Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman are synonymous with luxury, but for Andrew Goodman, the man behind Bergdorf’s expansion and rise to prominence, true elegance extended far beyond Fifth Avenue. The late retail mogul’s former New York country retreat, a 1920s Colonial in Rye, offered a secluded escape from the city where he famously lived in a penthouse above Bergdorf Goodman. Now, the meticulously-restored residence is on the market for $12 million.
With nine bedrooms and nine full bathrooms in total, the estate is just as tailored and grand as Goodman’s legendary department store. Originally built in 1922, it definitely has an air to it of “Gatsby” era glamour to it and you could throw some stellar parties here.
It underwent a to-the-studs renovation in the late 1990s, restoring its historic architecture while updating the structures for today’s modern living. Soaring ceilings, vast entertaining spaces, and intimate sitting rooms flow seamlessly together, especially in the 9,000-square-foot main house with plenty of finely-crafted millwork and stately fireplaces.
The property boasts formal English four-quadrant perennial gardens with a mix of seasonal blooms, flowering shrubs, and a central fountain. It also features a secret garden with century old beech trees and an abundant vegetable garden formerly used to help a local food bank. Beyond the gardens, a 1,000-square-foot pool house sits adjacent to the relaxing pool, while an illuminated tennis court and bocce ball court encourage sporty recreation. A separate 800-square-foot guest house provides additional rooms for visitors.
The estate spans 2.6 acres of manicured grounds bordering the Apawamis Country Club golf course. Goodman bought the country manse in 1946 and his wife sold it in 1998, after he passed away in 1993.
Donna McElwee and Scott McElwee of Houlihan Lawrence share the special New York listing.
