The Sporting Life
One of the great 1920s homes on Locust Avenue is a house with history. George Washington didn’t stay here, but Babe Ruth did. Since then, every owner has been pleased to say, “This is the house that Ruth stayed at.” The Sultan of Swat was the guest of publisher and promoter George P. Putnam, whose second wife was Amelia Earhart, and whose estate stretched along Locust.
Built in 1925, this handsome stone and stucco home looks out across to the 11th hole of the Apawamis Club course. On one side of the house is a putting green, on the other a basketball court. The 50-foot lap pool in the back is shaped like a golf driver, with a spa at the toe. There’s also ample space for recreation in the walk-out lower level.
The 7,136 square-foot home boasts five bedrooms, eight baths, fine woodwork, and an open floor plan. The stately gardens behind the circular driveway are a pleasure to behold in all seasons. There are also some secret gardens on the 1.8-acre property.
The current owners of 349 Locust Avenue, who’ve lived there for nearly twenty years, have made good use of the dining terraces and enjoyed watching the natural world from the windows all along the back of the house — from the sunroom to the chef’s kitchen. While they are only a short walk or bike ride away from the Rye YMCA and downtown, when they’re at home, they say it’s easy to feel miles away from the rest of the world.
The home is now on the market; Lisa Murphy of Houlihan Lawrence is the listing agent.
