The former summer house of Broadway and vaudeville stars Rosie and Jenny Dolly in White Plains, New York, has come onto the market for US$2.795 million. The Hungarian-born twins, better known as the Dolly Sisters, had the residence built in 1924 at the height of their careers. It served as their summer retreat from Manhattan while they performed in some of New York's most famous theatres.
The 1.12-hectare estate was conceived in the spirit of the grand Newport 'cottages' favoured by society's elite. Even over a century later, many of the original details from their time have been preserved. The property comprises 6,254 square feet of living space, seven bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms.
Property Details and Features
- —Price: US$2.795 million
- —Location: White Plains, New York
- —Size: 6,254 square feet
- —Lot Size: 1.12 hectares
- —Bedrooms: 7
- —Bathrooms: 5 full, 1 half bath
Notable features include original wide plank flooring, custom millwork, coffered ceilings and generous fireplaces. A central staircase defines the interior, while a Porte-Cochère on the exterior and former staff quarters on the third floor complement the historical fittings. For further information, Stacey Pinkas and John Oliveira of Douglas Elliman Real Estate are available.
Architectural Specifics
A circular driveway leads around a central garden to the main entrance, creating a formal approach that reflects the sisters' celebrity status. This path continues under a stone Porte-Cochère, originally large enough for a horse-drawn carriage. The exterior façade combines shingle siding, rounded stone bays and tall chimneys. Surrounded by mature trees, the 1920s home offers a magnificent, yet private, arrival.
Upon entering, a large central hallway opens with original parquet floors, panelled walls and a coffered ceiling. A wide staircase ascends through the centre of the house, forming a focal point between the main living areas. A fireplace is located next to the entrance. Dark wood panelling, the original woodwork and a red stair runner preserve much of the early 20th-century character. The formal living room to the right of the staircase offers small seating areas, a grand piano and heavy red curtains. A green, tufted couch, two wood-framed armchairs and striped armchairs complete the decor.
The kitchen begins with a casual dining area next to two windows. On the other side, white cabinets line the walls around long countertops. A professional stainless steel range under an oversized extractor hood and a large refrigerator are integrated into the opposing wall. A separate pantry with open shelving and a farmhouse sink extends the kitchen. The formal dining room, which seats eight, is equipped with a decorative chandelier and a dark wood coffered ceiling. A long window front lets in sunlight and illuminates the original wood panelling, built-in cabinets and herringbone floors. The family room, designed as a more relaxed alternative to the formal rooms, features two green sofas arranged around a large padded ottoman in front of the fireplace, and a wall-mounted television.
Upstairs, the master suite opens to a large bedroom with a seating area in front of windows offering views of the grounds. Opposite the bed, wardrobes and a dressing table frame a white-tiled fireplace with classic details. The en-suite bathroom features a long double vanity with a dark stone top, large mirror panels and brass-coloured fixtures. A window lets in natural light, while tiled walls and a pebble floor give the bathroom a textured surface. In addition to the master suite, the house accommodates several other bedrooms, including one with vertically striped wallpaper and another in one of the house's rounded bays. Dedicated office spaces, including a floral-wallpapered office with garden views and a library office, are also present.
