An idyll on the Hudson. Built in 1840, this classic A.J. Downing-inspired Gothic Revival home exudes a sense of comfort and well-being. The newly extended kitchen/dining room provides a delightful place to cook, entertain and look out at the beautifully landscaped exterior. There are two living rooms, summer and winter with a wood burning fireplace, office or guest bedroom and bath on the first floor. The second floor has two bedrooms, two full bathrooms and laundry. A remarkable array of original details remain intact that include steeply pitched roofs, board and batten siding, pointed arch decorative elements inside and out and delicate wooden bargeboards. It may be said that this house is truly of a piece, so constant and true to the original design. The site affords a magnificent view of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains, surrounded by 5 acres of recently landscaped and partially wooded land and a 3-story barn. In sum, a classic with every convenience of modern living.
What’s the most compelling thing about this property?
The light. In the morning when you walk into the kitchen, the light simply makes you smile. It is so rich and floods the entire room with warmth. Equally when the sun is setting in the west in the evening, the vivid reds, yellows and purples are simply enchanting.
For whom is this house perfect?
This house is perfect both for someone who loves to entertain on a large scale with 15-20 people for holiday dinners, or who simply wants to be alone and cozy by the fire in the library (from which you can see the truly psychedelic sunsets.)
What’s the most fun thing to do within five miles of this house?
There are lots of things to do in the area, but the most fun is sitting on the front porch looking out over the Hudson and the spectacular gardens that surround this house. Within a few miles there are walks down to the river —and within 15 minutes you have Hudson—-and of course Pico de Gallo on River Street in Stuyvesant—-best Mexican restaurant in Columbia County and on the river.
If this house could talk, what secret would it tell about its history?
Many secrets, but all of them about fun and love and friendship and happiness.
