NEW YORK: A New York couple who bought and extensively renovated a luxury home for their pet dog have now put the property on the market for $2.9 million after deciding to move back to Florida.
Howard and Suzy Rubin purchased the property in Pound Ridge, New York, for $1.825 million in 2019. The approximately 5,000-square-foot home sits on 2.76 acres and has four bedrooms.
The couple bought the property for their beloved bearded collie, Buster, who had struggled with Florida’s intense heat and humidity.
After purchasing the home, the Rubins spent nearly another $2 million renovating the property and named it “Buster’s Retreat.”
The home was fitted with several features specifically designed for the dog. These include two sun shelves in the swimming pool, allowing Buster to sit comfortably in shallow water, as well as an outdoor play area surrounded by fencing and covered with artificial grass.
The property also has nine televisions, installed so Buster could watch his favourite cartoon, Paw Patrol.
Howard Rubin said Buster does not swim and that neither he nor his wife uses the pool, making the facility essentially a dedicated feature for their pet.
The couple reorganised their lives around Buster after moving to New York, but Suzy Rubin eventually began missing Florida. The family subsequently decided to return to the state and list the specially designed home for sale.
The asking price is now $2.9 million. Real estate agent Sally Slater said the property had already undergone extensive renovations, meaning a new owner would not need to undertake major work immediately.
The Rubins spent approximately $3.825 million on purchasing and renovating the property, while it is now being offered for $2.9 million.
The unusual property has attracted attention not only for its price but also for the extraordinary lengths the owners went to in creating a comfortable home for their pet.