5040 Independence Ave, Bronx, NY, 10471

About This Home

A Grand Mansion in Historic Riverdale – 5040 Independence Avenue Commanding over 1.2 acres of prime land in the verdant enclave of Riverdale, the Bronx, 5040 Independence Avenue is a once-in-a-generation offering. This exceptional estate, nestled above the iconic Wave Hill Gardens, is steeped in both architectural significance and presidential heritage as it is located on the very same site that the childhood home of John F. Kennedy once stood when he attended Riverdale Country School. At the heart of the estate is an awe-inspiring primary mansion spanning approximately 17,620 interior square feet across three expansive floors, with an additional 7,500-square-foot basement offering endless potential for customization. Inspired by the spiraling curves of the Guggenheim Museum, the residence features a dramatic triple-height atrium—a luminous, rotunda-like centerpiece that creates a sense of openness, elegance, and timeless modernity. With 9 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and 2 powder rooms, this grand mansion offers incredible scale and volume for refined living and entertaining. A sprawling sunken living room opens seamlessly onto a generous terrace, part of the estate’s 4,500 square feet of terraced outdoor space that embraces the natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley. Complementing this are a formal dining room, large eat-in kitchen that is also complimented by a large adjacent morning terrace, a separate library, media room, and multiple entertaining salons. A 10-car garage adds both functionality and prestige. A separate cottage—ideal for guests, staff, or extended family—offers an additional 2,000 square feet, including 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an attached 2-car garage. This rare and expansive Riverdale property combines the privacy and grandeur of an exclusive country residence with the convenience of proximity to Manhattan—you can get to Midtown Manhattan in under 30 minutes by car, and not much longer via the Metro North or Subway trains. Wave Hill Gardens sits directly west of the property, offering its lush gardens and grounds, art gallery, cultural center, and charming café for additional respite and enjoyment. Just a few blocks away are the Riverdale Stables and golf course in Van Cortland Park, as the Riverdale Yacht Club and picturesque Hudson River trails, offering a lifestyle rich in recreation, sport, and history. 5040 Independence Avenue is more than a residence—it’s a legacy property rooted in American history, surrounded by nature, and designed for both extraordinary living and inspired entertaining. While 5040 will welcome your own—or your architect’s—vision to complete the property, it will be delivered with a Temp Certificate of Occupancy. Images included have been virtually staged.