Introduction to a Piece of History
In The Bronx, a white house for sale delivers some strong ties to a man who later made his way to the White House. This property, located at 5040 Independence Ave. in Riverdale, has listed for $6.45 million and spans more than 17,000 square feet on a lush 1.2-acre parcel overlooking the Hudson River. Moreover, it’s the site where President John F. Kennedy resided during his middle school years in the 1920s while attending the prestigious Riverdale Country School, and where his younger brother Robert F. Kennedy famously returned for a visit during his Senate campaign in 1964.
The Estate’s History and Features
Located at 5040 Independence Ave., the modern mansion sits on 1.2 lush acres near Wave Hill Gardens and the Riverdale Yacht Club. Rinze van Brug
The home JFK once knew is long gone — demolished decades ago — but something new now stands on the land, and it’s looking for a new owner. The original home that once stood here — a three-story stucco residence built in 1907 — was purchased by the Kennedy family when Joseph P. Kennedy moved the clan from Massachusetts in pursuit of business and political influence. JFK lived at the Riverdale address from the fifth through seventh grades.
Architectural Details and Customization
The estate is just 30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan. Rinze van Brug
Though that home is no longer standing, some fragments of its presence remain. “There are structural elements in the basement — sort of a stone room — that date back to earlier versions of the property,” said Dustin Crouse, who is co-listing the property with Erin Boisson Aries of Douglas Elliman. The new mansion, completed but not fully customized, offers approximately 17,620 interior square feet and 4,500 square feet of terraces. A dramatic triple-height atrium, inspired by the Guggenheim Museum, forms the architectural heart of the home.
Accommodations and Amenities
John F. Kennedy’s (first row in the middle) seventh grade class at Riverdale Country School. Lehman College Leonard Lief Library
There are nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms and two powder rooms. The main residence is complemented by a 2,000-square-foot guest cottage with three additional bedrooms and its own two-car garage. A 10-car garage sits below the main house, which also includes a sprawling sunken living room, a formal dining room, a media room, a library and a large eat-in kitchen with an adjacent morning terrace.
The Surroundings and Lifestyle
The estate features eye-catching — Guggenheim-inspired — architecture. Rinze van Brug
Rather than completing the interiors to their own tastes, the sellers opted to leave key design decisions up to the next owner. The property is being delivered with a temporary certificate of occupancy and will require finishing touches such as flooring, railings and tiles. The residence sits adjacent to Wave Hill Gardens, a historic public garden and cultural center that has hosted everyone from Mark Twain to Theodore Roosevelt. Nearby are the Riverdale Yacht Club, and Van Cortlandt Park’s golf course, stables and hiking trails — amenities that speak to a long-standing ideal of Riverdale as New York’s closest approximation of country life.
Historical Significance and Market Potential
This new estate features a dramatic atrium. Rinze van Brug
While the original Kennedy house was torn down by a previous owner, the property’s presidential provenance remains a point of pride. Riverdale was once among the most fashionable retreats for wealthy New Yorkers. The home occupies 17,620 square feet. Rinze van Brug
The home offers nine bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms. Rinze van Brug
Crouse sees strong potential for renewed interest in Riverdale’s estate market. Recent sales seem to bear that out. There’s also a separate 2,000-square-foot cottage with three bedrooms and its own garage. Rinze van Brug
Conclusion
In conclusion, the estate at 5040 Independence Ave. is a unique blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty, offering a rare opportunity for those seeking a high-end lifestyle with a connection to American presidential history. With its stunning architecture, expansive grounds, and prime location, this property is sure to attract buyers looking for a truly exceptional home.
FAQs
- Q: Where is the estate located?
A: The estate is located at 5040 Independence Ave. in Riverdale, The Bronx. - Q: How much does the estate cost?
A: The estate is listed for $6.45 million. - Q: What is the history of the estate?
A: The estate was once the home of President John F. Kennedy during his middle school years and has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. - Q: What features does the estate offer?
A: The estate offers approximately 17,620 interior square feet, 4,500 square feet of terraces, a dramatic triple-height atrium, nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a 2,000-square-foot guest cottage. - Q: Is the estate customizable?
A: Yes, the estate is being delivered with a temporary certificate of occupancy and requires finishing touches such as flooring, railings, and tiles, allowing the new owner to customize it to their taste.
