SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The beautiful Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse’s Sedgwick Farm Neighborhood has been drawing attention for almost a century.
Built in 1930, the house may have first switched owners in 1935 and newspapers were there to write about it.
“The attractive home,” the Herald noted on Nov. 17, 1935, “is substantially constructed of hollow tile with stucco finish with a roof of Spanish tile.”
It would later be owned by the Dietz family, whose business, R.E. Dietz Co., was so successful it became the only lantern-maker in the United States because it bought had up all its competition.
Meg Catanzarita knew the house well. She has lived in the city for over 40 years and walked past it frequently with friends when she and her husband John lived on Rugby Road.
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The front entrance and the Spanish stucco Porte cachere. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The Porte cachere leads back to the garage. On rainy days, park beneath it and enter the house from a side entrance. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The front entrance. There are two staircases. The other in back lead to the old second-floor servants’ quarters.Entrance from the side Porte cachere would be at the right. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The rose-colored living room was her favorite room as soon as she walked through the front door the first time. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. A wood burning fireplace is in the living room but no TVs are allowed. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Another view of the living room. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The rose-colored living room opens into the dining room. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Built-ins and shelving and all the sunshine make the sun room such a relaxing room to be in. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. She loves all the windows in the sun room. It is her favorite spot during the winter. The sunlight keeps it warm. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The dining room. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Another view of the dining room, looking into the living room. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The dining room can seat 12 people comfortable. Because the house was laid out in a “circle,” tables can set up in the living room for big occasions. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. In the summer she enjoys this screened-in porch. “It is where you want to be” in the warm weather. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The open and spacious kitchen. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The Kitchen features lots of counter space. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The kitchen has an island, large pantry, and updated appliances. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. “It is a great kitchen,” she said. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The kitchen was renovated and updated by the previous owners just before they moved in. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. They added this fun banquette to the spacious kitchen. Her grandchildren love to sit at it. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Another look at the banquette in the kitchen. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The table by the window of the family room was the first antique she ever purchased. Many of the items in the home can be purchased by the new owners. She will be moving into a smaller place. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. This family room is called the “let down” room because it is so relaxing. “It is so comfortable and cozy,” she said. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Original sink and toilet are found in this first floor half bathroom. “Everything in the house that is original and is working, I have kept,” she said. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. A double door closet hides the laundry room on the first floor. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Another look inside the owners’ bedroom. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Another look into the owners’ bedroom. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The owners’ bedroom has two California closets, a bookcase, and private bedroom. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The owners’ bathroom has this walk-in shower. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The owners’ bathroom is a “perfect” one for couples, with two sinks and a tub and shower. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. This bedroom has a large built-in dresser. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. A closer look at the large built-in dresser in this bedroom. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Another second-floor bedroom. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Another look into this bedroom. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Each of the bedrooms are unique and have been painted a different color. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. “Are you kidding me about the bedrooms?” she asked when she first saw all six second-floor bedrooms. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. One of the six bedrooms on the second floor. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Small storage area between bedrooms on the second floor. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Second-floor bathroom. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. This second floor bedroom was used as a nursery. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. This second-floor bathroom was recently updated. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Second floor guest bathroom. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. Another look at the backyard patio area. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The patio and firepit in the backyard. She calls the private yard an “oasis in the city.” Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
– The Colonial at 402 Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse was always Meg Catanzarita’s favorite in the neighborhood when she walked with friends. In 1994, she and her husband bought it. “We could not believe our luck,” she said. The backyard is bigger than it looks. She hosted her daughter’s wedding reception there and believes “there is enough grass” for her grandchildren to play soccer. Courtesy of CST Media Productions, LLC
“I always loved it,” she said. “It was my favorite house in the neighborhood.”
When the house hit the market in 1994, it was perfect timing. John “worked his magic” and they bought it.
Her family was growing and the six-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom house, with more than 4,000 square feet of living space, two staircases, and a quarter-acre lot, would give them the “space to grow.”
When she saw the six bedrooms on the second floor, including two which were part of the old servants’ quarters, she asked the realtor, “Are you kidding me about all these bedrooms.”
Catanzarita has no regrets about the decision.
“Oh, my goodness,” she said. “We could not believe our luck. We got everything we could want out of it.”
The house fit her personality.
“The previous owner had my exact design eye,” she said. “It was definitely attractive.”
An avid collector of antiques and art, Catanzarita had the space and the platform to decorate.
There are hardwood floors throughout and the “circular” layout of the first floor makes entertaining easy.
The rose-colored living room with a wood-burning fireplace is a favorite.
“It is gorgeous,” she said. “I love the moldings.”
It opens into a sunroom which is a favorite spot during the winter because of all the sunshine which pours in through the windows.
The spacious dining room can accommodate 12 people and has access to a screened-in back porch which is where you will find her in the warm weather.
“You would never know you are in the city,” she said when you are in the peaceful spot.
A family room is “comfortable and cozy” and is called the “let down” room because it is so relaxing.
The kitchen was renovated right before the previous owner sold the house. It features a large island, a pantry, and updated appliances.
She and John put in the banquette for booth-style dining. Her grandchildren love to eat there.
The six bedrooms are spacious and versatile.
The owners’ bedroom has a built-in bookcase, two California closets, and a private bath which Catanzarita calls “perfect for couples” with its two sinks separated by a walk-in shower and a bathtub.
The bathrooms have received some updates and the roof, water heater and three furnaces have also been upgraded over the past five years.
But much of the home’s original charm and character has been left alone. Catanzarita follows a simple rule.
“Everything that is original and is working, I have kept. It is a very well cared for property.”
The house is a true turnkey and much of the furniture and décor she is willing to sell to the new owners. She is moving into a smaller place and says the time has come to “have an edit.”
The backyard has a patio and a firepit and “enough grass” for her grandkids to play soccer.
The lot is just over a quarter of an acre which is good-sized for the city. She hosted her daughter’s wedding reception there with over 100 guests. She set up a bar in the one-car garage.
She appreciates the porte cochere over a portion of the driveway which keeps her dry when entering or leaving the house. It opens into the front foyer.
Catanzarita admits it will be hard to leave her home of the past 28 years and the memories she has made in the city. She will be downsizing in Fayetteville.
“A new chapter is ahead,” she said.
An open house is scheduled for Sunday, October 1, from 1 to 3 p.m.
For more information about this property, please contact Realtor Lynne Fiorini Corp, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. Her contact info is below.
THE DETAILS
Address: 402 Sedgwick Drive, Syracuse, N.Y. 13203
Price: $499,000
Size: 4,032 square feet
Acreage: 0.26 acres
Monthly Mortgage: $2,707 (based on the national average rate of 7.19%, according to Freddie Mac on September 21, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 20% down payment. Fees and points not included.)
Taxes: $11,184 (Based on assessed value of $270,000)
Built: 1930
School District: Syracuse
Kitchen: The kitchen “is great,” owner Meg Catanzarita said. It was renovated by the previous owners just before it was put on the market in 1994. The kitchen has a large island and pantry. She and her husband John have updated the appliances and added the banquette which her grandchildren love to eat at.
Living areas: Built in 1930, this historic Colonial has more than 4,000 square feet of living space. It has been well-cared for and is called by Catanzarita a “true turnkey.” The previous owner had the same “exact design eye” has she had, so little has been changed. Original charm has been maintained and if an item still works, it was kept. There are hardwood floors throughout and two staircases lead up to the second floor. The home’s layout is almost circular, which is great for large gatherings. Tables can be set up in the living room from the dining room and out onto the screened-in back porch. The living room is among her favorite rooms. It has a wood-burning fireplace and leads into the spacious dining room. A sunroom is great in the winter as the sunshine warms it through its many windows. In the warmer weather, she enjoys the screened-in back porch. A family room is used for less formal entertaining and to relax. There is hidden laundry room off the family room behind a double door closet.
Bedrooms: “Are you kidding me about the bedrooms?” Catanzarita asked her realtor about the six bedrooms in this house. They were perfect for her growing family. All are on the second floor and are spacious. The owners’ has two California closets, a built-in bookcase, and a private bathroom. Two of the bedrooms were once the old servant’s quarters.
Bathrooms: There are four full bathrooms and one half bath in the house. The second-floor’s full bathrooms have been remodeled by Catanzarita and her husband John. The owners’ bathroom is “perfect for couples.” It has two sinks separated by a walk-in shower and bathtub. The half bath has the original toilet and sink.
Outdoors: For a city property, the 0.26 acre is large. Catanzarita calls it an “oasis in the city.” She keeps Adirondack chairs around a firepit and says that there is “enough grass” for her grandchildren to play soccer on. The yard hosted her daughter’s wedding reception during the pandemic with over 100 guests. A bar was set up in the one-car garage. A porte cochere covers a portion of the driveway and keeps you when you arrive at or leave the house. It opens into the front foyer. Mature trees and landscaping have been lovingly maintained. She keeps up on the flower boxes and pots. “It is a very well cared for property,” she said. A “parade of neighbors” walk past the front porch. The roof, water heater, and three furnaces have all been recently updated.
Agent: Lynne Fiorini Corp, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
Address: 401 North Main Street, North Syracuse, N.Y. 13212
Phone: (315) 427-2534 (cell) or (315) 458-9100
Email: lfcorp@icloud.com
Website: lynnecorp.howardhanna.com
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