After months of hibernation, there's no sight more glorious than the flora and fauna north of New York City awakening in radiant technicolor. From the fluttering blossoms to trees swaying their summer dress, even sporadic seasonal allergies are worth the front-row seat to nature's tour de force, and it's all the more dramatic where there's glorious gardens of fancy flowers, specimen plantings and topiary. We turned to our listing portfolio in search of the best buds:
POUND RIDGE | 66 Upper Shad Road | $2,095,000
Imagine meandering lush pathways through a veritable wonderland of hedgerow, rose bushes and past a trickling fountain to reach your front door. Now stop imagining it, because it's real. This stunning custom home bordering Russell Nature Preserve sits gently on a hill above a glassy little pond, complete with docks for boating and fishing. With an outdoor fireplace, pool and infinity-edge spa and a sequestered zen garden revealed via a trellised arbor portal, it's a property to truly immerse you in nature.
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CLOVE VALLEY | 132 Seeley Road | $7,750,000
Blooms abound at this 87.9 acre Hudson Valley estate, flanking a 2,500 garden terrace revealed via French doors from the expansive Crisp Architecture-designed main residence. Not to be outdone by the landscaping itself: a two-bedroom poolhouse, built-in fire pit, infinity pool and sweeping views of the Taconic foothills and Catskill Mountains. See more of 132 Seeley Road
MOUNT KISCO | 4 Petersville Road | $3,200,000
Sometimes it's okay being boxed in, at least if you're a garden. This impressive setup is sprouting up behind our Mt. Kisco listing, which overlooks the 17th hole at Mt. Kisco Country Club. We're not sure exactly what's growing inside, but the next owner can crop them any way you like. See more of 4 Petersville Road
BRONXVILLE | 31 Masterton Road | $10,000,000
With a garden terrace this sumptuous, it's essential to take afternoon tea as much as possible (perhaps "Little Dickens" rooibos by Bellocq, paired that delectable scone always staring you down at Slave to the Grind when buzzing in for your morning on-the-go joe that you constantly resist). The masterpiece manse, built in the roaring twenties by McKim, Mead & White draftsman Charles Lewis Bowman on the grounds of Alexander Masterton's marble quarries, was originally owned by Bronxville's then-mayor, R.B. Malty. Clink your cup and take in the mesmerizing nuance of the home's husky roof slates, clustered chimneys and carved limestone lintels—the water feature will provide a tranquil soundtrack. See more of 31 Masterton Road
ARMONK | 4 Cowdray Park Drive | $6,600,000
English-style gardens form an enclave within an enclave at this 13-acre Conyers Farm estate, overlooked by a shady terrace and tall trees. Don't let the authentic French Chateau aesthetic fool you: it's a 21st century custom construction with all the modern amenities melded with timeless plaster moldings, marble and boisserie paneling—and a two-story reception room with floating staircase. See more of 4 Cowdray Park Drive
SCARSDALE | 270 Clayton Road | $1,649,000
All gardens should have a splash of something different. A pond is always a lovely addition and fail-safe conversation piece—especially if there's koi in it—and this Fort Hill Estates has a spectacular one. The home's English looks blend perfectly into the property's lush environs, with bright floral framing its stone-and-clapboard front facade. See more of 270 Clayton Road
BRONXVILLE | 29 Prescott Avenue | $6,565,000
Putting the "park" in Lawrence Park, this craggy, cascading terraced garden is exhibits A through Z of why you should go chasing waterfalls (sorry, TLC). World-class artful landscaping surrounds both the front and backyards of this 1894 William Bates-designed Bronxville original, with specimen shrubs, colorful flower gardens and this trickling highlight.
