5247 Independence Ave

Rare ‘Gold Coast’ Estate! There are a handful of neighborhoods left in NYC where grand old homes still sit on parcels of land for which the term ''grounds'' applies. Among them is Riverdale, long known as the borough's 'Gold Coast.' The Henry L. Atherton Villa at 5247 Independence Avenue is 1 of 34 stately homes that make up the 'Riverdale Historic District.' Which includes the home of a young JFK who grew up down the street in 1928. The area was conceived in the mid-19th century by a group of wealthy businessmen as a “suburban summer community,” This palatial Henry Atherton Villa palatial estate is built in Gothic Revival style with some Colonial Revival additions completed in 1910 & 1914 giving the estate its current grand appearance. At 10,000 SF, this gracious home consists of 9 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and covers 0.61 acres. Today, the residence preserves its grand, old-world exterior details: two chimneys, gabled slate roofs, Doric columns, and a porte-cochere. The beautiful millwork, original hardwood floors, and sizable windows create a lovely atmosphere for the home. One enters into a ballroom-sized open parlor with a fireplace, once a greeting room for guests. Off the parlor is a formal dining room and kitchen, 2 elegant libraries with bay windows and fireplaces. Next to the living room, glass doors lead to an expansive veranda with open Hudson River views throughout the year. Up the split-level staircase all 9 bedrooms offer privacy and separation with 4 bedrooms offering wood-burning fireplaces. There are 5 bedrooms on the 2nd floor, including a master bedroom with a river-view terrace, and 3 additional bedrooms on the 3rd floor. A large deck and oversized balcony have incredible river and Palisades views. The Riverdale Historic District was designated by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission on October 16, 1990 - It is NYC's 54th historic district. Major sites and attractions include the Perkins Estate at Wave Hill. The Riverdale Nature Preservancy lobbied the City to take over the 28-acre estate and create a botanical garden and cultural center. Riverdale is an area of landscaped parks, sloped winding streets amid rock outcroppings, cafes, restaurants, and some of the best-known private and public schools. Only 15 minutes from Manhattan by car, subway, or MetroNorth.