A literary tradition lives on at Bedford House
Story by Houlihan Lawrence
Photographs by Tim Lee
Perhaps the first drafts of Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises” and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” were first read here on the grounds of Bedford House.
The setting that surrounds this magnificent new home was once part of a vast estate, the country retreat for members of the Scribner family.
In the first half of the 20th century, they were responsible for publishing some of America’s most acclaimed authors.
One of many country estates created in this area at the turn of the last century by New York’s social elite, this serene setting continues to impress today with its picturesque landscape, featuring rolling lawns, majestic old trees and scenic views of Howland Lake, just steps away.
Amid this breathtaking natural beauty sits Bedford House, a sprawling estate home that carries on the tradition of a grand country house with its Old World elegance and expansive scale.
Few modern-day residences display the artistry and craftsmanship that distinguish the home designed by L. Scott Johnson, a master designer responsible for some of the region’s most prestigious estates in the Hamptons and Greenwich.
At Bedford House, Johnson’s signature artistry has never been more apparent. Starting with a handsome structure preserved from an old Scribner barn, Johnson and his team created a modern-day masterpiece, melding classical architecture with a sublime landscape that is truly glorious throughout the seasons.
Inside, regally scaled formal rooms – resplendent with walnut-bordered oak floors, classical columns, fine moldings and paneling and seven hand-carved fireplaces – offer a sophisticated backdrop for grand living and entertaining that is elegant yet not overly formal.
A dramatic entrance hall, refined living and dining rooms, a tour-de-force kitchen and a music room with a fountain are among the many standout spaces, which also include a dazzling library, the perfect spot to relax and read some of Charles Scribner’s Sons’ most famous novels.
An inviting family room and an expansive master suite with a luxurious bath inspired by a hotel spa are other examples of the lavish appointments in this 12,400-square-foot home.
Adding to the estate’s many special features is a 1,900-square-foot, two-bedroom guest cottage with two baths, a large kitchen, living room and a two-car garage.
The 1,200-square-foot, all-season pool house is perfect for large-scale entertaining, and a 45-foot heated pool is framed by beautifully designed gardens.
While the Scribner literary connections are part of its rich past, Bedford House is ready to become part of a new story in the 21st century as it takes it place as one of Westchester’s finest estate properties.
BEDFORD HOUSE
AT A GLANCE
• Bedford Corners
• 12,400 square feet
• 8.3 acres
• Bedrooms: 6.
• Baths: 8 full, 1 half
• Amenities: Gated entry, beautifully designed gardens, lake view, heated pool, pool house, two-bedroom guest house, close to major roadways, village center and rail station.
• Price: $6.75 million
For more information, contact Angela Kessel at Houlihan Lawrence Bedford Brokerage at (914) 234-9099, ext. 359; (914) 841-1919; or at akessel@houlihanlawrence.com.
