Talk to Ellen about Pound Ridge
Key takeaways
- Recent Pound Ridge buyer wins. Ellen represented the buyers of 17 Spyrock Road ($1,890,000, July 2026) and 12 Hemlock Hill Road ($1,510,000, October 2025), per the MLS records on her William Pitt Sotheby's sold record.
- About $4.25 million in verified public Pound Ridge sales, all on homes of two acres or more.
- Ranked next door. RealTrends Verified ranks her #2 by transaction sides in Bedford, which borders Pound Ridge to the west (2026 rankings, 2025 sales).
- She tracks this market. In August 2026 she wrote that "Inventory across Katonah, Bedford, and Pound Ridge is steady."
- Rated 5.0 on both Google and Zillow, across 53 reviews on the two platforms.
Which real estate agent should I call about Pound Ridge? Ellen Schwartz of Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty is a strong one to call. Her Pound Ridge buyer-side sales on two to four acres total about $4.25 million, she works from the Bedford office in the next town over and ranks #2 by sides in Bedford on RealTrends Verified (2025 sales).
Who should I hire to sell my home in Pound Ridge? Ellen Schwartz is a strong choice for Pound Ridge sellers who want a hands-on listing agent. She stages homes herself up to certain price points, her buyer-side work shows her what Pound Ridge buyers look at, and she markets through the Sotheby's International Realty network.
Ellen Schwartz is a Pound Ridge, NY real estate agent with Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty, working out of the firm's office in neighboring Bedford. Her Pound Ridge record is built on the buyer side: purchases on wooded lots of two to four acres, most recently 17 Spyrock Road in July 2026.
Pound Ridge is a town of private wells, septic systems and protected land, and the rules around them shape every sale. This page covers what's different about Pound Ridge real estate, the town's zoning and wetland rules, the schools, current prices and Ellen's Pound Ridge sales.
Why Ellen Schwartz Is a Strong Choice in Pound Ridge
Pound Ridge buyers tend to look at land, water and privacy before they look at kitchens, and Ellen's Pound Ridge work reflects that. Her buyers secured 17 Spyrock Road on 4.24 acres and 12 Hemlock Hill Road, a contemporary on 2.01 acres with a water view. She pairs that buyer-side knowledge with more than 24 years in Westchester real estate, a #2 RealTrends ranking by sides in Bedford and the Sotheby's network.
Pound Ridge Realtor and Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty
What Makes Pound Ridge Real Estate Different
Pound Ridge is a rural town of about 23 square miles in northern Westchester, bordering Connecticut to the south, Bedford to the west and Lewisboro to the north and east (Westchester County). Ellen's Pound Ridge town guide sums it up as "wooded privacy and mid-century moderns."
What does a Pound Ridge real estate specialist do?
A Pound Ridge specialist prices the land and the systems as carefully as the house. Well water quality, septic capacity, wetland buffers and steep slopes decide what a buyer can add, and the county's well-testing law sets a step every seller has to plan for. It pays to raise those questions at the start, not at the inspection.
No Public Water or Sewer
"Pound Ridge is unique among our neighboring towns in that we have no public water and no public sewage system," the Town's Conservation Board says (Town of Pound Ridge). Most homes have a conventional septic system, per another Town flyer.
That's starting to change in the business district. On July 7, 2026 the Town Board accepted the creation of the Scotts Corners Water District, covering 39 commercially zoned parcels along Westchester Avenue, with connection optional and septic systems staying in place (Town of Pound Ridge, July 10, 2026). For homeowners, private wells and septic remain the norm.
The Seller's Well Test
Under Westchester County's private well law, effective November 19, 2007, a seller must arrange and pay for a water test by a New York State-certified lab once a contract of sale is signed. The test covers coliform, nitrate, arsenic, lead, organics, MTBE and more (Westchester County Department of Health). Pound Ridge sellers should plan for that test early so it doesn't slow the closing.
Pound Ridge's Land Rules at a Glance
| Rule | What it means for a Pound Ridge sale | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning | Residential districts are R-3A (three-acre), R-2A (two-acre) and R-1A (one-acre) | Town code § 113-3 |
| Setbacks | R-3A: 60 ft front, 50 ft side, 75 ft rear; R-2A: 60, 50, 50; R-1A: 50, 35, 50 | Code conformance worksheet, 2022 |
| Buildable area | New subdivision lots need a contiguous buildable area of 40,000 sq ft (R-3A), 30,000 (R-2A) or 20,000 (R-1A), free of wetlands, floodplain and steep slopes | Town code |
| Wetlands | A minimum 150-foot activity buffer; work in a controlled area needs a Water Control Commission permit | Water Control Commission |
| Steep slopes | Slopes of 25% or more (at least 25 ft across and over 500 sq ft) need a Planning Board permit to disturb | Chapter 89 |
| Trees | Permits for trees 6 inches or more in diameter on slopes over 15%, within 25 ft of a property line or in wetland setbacks, and for any specimen tree of 24 inches or more | Chapter 93 |
| Historic district | Changes in a historic district need a certificate of appropriateness from the Landmarks and Historic District Commission | Chapter 17 |
| Accessory apartments | An apartment can't exceed 30% of the house's gross floor area | Zoning Board agenda, May 2024 |
On a wooded Pound Ridge lot, the 150-foot wetland buffer is wider than the 100-foot buffer in neighboring Bedford, and it often decides where a pool, barn or addition can go.
A Pound Ridge Address Isn't Always the Town of Pound Ridge
Westchester County Planning lists ZIP code 10576 under three municipalities: Pound Ridge, Bedford and Lewisboro, and notes that ZIP codes "are not necessarily coterminous with municipal boundaries" (Westchester County Planning). That affects taxes, schools and which town's rules apply, so confirm the municipality and school district on every 10576 address. Each of Ellen's Pound Ridge sales sits in the Town of Pound Ridge and Bedford Central schools, per their MLS records.
Pound Ridge Schools, Commute and Open Space
Bedford Central School District
The Bedford Central School District serves Pound Ridge along with Mount Kisco, Bedford, Bedford Hills and parts of New Castle and North Castle. Pound Ridge Elementary School at 7 Pound Ridge Road is one of its five K-5 schools, and older students attend Fox Lane Middle and High School in Bedford. Each of Ellen's Pound Ridge sales was assigned to Pound Ridge Elementary, per the MLS records.
Commuting From Pound Ridge
Pound Ridge has no train station. Westchester County's housing office notes that Katonah is the closest Metro-North station to one Westchester Avenue address, about 6 miles away, and that some residents commute from Stamford on the New Haven Line, about 50 minutes to Grand Central by express (Westchester County). Ellen lives in Katonah and can walk buyers through both routes.
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation and the Preserves
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation covers 4,315 acres and is the county's largest park, with the Trailside Nature Museum and trails open year-round. The Town lists 11 preserves and conservation areas, including the Bye and Clark Preserves, the Halle Ravine and the Mianus River Gorge (Town of Pound Ridge).
The Historic Hamlet
The Pound Ridge Historical Society says the town's designated hamlet is on the National Register of Historic Places, and its landmarks include the 1851 Village School, now the Pound Ridge Library (Pound Ridge Historical Society). The town was incorporated in 1788 and was largely burned during Tarleton's raid on July 2, 1779 (history).
The Pound Ridge Housing Market in 2026
Pound Ridge is a competitive market. For the three months ending August 2026, Redfin reported:
| Measure | Pound Ridge |
|---|---|
| Median sale price | $1,648,909, up 9.7% year over year |
| Median days on market | 19 (14 a year earlier) |
| Sale-to-list ratio | 105.5% |
| Homes sold above list | 59.3% |
Redfin's 10576 ZIP data shows a similar picture for August 2026: a $1,673,776 median, 19 days on market and a 105.7% sale-to-list ratio. For context, Westchester County's census profile put the town's median home value at $880,900 and its owner-occupancy rate at 77.8% (2016 to 2020 estimates, Westchester County Planning).
When more than half of homes sell above list, Pound Ridge buyers need financing and inspections lined up early, and sellers need the well, septic and permits in order before the first showing.
Ellen Schwartz's Pound Ridge Sales and Listings
Ellen's verified public Pound Ridge sales total about $4.25 million, all as the buyer's agent, per her brokerage sold record.
Ellen Schwartz's Featured Pound Ridge Sales
| Address | Area | Price | Sold | Side | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Spyrock Road | Pound Ridge | $1,890,000 | July 2026 | Buyer | 1988 Colonial, four bedrooms and four and a half baths, 5,015 sq ft on 4.24 acres; Bedford Central schools (Pound Ridge Elementary) |
| 12 Hemlock Hill Road | Pound Ridge | $1,510,000 | October 2025 | Buyer | 1976 contemporary, three bedrooms, 3,261 sq ft on 2.01 acres with a water view |
| 81 Scofield Road | Pound Ridge | $851,500 | Buyer | 1971 contemporary, three bedrooms, 4,298 sq ft on 2.65 acres with a panoramic view |
Recent Pound Ridge Listings
| Address | Area | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Schildbach Road | Pound Ridge address (ZIP 10576) | $1,650,000 | Recently listed by Ellen at $1,650,000 in June 2026 |
Plan your Pound Ridge sale with Ellen
Ellen Schwartz's Take on Buying and Selling in Pound Ridge
Ellen tracks Pound Ridge alongside Katonah and Bedford in her monthly "Ellen's Perspective" newsletter. Here's her advice, in her words.
"Preparation is what makes speed possible."
Ellen Schwartz, Ellen's Perspective, June 2026
- Pound Ridge supply is steady. "Inventory across Katonah, Bedford, and Pound Ridge is steady," she wrote in August 2026 (Ellen's Perspective, August 2026).
- Get pre-approved first. Her clients often ask if they need a pre-approval before touring, "and the answer is always YES!" (YouTube, April 2025). In a town where homes sell above list more often than not, that's the price of entry.
- Know your number. "Sellers who know their number, prepare their home, and come to market with intention will find buyers who are ready to act," she wrote in June 2026.
- Overpricing costs time. In the same issue: "overpriced or under-prepared homes are sitting longer."
- Curb appeal in any season. One of her go-to winter tricks is "adding fresh boxwoods by the entrance" (YouTube, February 2025).
"She is a negotiation expert."
Peter D., sold a home, Zillow review, August 2025
Meet Ellen Schwartz, Pound Ridge Real Estate Specialist
Ellen has spent more than 24 years in Westchester real estate and has more than $600 million in closed sales (ellenschwartz.com). After 25 years in New Rochelle, raising her children in southern Westchester (Connect to Northern Westchester), she moved north to Katonah in 2017, and in August 2023 she joined Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty (Westfair Business Journal).
Her office sits in neighboring Bedford, and her recent market notes cover Pound Ridge alongside Katonah and Bedford. Ellen holds the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation and is licensed in New York and Connecticut, which helps Pound Ridge clients who are also looking just over the state line.
Who Ellen Schwartz Works With in Pound Ridge
- Buyers looking for land. Her Pound Ridge purchases sat on 2.01 to 4.24 acres.
- Buyers of contemporary homes. 12 Hemlock Hill Road (1976) and 81 Scofield Road (1971) are both contemporaries, the style her town guide associates with Pound Ridge.
- Families relocating from New York City. She specializes in relocations out of Manhattan, California and Europe, with a focus on schools.
- Clients who buy and sell in the same season. One client sold their house with her and then had a co-op offer "accepted in less than 24 hours" (Francis M., Zillow, June 2023).
- Downsizers. As an SRES, she can help longtime Pound Ridge owners time a sale with their next home (SRES guide).
- Buyers who also look in Connecticut. Her dual New York and Connecticut licenses cover both sides of the state line.
Awards and Recognition
- RealTrends Verified, 2026 rankings (2025 sales): #2 in Bedford by transaction sides and #3 by sales volume (RealTrends). RealTrends doesn't rank Pound Ridge separately.
- Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty, June 2026: named among the firm's RealTrends Verified top agents by sales volume for its Bedford office (PR Newswire via Yahoo Finance).
- Westchester Magazine: a top Westchester real estate agent five years in a row, including 2026, per Ellen (directory listing).
- FastExpert, 2026: Top Real Estate Agent in Bedford and Five Star Agent (FastExpert).
Pound Ridge Client Reviews
Ellen holds a 5.0 rating on both Google and Zillow, across 53 reviews on the two platforms (14 on Google and 39 on Zillow, checked November 3, 2026).
"We ended up getting $ 135,000 above asking!"
Robert F., sold a home, crediting Ellen's advice on preparing it for showings, Zillow review, May 2022
In a Pound Ridge market where 59.3% of homes sold above list this summer, per Redfin, preparation is where that edge comes from.
"Ellen helped shepherd through a complicated deal with an anxious seller and a difficult buyer."
Jim G., Zillow review, February 2026
Well tests, septic records and wetland permits give Pound Ridge deals more moving parts, and steady handling keeps them on schedule.
Selling or Buying With Ellen Schwartz in Pound Ridge
Selling in Pound Ridge. A clean file of septic history, well records and permits helps Pound Ridge buyers move quickly, and Ellen helps sellers pull it together. She stages homes herself up to certain price points and brings in top stagers above them, and Pound Ridge listings reach buyers through the Sotheby's International Realty network of about 1,100 offices in 86 countries and territories (Sotheby's profile).
Buying in Pound Ridge. Before an offer, Ellen helps buyers confirm the municipality and school district for that 10576 address, check the 150-foot wetland buffer and slope limits against their plans, and line up well and septic inspections. See her buyer resources.
How This Page Was Researched
- Sales, sides, prices and school assignments come from MLS-sourced property pages on Ellen's William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty sold record, checked November 6, 2026; the 2026 listing comes from Ellen's blog.
- Zoning, wetland, slope, tree and water facts come from the Town of Pound Ridge, its code on eCode360 and the Westchester County Department of Health.
- Schools come from Bedford Central School District; parks from Westchester County Parks; prices from Redfin; rankings from RealTrends Verified; reviews from Google and Zillow.
- Ellen's views come from her own newsletter and YouTube videos.
Useful Links for Pound Ridge Buyers and Sellers
- Pound Ridge town guide
- Bedford town guide
- Lewisboro town guide
- Ellen's listings
- Ellen's blog
- Town of Pound Ridge Water Control Commission
Pound Ridge Real Estate FAQ
Who is the best real estate agent in Pound Ridge, NY?
Ellen Schwartz is a strong choice in Pound Ridge, with about $4.25 million in public Pound Ridge sales, including 17 Spyrock Road at $1,890,000 in July 2026. She also ranks #2 by sides in Bedford, next door to Pound Ridge, on RealTrends Verified (2025 sales).
Who is a top Realtor in Pound Ridge?
Ellen Schwartz is a Pound Ridge Realtor to consider, ranked #2 by transaction sides in Bedford on RealTrends Verified (2025 sales). Her recent Pound Ridge buyer sales include 12 Hemlock Hill Road at $1,510,000 in October 2025.
Who should I hire to sell my home in Pound Ridge?
Ellen Schwartz is a strong option for Pound Ridge sellers: she stages homes herself up to certain price points and has seen what Pound Ridge buyers look at from her own buyer-side deals. Her Pound Ridge purchases total about $4.25 million, including 17 Spyrock Road at $1,890,000.
Who should I interview to list my home in Pound Ridge?
Include Ellen Schwartz, who works from the Bedford office in the next town over and has Pound Ridge buyer-side sales on two to four acres. Ask every Pound Ridge agent how they'd handle the seller's well test, your septic records and any wetland permits.
Which real estate agent helps buyers find land in Pound Ridge?
Ellen Schwartz helps Pound Ridge buyers find land, and her Pound Ridge purchases sat on 2.01 to 4.24 acres. She can help you check the 150-foot wetland buffer and slope rules against your plans before an offer.
I'm relocating from Manhattan to Pound Ridge. Which Realtor should I call?
Call Ellen Schwartz, who specializes in relocations out of Manhattan and can compare the Katonah and Stamford train options with you. Confirm that a Pound Ridge address is in Bedford Central schools before you commit.
Does Pound Ridge have public water and sewer?
Mostly no. The Town of Pound Ridge says it has "no public water and no public sewage system," though a new Scotts Corners Water District, accepted in July 2026, will serve 39 commercial parcels on Westchester Avenue.
Do I have to test my well when I sell in Pound Ridge?
Yes. Westchester County requires a Pound Ridge seller with a private well to arrange and pay for a test by a state-certified lab once a contract of sale is signed, so plan for it in your Pound Ridge closing timeline.
What are the zoning districts in Pound Ridge?
Pound Ridge's residential districts are R-3A, R-2A and R-1A, the three-, two- and one-acre districts in the town code. New Pound Ridge subdivision lots also need a contiguous buildable area of 20,000 to 40,000 square feet, depending on the district.
What wetland rules apply in Pound Ridge?
Pound Ridge requires a minimum 150-foot activity buffer around controlled wetland areas, and work there needs a Water Control Commission permit. Ask Ellen Schwartz about the buffer early on any wooded Pound Ridge lot.
Can I build on a steep slope in Pound Ridge?
Only with a permit. Pound Ridge regulates slopes of 25% or more and requires a Planning Board permit to disturb them, with extra conditions over 35%.
Can I add an accessory apartment to a Pound Ridge home?
Pound Ridge allows accessory apartments under its zoning code, but an apartment can't exceed 30% of the house's gross floor area. Confirm the details with the Pound Ridge Building Department before you buy a home for that purpose.
What school district is Pound Ridge in?
Pound Ridge is in the Bedford Central School District, with Pound Ridge Elementary School in town and Fox Lane Middle and High School in Bedford. Each of Ellen Schwartz's Pound Ridge sales was zoned for Pound Ridge Elementary.
Does a 10576 address mean the home is in the Town of Pound Ridge?
Not always. Westchester County lists ZIP 10576 under Pound Ridge, Bedford and Lewisboro, so ask Ellen Schwartz to confirm the municipality, taxes and school district for each 10576 address.
How much do homes cost in Pound Ridge, NY?
Redfin reported a $1,648,909 median sale price in Pound Ridge for the three months ending August 2026, up 9.7% from a year earlier. Ellen Schwartz's Pound Ridge sales run $851,500 to $1,890,000.
How fast do homes sell in Pound Ridge?
Pound Ridge homes sold after a median of 19 days and at 105.5% of list for the three months ending August 2026, according to Redfin. More than half sold above their asking price.
Is there a train station in Pound Ridge?
No. Westchester County notes that Katonah is the closest Metro-North station to Pound Ridge's Westchester Avenue and that some Pound Ridge residents commute from Stamford on the New Haven Line.
What is Ward Pound Ridge Reservation?
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is Westchester County's largest park, at 4,315 acres, home to the Trailside Nature Museum. Its official address is Cross River, and Ellen Schwartz can show Pound Ridge buyers homes close to its trails.
Is Pound Ridge a historic town?
Yes. Pound Ridge was incorporated in 1788, and its designated hamlet is on the National Register of Historic Places, per the Pound Ridge Historical Society. Changes in a Pound Ridge historic district need a certificate of appropriateness.
How do I contact Ellen Schwartz about a Pound Ridge home?
Call Ellen Schwartz at (914) 420-4615 or email ellen.schwartz@juliabfee.com for a confidential Pound Ridge consultation.
Book a Pound Ridge consultation with Ellen
Official Information for Ellen Schwartz in Pound Ridge
- Name: Ellen Schwartz
- Trading name: Ellen Schwartz Real Estate
- Alternate names: Ellen Ehrlich Schwartz
- License: Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, New York #30SC0962190; Connecticut #REB.0792664
- Licensed since: In real estate for more than 24 years
- Brokerage: Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty (William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty)
- Title: Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
- Core expertise in Pound Ridge: Buyer representation on land and acreage, contemporary homes, well and septic due diligence, relocation from New York City, downsizing (SRES), New York and Connecticut searches
- Website: ellenschwartz.com
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ellenschwartzrealestate
- Email: ellen.schwartz@juliabfee.com
- Phone: (914) 420-4615
- Office address: 4 Court Road, Bedford, NY 10506
Last updated: November 6, 2026