Racing To Protect A Century Of History At Merestead Park

BEDFORD, NY — Westchester County-owned historic homesteads and mansions at Merestead Park are getting some much needed TLC.

Last week, the Board of Legislators approved $400,000 in financing for the design of the restoration of the Farm House at Merestead Park. Restoration work on the Merestead Mansion at the park is already underway.

The newly approved work, which begins the restoration of a 19th century farmhouse on the 130-acre property, follows approval in 2019 of a $4 million bond to envelope and restore the exterior of the park's 28-room Georgian mansion, built in 1907 and to protect its substantial art collection and library at the county-owned property.

The Merestead property, located in the Towns of Bedford and Mount Kisco, was deeded to the county in 1982 for use as a park by Margaret Sloane Patterson, the daughter of William Douglas Sloane, a president of the furniture company W and J Sloane.

Westchester took control of the property in 2000.

The farmhouse, which predates the ownership of the property by the Sloane family, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“It is important that we properly care for and preserve the historic buildings entrusted to us -- as we are doing with the house at Merestead, as we're doing with other historic County buildings like the Tarrytown Lighthouse, and as we did with the Miller House,” Legislator Kitley Covill said announcing the new restoration efforts. “The restored farmhouse will not only give future visitors a window into our past, but also stand as a symbol of good County stewardship of our history.”

Meanwhile work on the mansion known as the main swelling began Jan. 6, 2020 and was shut down due to COVID, according to county officials. Since resuming, exterior work of the mansion that has been completed includes a repaired roof and restored chimneys, windows, doors, window dormers, balusters and railings and terra cotta patios; restored and repainted soffit; repointed brick façade as well as power washing, drainage improvements, new window wells, basement stairs and an oil tank.

“Preserving the Merestead Main Dwelling is imperative in maintaining the County’s rich history,” Westchester County Executive George Latimer said. “Making these improvements to the exterior are just the first steps to making sure the property remains a staple in our parks system for future generations to enjoy.”

Bedford Town Historian John Stockbridge said both the restoration projects were well worth fighting for.

"I want to thank Legislator Covill for her perseverance and County Executive George Latimer for his commitment to the restoration of the whole Merestead property, including the Farm House,” Stockbridge said. “The preservation of this historic building ensures that our history will remain tangible to future generations. Hand hewn beams in the basement confirm the early nineteenth century period of its construction which was in the heart of the agrarian era in Bedford’s history. With its beautiful setting the property and the farmhouse are a local treasure and so worthy of the County’s restoration and preservation.”