County Executive George Latimer is pleased to announce that the County will be funding $1.5M in restoration work at the historic farmhouse at Merestead. Additionally, Latimer is announcing a Merestead Public Listening Session to be held at the property on Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m to engage the public in a conversation about the site’s future.
Latimer said: “The Merestead property is in serious need of repairs so it can be restored as a resource for all County residents to use and enjoy. If we allow our County’s historic buildings to fall into such states of disrepair we lose a part of our history and a chance to teach future generations. Equally important is to reach out to the residents and neighbors, to hear their thoughts and ideas for the future of Merestead. That is why I am personally hosting the public listening session – to make sure your voice is heard.”
The $1.5M is made up of $1.1M included in last year’s capital budget plan with an additional $400K included in the County Executive’s proposed 2020 Capital Budget (Capital Budget ID #RMS03). These vital funds will go toward the rehabilitation of the currently boarded up farmhouse, making the property safe for use by visitors as well as increasing the security of the home in light of recent attempted break-ins.
With beautiful walking paths and a historic main house, Merestead in Mount Kisco is a Westchester County Park that is used by visitors who stroll its gentle hills, observe nature and even enjoy an occasional musical performance.
Merestead, a the former estate of William Sloane, consists of farmland, woods, gardens and buildings including its 1906 Georgian Revival main house designed by architects Delano and Aldrich. Bequeathed to the county in 1982 by Margaret Sloan Patterson and her husband Dr. Robert Patterson as a life estate, Merestead became a Westchester County park with the passing of Margaret on August 3, 2000.
Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said: “Merestead is one of our more unique parks. The facilities are in badly need of infrastructure work and these vital funds will better allow Westchester residents to enjoy all it has to offer. Even further, having the public involved in the future of this very special property will help us to provide quality park uses that County residents will enjoy.”
Westchester County Legislator Kitley Covill said: “Preserving and protecting this 180-year-old farmhouse, together with all of Merestead -- including its 130 acres and its historic mansion -- is an important responsibility. We want to make sure that this property, left to the county for use as parkland, is properly cared for, to benefit the residents of Bedford, Mount Kisco and all of Westchester County. I'd like to thank the County Executive and the Parks Department, as well as my colleagues on the Board of Legislators, for the steps we've already taken to preserve the main house. It's important that we take the same kind of steps to save this farmhouse.”
Merestead is located at 455 Byram Lake Road in Mount Kisco.