16 Upshaw Rd, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Price improvement to $2,595,000. Imagine residing in a distinguished, freestanding Federalist brick home, a true landmark majestically set atop a hill on a tranquil side street within the coveted Forest Hills Gardens. This house recalls the early years of Forest Hills Gardens when many homes had very large lots. During the depression and over the decades many families chose to, or needed to sell off parts of their land to someone who built a new house on it. Spread over 3 tax lots, this estate retains its spacious 14,144 square feet property. A rarity within Forest Hills Gardens. The house itself has exceptional layout and functionality. It has great entertainment space on the 1st floor including: a large living room with 3 light-filled exposures, a spacious foyer, expansive dining room, a bright, southern-facing, full-windowed solarium, a recently renovated, modern eat-in kitchen with lots of cabinetry, a full bath, a 2-car attached garage directly accessible from the house, and a first floor bedroom that can be used as an office. The 1st floor also has high ceilings at 8''6". From the foyer, there is an open, curving staircase to a comfortably-sized landing that leads to the spacious primary bedroom with a fully-renovated ensuite bath with a two-person shower, and walk-in closet. The second floor also includes 2 additional bedrooms, each with its own terrace, a full bath, and a small nursery with a Juliette balcony overlooking the street, which could be used as an office or an exercise room. The rear terrace is about 350 sq ft in total and is a special outdoor space. The side terrace overlooks the foliage of the south lot. From the second floor, there is access to the unfinished attic which has build-out possibilities. The fully-finished basement has a large living or media area, a bedroom, a full bath, a laundry room and extensive storage space. During Prohibition, the basement was actually a neighborhood speakeasy with its own kitchen, using the basement door that leads out to the driveway. Plumbing and electrical as well as all bathrooms were updated in 2000. The house was built in 1925 has only been owned by 3 families in its entire history and has served them all well. Forest Hills Gardens is a world-class community planned by the Olmsted Brothers Landscaping (of Central Park and Prospect Park fame) and New York architect Grosvenor Atterbury that combines a suburban, community lifestyle with urban conveniences. Commercial areas with stores, restaurants and public transportation are nearby. All of Forest Hills Gardens'' tree-lined streets, private parks, sidewalks and period lampposts are owned and maintained by the community homeowner''s association (Forest Hills Gardens Corporation). The quality of life is enhanced by several volunteer organizations that further support the Forest Hills Gardens community, including Forest Hills Gardens Corporation Celebrations, Friends of Station Square, the Forest Hills Gardens Foundation, and both the Men''s and Women''s Clubs of Forest Hills. Area public schools are excellent and close by. There are also private school options in the community. Forest Hills Gardens has been a much-desired community for more than 100 years due to its quiet, residential feel in the midst of a city. The lot to the left side of the house covers 4,450 sq feet with 2,225 in buildable square footage. The lot to the right side covers 4,474 sq feet with 2,237 buildable square footage. The property on which the house sits has an additional 574 of buildable square footage. Annual Forest Hills Gardens Corporation maintenance dues are $5,698.59. Annual property taxes are $26,994