4970 Independence Avenue Historic Two-House Combo: Spacious 8-Bd. Victorian Landmark with Gracious Porches, Large Patio & Broad Lawns on Over Three-Quarters of an Acre THE RESIDENCE This spacious 8-bedroom, 4-bath residence consists of two houses connected by a family room with a wood-burning fireplace. The home enjoys multiple covered porches and a large, inviting patio - perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining. There are broad, level lawns to the front, back and side. Features include: an entry hall; living room with French doors out to a columned porch; formal dining room; 2 kitchens; family room with a vaulted skylight ceiling; large den; master bedroom suite; finished attic bedroom; unfinished basements. There is a long, private driveway (280 ft.) leading to a detached 2-car garage. There is a also a large storage shed. The property spans approximately 0.82 acres. THE HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE The main wing (known as the H.F. Spaulding Estate Coachman's House) was built around 1880 and designed by the architect Charles W. Clinton in the picturesque Victorian Stick style. The smaller wing was built around 1860. Both buildings were relocated to their current site from the Wave Hill estate across the street in 1909, and they were linked by a one-story addition in 1968. Historically and architecturally significant, the residence was designated a city landmark in 1981 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. According to the Guide to New York City Landmarks, "Lively and varied textures are created by board-and-batten siding on the first floor, crossed sticks above, dormer windows with jigsaw ornament, and a slate roof with overhanging eaves." The authoritative AIA Guide to New York City (3rd Edition) uses one word to describe the Coachman's House: "Glorious." THE SETTING Situated on one of Riverdale's most bucolic avenues, and directly across from the exquisite greenery of Wave Hill public gardens and culture center, the home is close to well-known private schools (Horace Mann, Fieldston, Riverdale Country School and SAR Academy), the Riverdale Yacht Club and the Metro-North trains and express buses to Manhattan.