Peekskill-Cortlandt Patch Home of the Week: March 16 Edition

One of the great perks of being both a writer and a Realtor is the opportunity to tell people about something truly exceptional in their midst. Snuggled away just 2 minutes from the Riverside Avenue exits on Route 9 is an architectural gem in the rough, designed, built and owned by Alfred Bush, an early apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright.

When first looking at 26 Spice Hill Road in Croton, the Wright influence is far from obvious; this is very clearly the concept and execution of an original, not a derivative contemporary architect. The dramatic use of a double parabolic roof, extensive poured concrete, often in irregular forms, and sprayed concrete over a wire mesh show this to be a custom designed home like no other.

Alfred Bush was involved the construction of both Wright's famous Taliesin House and Taliesin West. Besides architecture, Mr. Bush was an enthusiastic sportsman, accomplished artist and dancer, having danced with Martha Graham. It's said that he was one of the models for the sculpture of Atlas in Rockefeller Center, as can be imagined when you look at the attached photo of him working on Taliesin.

The house is on 3.6 acres, with the potential to sub-divide the property for an additional building lot. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a total of 2680 square feet.

That being said, the house is in need of a total renovation. Exposed plywood detail which may once have looked good is in need of replacement. Sprayed concrete has detached from the underlying mesh. The exterior has dramatically deteriorated. This is the kind of project that someone with vision, a love of architecture and deep pockets needs to take on. The asking price reflects the need for that work.

The house offered at $449,000 by Bill Primavera of Coldwell Banker in Yorktown. He can be reached at 522-2076 or 245-3400, extension 222; email WilliamPrimavera@aol.com.

About the Author

Joel Heumann has been a Realtor for 13 years and is currently an Associate Broker with Crowne Victoria Realty in Yorktown.    If you have any Real Estate related questions, or are interested in buying or selling Real Estate in the area, he can be reached at JHeumann@gmail.com