521 Scarborough Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY
Case Study: Chasing a Dream Property with Vision, Hustle, and Heart
The moment I stepped onto the property at 521 Scarborough Road, I knew it was rare. Set on 2.5 wooded acres with waterfalls, stone walls, and a stream running through it, it felt like a private retreat hidden in plain sight. I was the first to tour it, and I made an offer on the spot—$15,000 over asking.
Even with the high taxes, I was ready to make it work. Some properties are just worth the stretch.
Why It Was Special
This wasn’t just a house—it was a place that felt completely in tune with nature. A bridge crossed over Sparta Brook to a wraparound deck. Inside, the vaulted great room featured a massive stone fireplace and antique wood beams that gave the home a warm, lodge-like character. Natural light poured through round and floor-to-ceiling windows, and a screened porch off the bedroom overlooked the brook.
There was a cozy den with a built-in sleeping alcove for guests, and the detached studio—with a pergola entrance and its own deck facing a waterfall—was what sealed the vision. I imagined finishing it out and turning it into a serene Airbnb, while living in the main home. A long driveway, forested trails, and quiet stone patios made it feel like something you’d rarely find this close to the Metro-North line.
Financing Strategy
While I had renovation plans in mind—including upgrading the studio and addressing some deferred maintenance—I chose not to use an FHA 203(k) loan, even though it could have financed the work.
Instead, I went with a conventional loan with 20% down, for a few key reasons:
I didn’t want to scare the seller. FHA loans are often misunderstood, and 203(k) loans in particular can raise concerns about extended timelines, strict lender requirements, and perceived complications.
A conventional loan signals speed and simplicity, and I wanted to present myself as a buyer who could move cleanly and close smoothly.
Even though I couldn’t compete with all-cash offers, I made mine as clean and compelling as possible:
My Offer Strategy
Initial Offer: $715,000
Highest & Best: $745,000
Down Payment: 20% (conventional loan)
Contingencies: None – no inspection, no mortgage
Offer Strengtheners:
Offered to buy any furniture or artwork the sellers didn’t want to move
Allowed sellers to leave behind anything—no broom-swept condition, no cleanout stress
Framed the offer as effortless and buyer-ready
I knew the studio would need work and that the taxes were high—but I had the equity and the plans to make it all pencil out.
The sellers paused the listing to review offers. By the time they did, there were 16 on the table—and I ended up in the bottom three. Not for lack of vision or effort, but because this was a bidding war for buyers with deeper pockets. This was a rich person’s game, and I brought a strong back, not a big wallet.
The property is still pending. I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes for $850,000 or more.
Key Project Facts
Property: 521 Scarborough Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY
Listing Price: $699,000
Initial Offer: $745,000 (15K over asking)
Estimated Final Sale: ~$850,000 (pending confirmation)
Annual Taxes: ~$21,400
Financing: Equity-based with 20% down
Contingencies: None – no inspection, no mortgage
Offer Strength: Speed, flexibility, creative seller incentives
Studio Discovery: Plumbing & exhaust fan indicated bath potential
Planned Use: Live in main home, convert studio for Airbnb use
Why It Was Special: Waterfalls, stream, studio, vaulted interiors
Outcome: One of 16 offers; not selected
Takeaway:
Some homes are more than listings—they’re invitations. I put forward my strongest offer with a vision for living lightly on the land, preserving its character, and turning it into something even more special. I didn’t win this one, but I walked away knowing I had done everything I could—and I’ll be ready when the next rare property appears.
Update
This gem sold for $800,000 on June 17, 2025. I would never be able to compete, but the learning experience was priceless.