Prewar co-op in private Fieldston offering much lower prices than area homes
The Dorchester is unusual as it’s among a small number of prewar co-ops and condos in the private community of Fieldston, an area dominated by large, single-family homes on even larger plots of land in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in NYC. Tucked in between waterfront Riverdale and the immense Van Cortlandt Park, Fieldston’s rocky, hilly terrain and bucolic setting could be mistaken for a rural town in Northern Westchester. While most homes start above a million dollars, two-bedroom apartments sell for less than $400,000 at The Dorchester. The seven-story co-op is perched at the top of a hill and dates back to 1940. It’s located along Fieldston’s edge close to Van Cortlandt Park and next to Horace Mann, a prestigious private school whose Bronx campus serves kindergarten through grade 12, and that’s ranked in the top 10 private schools nationwide. The Dorchester is also notable for its Art Deco lobby and Tudor-esque facade.
Well-preserved prewar layouts with sunken living rooms and built-ins
As a primarily owner-occupied building with long-term tenants, the 68 units are classic examples of prewar architecture at a lower cost than their Manhattan counterparts. Traditional junior-four layouts abound here, followed by two-bedrooms, a small number of studios and some rare three-bedrooms. Residents have restored or maintained numerous prewar details, including sunken living rooms with wrought-iron railings, built-in shelves, crown moldings and herringbone or parquet floors with inlaid borders. Also common are soaring ceilings with arched doorways and large windows that flood rooms with light. Apartments on the higher floors provide park views thanks to the building’s hilltop location. Foyers, galleries, numerous closets and separate dining areas are also part of the prewar bones.
It’s not uncommon for owners to have restored vintage elements, such as bathrooms with pink or yellow tiles edged in black or pedestal sinks. Other bathrooms and kitchens are simply dated, yet remain in good condition. Windowed galley kitchens range from those with older appliances and tiles to those that have been opened up or gutted, featuring dishwashers, stainless-steel appliances, granite counters, backsplashes or new cabinets. Similarly, some unrenovated bathrooms contain showerheads and faucets in the middle of the bathtub, while others have added separate shower stalls, cabinet sinks and marble tiles. Air conditioning is limited to window units and in-unit washers/dryers are uncommon.
Buyers will find more space for the money compared to Manhattan. Studios offer around 500 square feet, but are infrequently listed due to their low numbers. The last one sold in 2022 for $175,000. One-bedrooms offer between 800 to 950 square feet, with a unit selling for $230,000 in 2024. Two-bedrooms span 1,000 to 1,400 square feet, with the last recorded sale going for $375,000 in 2023. Three-bedrooms are rarer than studios, with the last known sale in 2021.
A live-in super maintains the building and patio space
This older building is light on amenities. However, it does include a live-in super, waitlisted storage and a communal patio with a garden and patio furniture. The outdoor area is surrounded by brick walls for privacy and accessible from two steep staircases. Due to the Dorchester’s perch at the top of a hill, residents on the higher floors can bypass the elevator for the side entrance door, as it leads to the third floor. Those entering through the lobby will find the elevator is notable for its original door, which needs to be manually opened. The lobby also retains its original Art Deco design, from its stained-glass windows and decorative plaster ceiling to a wraparound fresco depicting scenes of medieval soldiers. The lobby, like the rest of the co-op, is well maintained. Pets are allowed and there’s a laundry room in the building. Security entails a newer video intercom system. In a departure from many co-ops, only 10 percent down is required here. Another differentiator is that this residence uses solar panels as an additional power source.
Hilly, tree-filled section near Van Cortlandt Park, elite private schools and trains
Many families move to Fieldston for the top-ranked private schools, specifically Horace Mann, Ethical Culture Fieldston School and Riverdale Country School. This enclave has been described as a suburb in the city, but it feels more rural as there are no commercial businesses here. The closest options include a few stores and restaurants along Broadway across the street from Post Road, with more businesses strung along Broadway to the north and south. Locals also head to neighboring areas like Riverdale and North Riverdale. Businesses cluster along Moshulu Avenue in the latter, including Beccofino for homey Italian meals on traditional red-and-white checkered tablecloths, Cote Wine Bar, a recent addition that channels a Parisian cafe, and Downey’s Bar and Grill for pub fare and live music.
This section is also home to Riverdale Library, plus CTown and Key Food for groceries. For produce, the Riverdale Y Fitness Center holds a weekly farmer’s market every Sunday. More businesses are found to Fieldston’s south in Kingston, including An Beal Bocht Cafe, a longtime Irish pub that hosts everything from poetry readings to local performers. A Stop and Shop and Walgreens are found here as well. It helps to have a car for other shopping needs.
Co-op residents also benefit from living across from Van Cortlandt Park, a green expanse of more than 1,000 acres that offers some rarely found amenities in city parks, like a public 18-hole golf course, riding stables and trails and cricket fields. Nearby Gaelic Park also offers the chance to play or watch competitive Irish hurling, which is Ireland’s national sport that is akin to a mix of field hockey, baseball and lacrosse.
MTA stop, Metro-North and bus options
The local 1 train at Van Cortlandt Park-242 Street is about a five-minute walk from the co-op and takes around 45 minutes to reach Midtown. This is an elevated station that’s not accessible. Another commuter option includes the scenic and accessible Metro-North station in Riverdale, less than a 10-minute drive away, and there is a parking lot. Trains reach Grand Central in about half an hour. Local and express buses traverse Broadway as well. Cars are convenient, but finding street parking is not. However, drivers are close to the Major Deegan Expressway and the Henry Hudson Parkway for reaching other parts of the city or Westchester. Plus, LaGuardia Airport is less than 12 miles away.
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Building Details
Recreation
Park
Amenities
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Public Transportation
Laundry Facilities
Security Service
Resident Manager or Management On Site
Controlled Access
Parking
Detached Garage
Pet Policy
Dogs Allowed
Condo Association
Association fees include heat, hot water, sewer, water
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Bikeable
Bike Score®
56/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
80/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
87/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Brust Park
8 min walk
Trails
Playground
Walking Paths
Fort Independence Park
3 min drive
Marble Hill Playgound
3 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Vinmont Veteran Park
3 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Playground
Riverdale Park
4 min drive
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Spuyten Duyvil Playground
4 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Seton Park
4 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Football
Spuyten Duyvil Playground
4 min drive
Trails
Playground
Ewen Park
4 min drive
Basketball
Dog Park
Trails
Schools
Source:
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