By Megan Montemarano
As the wise Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” That’s how one might best describe the distinct character of 75 Howell Avenue, a Mediterranean-style residence designed by the architect team Sterber & Wolfe, which included the renowned architect Frederick Sterner. Built in 1920, the Larchmont, N.Y. home is extremely unique in its construction. Now for sale and listed with Larchmont agent Janet Demasi for $2,295,000, this timely romantic Westchester County residence is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to stumble across its path.
The outstanding structure with an alluring European flair lies high upon a hill, boasting great light and exposure to its pristine outdoor surroundings. To complement its
distinguished exterior, comprised of longstanding granite taken right from the premises, the home pays tremendous attention to detail with numerous key elements throughout, such as spiraling columns in the front entry, terra cotta roof tiling, and a spacious living room with an exposed beam ceiling and oversized limestone hearth. “Europeans who have visited in the past immediately felt comfortable,” explained current homeowner Robert Herbst, who completed two major home renovations with his wife during their occupancy. “It’s an elegant and simple residence, with a classic Mediterranean ambiance all in one.” Additional highlights in the five-bedroom, three and a half-bath house, which contains 4,371 square feet of bright space, include beautiful arches, wide-planked white pine flooring, a mahogany library, large French doors and multiple terraces and patios overlooking the lush grounds.
Historically speaking, the intriguing property consistently attracted notable attention. Legendary film director D.W. Griffith shot part of his 1921 movie “Orphans of the Storm” here. In order to accommodate the film’s setting in France, the director converted the home’s location on Howell Avenue into a French lane. Also interesting, the opera “Cavalleria Rusticana” was performed here in 1923, which, according to Herbst, is no surprise given the living room’s incredible acoustics.
“The home is an exquisite combination of classic and contemporary with its modern upgrades,” commented Demasi. “It has clearly been loved over the years by its many owners, who often also hosted community charity events at the residence, sharing the grandeur of its style and matchless features with countless guests. From its original construction right down to its recent renovations, this Larchmont home is a treasured gem, and I am honored to be a part of its next adventure.”
“We’ve loved living here every day for the past 20 years,” said Herbst. “It is one unbelievably great house.”
For more information on the property, located at 75 Howell Avenue, please visit our website here. You can also reach out to Larchmont agent Janet Demasi by phone at 914.552.2750, or by email at Janet.Demasi@Juliabfee.com.
