Inside the $2.9 Million ‘Buster’s Retreat’—A Mid‑Century Estate Tailored for a Beloved Dog

When a video of a sprawling Pound Ridge estate popped up on social media, many viewers jumped to the conclusion that the owners had splurged $2 million solely to pamper a pooch. The reality, as Howard and Suze Rubin clarified, is a lot less glamorous—and a lot more practical.

The Rubins are listing their mid‑century modern retreat for $2.9 million. The property, spanning 4,442 sq ft on 2.76 acres, was bought in 2019 for $1.82 million and has since undergone a sweeping renovation that touched everything from the HVAC system to the internet backbone.

“We didn’t spend $2 million renovating the house for the dog,” Howard told The Post. “The upgrades were about making the whole place work better for the family—human and canine alike.” The renovation bill covered a new garage that alone ran a few hundred thousand dollars, dual generators, twin internet feeds, and a 16‑camera security network that watches the house and the surrounding woods.

Because Howard is a computer‑science professor and a tech‑consulting CEO, he insisted on redundancy: two full‑size generators, two internet lines, and even a termite‑prevention system despite no evidence of infestation. “He’s so meticulous in his whole thinking,” said listing agent Sally Slater, who has represented the Rubins for over 25 years.

That meticulousness extends to Buster, their 9‑year‑old bearded collie, who still enjoys a few perks. The yard is fully fenced with pet‑friendly turf, a shaded patio, and a shallow sun shelf attached to the pool so Buster can splash without having to swim. Inside, nine flat‑screen TVs are scattered throughout the home, and the dog reportedly loves to flop in front of one to watch “Paw Patrol” until he nods off.

The house itself boasts floor‑to‑ceiling windows that let Buster keep an eye on deer and coyotes from the comfort of the living‑room floor. Warm wood interiors, a renovated kitchen with modern appliances, and ample outdoor spaces round out the design, making the estate feel both luxurious and livable.

Pet‑centric upgrades weren’t the only reason for the overhaul. The Rubins originally envisioned the property as a dual‑purpose getaway and pet‑friendly rental, a plan that fell through when COVID‑19 halted travel. Now, with Buster developing arthritis, they’ve decided it’s time to downsize to their one‑story home in Florida, where the terrain is kinder to an older dog.

Despite the viral hype, the listing is already attracting interest. One prospective buyer even showed up with a dog of her own, proving that a well‑designed pet‑friendly home can be a selling point rather than a punchline.