A Rare Westchester Retreat with Musical Legacy
A unique intersection of modernist architecture and music history has emerged in New York’s Westchester County. The former home of legendary Atlantic Records co-founder Nesuhi Ertegun has officially hit the market for $3.5 million, represented by Sally Slater of Douglas Elliman. Built in 1980, this 3,740-square-foot contemporary residence perches on nearly four wooded acres overlooking the shimmering Cross River Reservoir, just 50 miles north of Manhattan.
Modern Architecture Immersed in Nature
Designed in the International Style, the three-story structure balances strong rectilinear lines with subtle semicircular extrusions that create movement and visual interest. Walls of glass and strategically placed skylights invite natural light deep into the interiors while framing dramatic water views.
Interior Elegance and Light
The living room is anchored by a minimalist fireplace and opens through French doors to broad terraces that extend the living space outdoors. A cozy library lined with custom bookshelves reflects Ertegun’s passion for art, music, and culture. The kitchen remains a study in restraint, an all-white palette punctuated only by a butcher-block island. Above it all, the top-floor primary suite rises over the treetops, delivering peaceful reservoir views at sunrise and sunset.
Terraced gardens cascade down the property, featuring flat lawns, raised flower beds, a swimming pool with a glass cabana, and a bocce court, balancing serenity with recreation.
Provenance and Market History
Ertegun, who died in 1989 at age 71, helped shape the careers of icons from John Coltrane to Led Zeppelin and co-founded WEA International, the global music division of Warner Music Group. According to public records reviewed by californialuxuryhouses, the Katonah residence has remained in the family since its completion, making this the first public listing in over four decades.
Lifestyle and Location
Katonah offers an enviable combination of culture and convenience. The charming downtown boasts art galleries, cafés, and the renowned Katonah Museum of Art. Residents enjoy easy access to the Metro-North Railroad for a swift commute to Manhattan, while nearby Saw Mill Parkway and Interstate 684 streamline regional travel. Upscale dining in Bedford and extensive hiking trails in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation complete the appeal for both full-time residents and weekenders.
A Collector’s Opportunity
Whether as a primary residence or a tranquil weekend escape, this Katonah contemporary offers architectural significance and a rich musical pedigree. “This is more than a house—it’s a piece of American music history waiting for its next curator,” Slater concluded in her final remarks to californialuxuryhouses.
