Historic Westchester Mansion On Sale For $125,000, But There's A Catch

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- It sounds like the bargain of the century. A historic Westchester mansion filled with antique architectural details can be yours for $125,000.

But, as CBS2's Tony Aiello explained, there is a catch and a controversy.

The Tudor assembled on a Westchester hilltop in 1914 has a fascinating history. Its parts are much older, and were imported from England.

Two of the eight fireplaces date from the 14th century.

The 'Croft House' as it's known is owned by the non-profit 'Teatown Lake Reservation' which said it can't afford to repair or maintain the mansion.

"Our mission statement is land preservation. So, what we have to be really careful of is keeping that balance that this particular structure doesn't suck all our financial capabilities," Teatown board member, John DeVito said.

Last month the Teatown board decided to take the house apart and move it out.

Teatown has proposed selling the house for $125,000 to someone willing to move the whole thing off site or to people who might be interested in taking parts of the building for historical value.

In other words, they would salvage the antique elements for re-use elsewhere, and tear down what's left.

Preservationists are horrified.

"To see this house to be taken apart like a puzzle, or like Legos. It's inconceivable," architect, Galina Kamevsky said.

"Very distressing. We ought to honor our history. We ought to honor our architecture," neighbor Linda Conte added.

Preservationists are meeting and trying to come up with a plan to save the Croft House.

Its past is celebrated, its future is uncertain.