is accessible to all plus the Metro North Train, the Saw Mill Parkway and 684. Plus great restaurants and the classic Bedford Movie Night at the Bedford Playhouse! 

If you would like more information or to arrange for a showing of this property please contact me at or 914-232-1212 x342.

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

This important home is located within the Bedford Historic District with its Greek Revival features added in 1870. “Greek Revival” was an architectural movement of the late 18th and 19th centuries. It represented democracy and liberty to a nation that sympathized with Greece’s independence movement in the 1820s. It became the “it” style of fashion architecture of wealthy Americans. Along with this style, the home has been lovingly restored for today’s lifestyle with a blend of past and present. Highlights of this home include a true welcoming center hall, high ceilings, large living room, dining with fireplace plus butler’s pantry, paneled library, a master suite with its own sitting room/fireplace and six additional bedrooms, ceiling medallions and elegant wood floors. Situated on four flat acres with a pool among century old trees, the property abuts the Mianus River. If you would like a viewing or have any questions about this property priced at $2,195,000, my contact information is - 914 450 6566.

Posted by:  Renee Stengel

North Salem, Bedford and parts of Lewisboro are truly Horse Country…and Horse HEAVEN for riders! I have lived and ridden here since 1970 and just can’t say enough about how great the horse community is! I’m a hunting member of Goldens Bridge Hounds, on the Board of the North Salem Bridle Trails, and an active member of Bedford Riding Lanes Assoc. I’m also a member of the Oblong Trails Association in Pawling, although I’ve only been up there once to ride. I should join the Lewisboro Horse Association, and I will! I’ll be writing more on all these organizations and much more on the topic of horse activities and horse properties in upcoming blog posts. In the meantime, some of the activities for horse people that are coming up NOW are:

Old Salem Farm A Circuit Horse Show: May 11 through 16 and May 18 through 23: National and local stars competing in Hunter & Jumper classes, so much fun to watch! Grand Prix jumping on the grass field (weather permitting) both Sundays at 1 pm. So exciting!! Lots of vendors in tents, with great equestrian items to buy—clothing, jewelry, tack, home decorating etc. $10 to enter the showgrounds, (good for the whole week ) and $20 for the weekend. Proceeds from the admissions support their charities, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding and Komen for the Cure. Stop by for lunch, watch a few classes, and shop for things you couldn’t find elsewhere!

North Salem Bridle Trails Spring Trail Clean-up and Lunch: Sunday May 16, at 9 am. Meet at the corner of Vail Lane and Norton, with gloves and clippers. Pick a trail that you would like to explore (and groom!) and have a ball with other horse lovers, then enjoy a delicious lunch at Three Ponds. This is a very fun and worthwhile morning!

Also on Sunday, May 16, The Lewisboro Horsemen’s Association annual Poker Ride, at the Lewisboro Town Park in South Salem. Check for details on the website at www.LHAtrails.org.

BRLA Memorial Day Country Pace and Luncheon: Monday May 31. Held at the John Jay Homestead, this is a BIG EVENT, eagerly awaited by riders and non-riders as well, as the Luncheon is THE place to be! Pre-registration is necessary for the Pace (not for lunch). Entry forms on the website, www.bedfordridinglanes.com. I love this pace because the footing is so good and the jumps are so inviting…and everyone has such a great time!

Goldens Bridge Hounds Spring Hunter Pace: Sunday, June 13. This is the first in the series of great hunter paces put on in North Salem’s Hunt Country. This is the shortest, and spring is a beautiful time to experience the trails. Famous for the jumps!! All the jumps have go-arounds, and you can pick your division…hunt, pleasure, junior. Western riders welcome with hard hats. Lunch is included. You can go to the GBH website www.GoldensBridgeHounds.org for info and to register, or call Peter Moritz at 203-438-8008, .

Posted by:  Anita Zander

I was in The Bedford Town House today checking records for clients (always have to check taxes, the square footage and bedroom count - plus those CO’s!) and found out that there are new email alerts that can be sent to you from the Town. Even if you are not currently a resident (I can take care of THAT for you) you can use this in order to see what is new and what is happening!

That is of course after you enjoy my articles on life in The Town of Bedford which is comprised of Bedford Village, Bedford Hills, Katonah and Northern Westchester; plus my own website KarenFromKatonah.com.

That link for Bedford Info alerts to your email is BedfordNY.info. Once on the site click on “E-Mail Alerts” on the top right hand side of the home page and follow the steps to sign up! There is other wonderful information on the site which you can enjoy.

The items that will be covered are:

• Town Meetings
• Events in the Hamlets of Bedford Village, Katonah and Bedford Hills
• Camp Updates - the Town has wonderful camps for tots to teens (day trips 3x a week!) in each hamlet at each park/pool of Bedford Village, Bedford Hills and Katonah
• Emergency Notices
• Weather Alerts

This weekend is the much anticipated celebration of The Centennial of Bedford Hills which I covered in an earlier article.

The outdoor fair will be from 1-6 on Saturday May 15. Houlihan Lawrence is a sponsor of the event. See you there!

Posted by: Karen Benvin Ransom

Houlihan Lawrence is having their Spring Open House Extravaganza on Sunday, May 16 featuring 450+ homes that will be open for public viewing in a variety of price ranges. The time of day may vary so you’ll want to check our special open house website and I’m sure you’ll find some homes you’d love to see.

There are 4 great reasons you should stop and visit an Open House this weekend:

1. If you are considering making a change now or in the near future it is a great way to preview a large number of homes in your price range and in different areas. If the house you see doesn’t meet all your criteria, you will have an opportunity to speak with the agent holding the house open and determine if he or she is the type of agent you would want to work with to find your next home.


2. It is great way to learn the price range of homes in your area, the condition of the home and the type of updates that have been made. You can also take the opportunity to discuss the current market trends.


3. If you are considering selling your home, it’s a great way to interview the agents you meet to see which one you would like to have represent you.


4. There is never any obligation for stopping by and it’s fun to see homes on parade. I’ll be at 87 Harris Road in Katonah, NY which was my Broker Pick of the Week on Sunday from 1 – 4 pm and would love to show you around. See you there!

Posted by:  Sonja Lovas

There were 61 houses on the broker open list today (May 7th), so I selected a few from each town and headed out. This beautiful 4-bedroom 3-bath colonial on Waccabuc Road in Goldens Bridge NY, HoulihanLawrence.com/3006424, hosted by Patrick Browne, was by far my favorite! It had some stiff competition from an antique colonial in Cross River and another nice colonial in North Salem, but overall, in my opinion this home represented the best value and that’s why it is my pick of the week. There are many updates in this spacious and beautiful home such as a completely updated kitchen and baths with Jacuzzi in the master, new AC and alarm system, and lots of built in shelving and storage. The hardwood floors shine and the floor plan lends itself to entertaining inside and out. The large deck off the kitchen extends the living area outside during the spring, summer and fall and the play area (fenced) is a couple steps from the kitchen. If you are looking for a colonial that is “move in ready,” then this is a house you must see! For more information and a private showing contact me or leave a comment.

 


Posted by:  Sonja Lovas

You found the perfect house, have an agreed deal and now the home inspection. The American Society of Home Inspections trains and informs their members of changes in individual state regulations. NACHI defines the home inspections as,

“a visual assessment of a home’s structure and systems.” And, it “should extend beyond the visual to the operations.”

A home inspection is an important part of the home buying process because it gives you an opportunity to get to know the systems of the home. And it also discloses problems that are not apparent or visible to you, the buyer. The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) provides its Code of Ethics to the public.

Recommendations from your attorney or friends that had a good experience with an inspector should be pursued. Here in Westchester County, I give a service providers list to my clients that contains the names of New York State licensed inspectors but I do not recommend an individual inspector. The Inspection should cover the following: the structures and systems, exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating and air-conditioning, home interior, ventilation, appliances, fireplaces, additional systems (e.g. generator, etc.). Separate, but equally important, inspections for termites, radon, septic, oil tanks and water need to be added to complete a through process.

New York State requires that,

“any one to four family home, in New York State, for sale must submit a Property Condition Disclosure to the buyer prior to the signing of a binding contract of sale. The Disclosure will be attached to the contract. If the buyer does not receive the disclosure they are entitled to a $500 credit at closing. Whether the seller provides the disclosure or not, the seller is still liable for any undisclosed defects. The Disclosure form will be provided to you by your listing agent. You will be advised to consult your attorney in regards to the disclosure. Your agent can not give you advice as to whether to complete or ignore the disclosure.”

In today’s real estate market, homeowners may want to correct defects but are not obligated to do so.

Get what you pay for - be present during the home inspection and walk along with the inspector as he completes his work. Ask questions and take notes. Your inspector will issue a written report.

Of course, there will be things that are not up to par but prioritize the important issues. The homeowner is not obligated to correct conditions but they might want to do so if they want to sell their home.

Posted By: Renee Stengel

The Bedford Free Library has an annual book sale to raise money for the library. On May 1, 2010 they will be accepting donations so start going through your bookshelves to find books you would like to share with others. Click here for more information.

In good condition, the library will accept hardcovers, paperbacks, books on CD or cassette, music CDs, DVDs, Cookbooks and travel, health, technical, financial, business and computer books that are 2 years old or less. They cannot accept textbooks, encyclopedias, magazines, underlined or highlighted books, condensed books, anything musty or mildewed or videos.

The Annual Sidewalk Book Sale is Friday June 11 and Saturday June 12 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm in front of the library. Should it be raining that day they will move it to the courthouse.

Don’t forget, after you drop off your books at the library, you can continue down Route 22 to Crusher Road for the Annual Chowder Marching Club giant tag sale.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas