Grasmere

Nestled on Staten Island’s East Shore, Grasmere whispers tales of a quieter time. Grasmere may be crisscrossed by bustling roads today. But it retains a suburban charm, a hint of its past. Imagine this area, along with neighboring Concord, dotted with shimmering lakes and ponds. This landscape echoed the serene beauty of Grasmere, a village in England’s Lake District. The name, it’s said, was bestowed by Sir Roderick Cameron, a knighted resident of Canadian descent. He must have been captivated by the resemblance to his homeland’s tranquil scenery. Now, picture yourself standing at the Grasmere station on the Staten Island Railway. Did you know the stretch between Grasmere and Clifton is the longest between any two stations on the line? A perfect opportunity to soak in the views as you travel. Grasmere is also well-connected by bus routes. The S78, S79 SBS, and S53 locals, along with express buses like the SIM1, SIM7, SIM10, SIM15, SIM3C, SIM35, and SIM30, all serve this neighborhood. While in Grasmere, be sure to visit 950 Fingerboard Road, home to the executive offices of the Staten Island Advance, the island’s daily newspaper. And what about Brady’s Pond? This privately-owned pond, nestled south of the Staten Island Expressway, is a hidden gem. Access is exclusive to members of the Cameron Club of Staten Island, adding a touch of mystery to its tranquil waters. For a taste of nature accessible to all, visit Brady’s Pond Preserve, a public park at the pond’s northwest corner. Real estate in Grasmere is as diverse as its history. From cozy one-bedroom condos starting around $275,000 to spacious townhomes from $650,000, there’s something for everyone. Grasmere boasts higher property values than nearby Concord and Old Town, a testament to its enduring appeal. Finally, did you know that Grasmere was once home to some notable figures? A. J. Pero, the second drummer of Twisted Sister, grew up on West Fingerboard Road. Glenn Scarpelli, of “One Day At A Time” fame, spent his youth on Normalee Road. Even the notorious Aniello Dellacroce resided in Grasmere. Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, the artist behind the iconic “Dogs Playing Poker” paintings, found solace in Grasmere towards the end of his life. Grasmere, a neighborhood woven from threads of history, nature, and community, awaits your exploration.