It's Westchester Wednesday, the day when I like to shine the light on my favorite people, places, things in my neck of the woods, Westchester County, New York. This week, I had the opportunity to visit a truly "green" home in Hastings-on-Hudson called River Town House and designed by local architect Christina Griffin (pictured below) The two-family home is so "green" it's platinum. Platinum is the highest level of LEEDS certification.
What is LEED certification?
LEED certification is the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability.The LEED rating system, developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, a Washington D.C.-based, nonprofit coalition of building industry leaders is designed to promote profitable design and construction practices that reducing the negative environmental impact and improve occupant health and well-being.

There are four certification levels for new construction in the LEED rating system --, Silver, Gold and Platinum  which correspond to the number of credits accrued in five categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality. To learn more, go to LEED website

What does super "green" River Town House feel like? Light, airy, fresh, clean are my first thoughts. Then, expansive flow. It helps having a glorious unobstructed view of the Hudson River. There is a serene balance of feeling outside while indoors in this Zen-like space. I've always loved old charming homes. I'm living in my third antique home, but after seeing the elegant simplicity of this home, I'm ready to re-think what I find charming. Maybe rain barrels and roof top gardens are charming. Recycled glass tiles in the kitchen that match the shimmer of the river are more than charming. Or how about the charm of heating your home for pennies a day with thermal solar panels? Every square inch of this space has been lovingly designed with mother nature in mind. What could be more homey or charming than that?


I walked away hopeful. I'd seen the future and it's green. To see more pics and specs, visit the architect's website at Christina Griffin The two units of River Town House are currently available for sale.