A Place to Hang More Than Your Hat
A decade ago, when Beth and Chris Baine decided to move from a modern house on Manursing Way, where they had raised their four children, to a much more traditional home on the Westchester Country Club grounds, they knew right away that the house would be a great place to gather and entertain.
But, first, Beth needed to expand and entirely redo the kitchen. The gourmet kitchen she created includes a grand mahogany island that seats six comfortably, space to set up a buffet at the other end, and a separate eating area that looks out on the deck that runs the length of the house in back. She also widened the opening at one end to allow for smooth flow into the family room.
“When our entire family is here,” noted Beth, “we spend most of our time gathered in the kitchen…that means 14 of us visiting or eating there, and there’s still room to prepare meals!”
The renovations didn’t stop with the kitchen. All the baths now sparkle; the new guest bedroom is private and gets lots of use; French doors replaced sliding ones; new windows and transoms brought an abundance of light; custom-built fireplace mantles were installed; closets were outfitted; and much more.
One of the best rooms in the house — and there are many in the nearly 5,000 square feet — is the cozy sitting room with fireplace tucked into the first-floor master suite, the perfect place to put your feet up with a good book.
The house sits up above Biltmore Avenue, giving it prominence. The backyard is large and flat, making it ideal for weekend games. The Baines entirely re-landscaped the one-acre property, surrounding it with perennials and flowering trees.
The location is ideal — leisurely walks on the Westchester Country Club grounds, a short walk, or bike ride in Chris’ case, to the clubhouse, golf courses, and racquet facilities, and less than a 20-minute walk to train and town. Beth claims that, “By the time other members have walked to their parked cars, Chris has ridden his bike home!”
What have the Baines loved about the house? Everything.
“It has been a great family gathering place,” said Chris. “As our family has grown, our use of the house has evolved to accommodate us. When we first moved here, none of our children were married. Three of the four are now and have children of their own (five grandchildren so far) and homes in Rye.
“Given the layout of the house, we’ve felt comfortable with a dozen or more people sleeping here, but also feel cozy when it’s just the two of us.”
In the warmer weather, the Baines love sitting or eating out on the deck overlooking the backyard. And when the grandchildren come over, they love the fact that there is so much room for them to play.
Being lucky enough to have all their children close by, the Baines recently decided it was time to downsize — nearby.
- Robin Jovanovich
