North of the Noise Issue 5

Westchester Dining News, Real Estate, Things to Do, and More

From real estate to restaurants, and everything in between—discover Westchester each month through the eyes of a foodie, former Westchester Magazine editor-in-chief, and now your neighborhood realtor. Each issue dishes on what’s new in the county dining scene, real estate market news, what to see and do, local getaways, and more. It’s your insider guide to living and dining well, north of the noise.

 

                                      Winter Retreats

Catskills Calm: Eastwind Oliverea Valley

Scandinavian style meets Catskills serenity at this design-forward mountain retreat, where luxe cabins, saunas, and farm-fresh dining make unplugging feel effortless.

If your idea of a weekend escape involves mountain air, modern design, and a crackling fire pit, Eastwind Oliverea Valley in Big Indian, NY, is calling. About three hours north of New York City, this stylish Catskills retreat redefines “glamping” with its blend of Scandinavian simplicity and upstate serenity.

Founded in 2018 by hoteliers Bjorn Boyer and Julija Stoliarova, Eastwind Hotels has grown from its original Windham property to include Lake Placid and now Oliverea Valley, which opened in 2023. The 40-acre resort offers a mix of cozy A-frame “Lushna” cabins, luxury suites, and hotel rooms, all surrounded by forested hills and winding trails. Each space is outfitted with natural wood interiors, Frette linens, and vintage furnishings that feel both rustic and refined.

Days here are best spent hiking, lounging in the sauna, or dining at Dandelion, the on-site restaurant helmed by a Cipriani alum and focused on hyperlocal, veggie-forward cuisine.

Whether for a romantic retreat or a peaceful solo recharge, Eastwind Oliverea Valley is one of the Catskills’ most thoughtfully designed escapes.

Eastwind Oliverea Photos: Lawrence Braun 

 

 

 

 

Central Park Views, City Sophistication

A stay at Park Lane New York brings autumn’s colors, flavors, and indulgence—hello Caviar Hotline—right to your window.

Claiming a coveted Central Park South address, Park Lane New York is a sanctuary among the city’s most exclusive buildings—and an inspired spot for a fall staycation. Once famed hotelier Harry Helmsley’s mid-century crown jewel, the reimagined 47-story landmark offers panoramic park views and effortless access to Manhattan’s best: top-rate dining, entertainment, and shopping, and culture (MOMA is less than a 10 minute walk).

The hotel’s design, by international firm Yabu Pushelberg, channels the spirit of the city itself—drawing inspiration from Central Park, Grand Central Station, and the iconic Bemelmans Bar while restoring the building’s timeless architectural details. Each of the 611 rooms blends comfort and elegance, outfitted with Bellino linens, Jo Loves amenities, and plush seating areas that invite lingering.

Park Lane has also partnered with Bond Hospitality, the team behind downtown’s members-only Zero Bond, to create three vibrant restaurants and bars, including Darling, the rooftop lounge where guests enjoy breakfast or cocktails with sweeping park views. For an extra indulgence, the in-room Caviar Hotline delivers luxury on demand—best enjoyed while gazing out at the brilliant colors of Central Park below.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                       REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

$5,900,000

25 Col Sheldon Lane, Pound Ridge

Bold architecture meets natural beauty in this stunning 10,000-square-foot contemporary estate, 25 Col Sheldon Lane, sited on nearly twelve acres in one of Pound Ridge’s most coveted enclaves. From the moment you step into the soaring atrium entry, the home impresses with its dramatic light, grand scale, and impeccable design details. The expansive living room—with its herringbone oak floors, massive stone fireplace, and tiger maple built-ins—sets the tone for elegant entertaining. A Poggenpohl kitchen with a cozy sitting area and fireplace anchors the heart of the home, while both primary and guest suites offer private retreats.

Beyond the interiors, wrap-around terraces overlook a spectacular pool and tennis court surrounded by exquisite landscaping—majestic oaks, weeping cherry, dogwoods, and maples creating a true natural sanctuary. The architect-designed pool house takes outdoor living to another level, offering the perfect setting for summer gatherings. With its combination of artful sophistication and serene seclusion, this Pound Ridge property is a rare and extraordinary find.

 

 

 

Photos Source: Ginnel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$2,950,000

133 Boway Road, South Salem

Modeled after Mississippi’s storied Elms Court mansion, this extraordinary estate at 133 Boway Road brings a touch of the Old South to the heart of northern Westchester. Set at the end of a long, gated drive on twenty private acres—once part of the Rockefeller estate—the property blends Southern grandeur with a relaxed, country lifestyle.

The two-story Italianate-style home, inspired by the “Mansion of a Thousand Candles,” features French doors opening to graceful balconies and wide porches that evoke a bygone era. Inside, a center hall sets an elegant tone, leading to beautifully proportioned formal rooms ideal for entertaining and everyday living alike.

Beyond the walls, the setting is pure magic: rolling lawns, ancient trees, and flowering gardens surround a raised terrace overlooking the pool. Woodland trails wind through the property, while a basketball court, volleyball, tetherball, and zip line add a playful twist.

Equal parts stately and welcoming, this is the quintessential country retreat—an architectural homage to the antebellum South, lovingly reimagined for modern living in South Salem.

 

 

 

 

 

Photos Source: onekeymls.com

 

 

DINING SCENE NEWS

A Taste of Italy in the Rivertowns

Chef Sergio Pennacchio brings warmth, tradition, and house-made pastas to the heart of Dobbs Ferry.

Sergio Pennacchio didn’t set out to become a chef. In 1984, at 19, he left Argentina with plans to study dentistry, visiting his father in Yonkers for what was meant to be a short stay. But after bussing tables at his father’s Paolo’s Café, he found himself drawn to the rhythm and warmth of the restaurant world—a passion that would ultimately shape his future.

Today, Pennacchio is the heart behind Piccola Trattoria, a standout among Westchester’s many Italian restaurants. Located in Dobbs Ferry, Piccola offers a refined dining experience that blends rustic charm with elevated cuisine.

The seasonal menu is a celebration of Italian tradition, featuring house-made pastas like cannelloni, gnocchi, and pappardelle. Dishes to try include pappardelle con nocciole (house-made egg pasta with butternut squash and roasted hazelnuts in a cream sauce), paccheri al forno (oven-baked rigatoni with beef and sausage Bolognese), cannelloni al forno (beef and spinach Bolognese crepes in a bechamel sauce), and, if you want to channel your inner Argentinian, the gargantuan grilled ribeye (bistecca) with chimichurri and house-made potato chips. Among the house-made desserts, Italian cheesecake (made by Nonno Paolo), caramelized crepe with dulce de leche and banana, and a cannoli Napoleon.

With its inviting ambiance, charming outdoor patio, and consistently praised service, Piccola Trattoria is more than a restaurant—it’s a neighborhood gem. For those considering a move to Westchester, it’s places like Piccola that make the Rivertowns lifestyle so appealing.

Piccola Trattoria Photos: JBT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brunch in Style at La Casa

Indulge in a Mexican-inspired brunch at  La Casa 

(Bronxville and Purchase locations), where classic flavors meet modern flair. The menu reflects a commitment to finely-curated seasonal dishes and sustainably-sourced ingredients, crafted under the expertise of Mexican native Erik Ramirez, whose impressive résumé includes time at Michelin-starred Casa Enrique. The menu features farm-fresh ingredients and chef-inspired dishes that celebrate seasonal produce. Favorites like huevos divorciados, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and torrejas (Mexican french toast) are among the dishes to order. Décor-wise, La Casa’s contemporary ambiance features neutral colors and bursts of Mediterranean blue.

La Casa Photos: JBT

 

 

 

 

914 THINGS TO DO

Rosanne Cash at Caramoor
December 6 | Rosen House Concert Series

Music royalty comes to Katonah this December when Rosanne Cash—daughter of the legendary Johnny Cash—takes the stage at Caramoor’s Rosen House Concert Series. A four-time Grammy winner and an acclaimed singer-songwriter of her generation, Cash brings her signature blend of Americana, folk, and storytelling to this intimate benefit performance, joined by her husband and collaborator, guitarist John Leventhal.

Over her career, Cash has released 15 albums, penned the bestselling memoir Composed, and earned honors ranging from induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame to the prestigious MacDowell Medal for outstanding contributions to American culture.

The concert takes place inside the historic Rosen House, a Mediterranean-style villa at the heart of Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah. Founded in 1946, Caramoor is a cultural treasure set on 81 acres of gardens, art, and performance spaces. Its year-round concerts—from classical and jazz to roots and global music—make it an inspiring destination for live performance.

Rosanne Cash Photo: Caramoor