4725 Independence Avenue

Fully renovated home in a stunningly bucolic location just minutes from Manhattan. Originally built in 1941 for famed Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau and his family, 4725 Independence Avenue has since been substantially updated and expanded but with its historic charm and details preserved. The long list of major upgrades include: all new Pella windows, a brand new roof and gutters, updated electrical with 200 Amp Service, two-zone AC, and a brand new boiler and hot water heater. There are refinished oak hardwood floors, skim coated walls, preserved original moldings, and refurbished hard and landscaping outside. This Riverdale gem is truly move-in ready!The house is deceptively large but exudes warmth with an excellent floorpan that's equally suited to casual living or formal entertaining. Generously scaled rooms throughout the first floor flow nicely but give plenty of room to spread out and feature a bright living room with wood burning fireplace and french doors leading to the rear patio, a large corner library/den with floating spiral staircase to the basement, a guest room/office with full bath, and a holiday sized dining room. The fully renovated kitchen is large and features custom cabinetry, stone countertops, and radiant heat floors in front of the double sinks, as well as three dishwashers, twin full-size fridge and freezer, 36" Thermador range, custom range hood, and a built-in Bosch oven in the large island. A butler's pantry with third sink, banquet for informal breakfasts, and a separate entrance round out the offerings of this true chef's kitchen.There are five bedrooms and three full baths on the second floor including the corner master suite, affording gorgeous tree top views from multiple exposures and a private balcony facing west towards the sunset. The en suite master bath features double sinks, a soaking jacuzzi tub, radiant heat floors, and a stand up rain shower. There is also a separate dressing area with three closets, two of which are walk-in. The third floor features two additional bedrooms, a laundry room, and bath. The full height walk-out basement has a separate entrance and a powder room and is currently used as an exercise room, play area, and for extra storage. Outside there is a stone carport, front lawn and garden, and a charming foot bridge over a babbling brook. A large bluestone patio graces the backyard and is perfect for outdoor dining, and there is plenty of room to play on the flat rear grass yard, currently outfitted with a jungle gym and trampoline.Situated on a private cul de sac directly across from Wave Hill and directly next door to the Landmarked Alderbrook Mansion, the surrounding streets are dripping with historical charm and were once home to Mark Twain, Theodore Roosevelt, Arturo Toscanini, and the young Kennedy brothers. Conservation efforts have preserved much of the surrounding nature as it would have appeared in Colonial times. Alder Brook, the namesake of this enchanting enclave, gently murmurs in front of the property down the hill on its way toward the Hudson River.Located within the highest and most northwestern neighborhood of New York City - Riverdale's Estate Area sits on billion year old gneiss bedrock. Many of the stunning homes here were initially conceived as country villas and summer homes for the city's captains of industry and were initially accessible via boat along the Hudson. The integration of domestic architecture into the beauty of a natural landscape is a defining characteristic of Riverdale and separates it from the urban grid layout found nearby in Manhattan. The historic homes of Fieldston and the Estate Area have been widely recognized as early examples of the romantically planned suburb in America - an idea influenced by the transcendentalist philosophies of Thoreau and Emerson and the concept of the English picturesque landscape. Set among winding streets, with massive trees, and ancient rock outcroppings, the homes here are unique. Commuting to Manhattan is quick and easy, with Metro North, the #1 train, and Express Buses to midtown all nearby. Houses of worship, public and private schools, restaurants, and shopping are all close at hand. Town and Country - suburban living in the city - you can have it all!