Harvester Hall. You know the property. You’ve probably passed by thousands of times. This quietly attractive, highly visible, iconic building is ideally situated on the Route 23 corridor between Hudson and the Taconic Parkway in Columbia County and is now available for the first time in over 20 years. Its muscular construction houses over 5000 flexible square feet. Originally built as a showroom for International Harvester farm equipment in 1957, this property has gone through various incarnations since then; at one point the Hudson chapter Knights of Columbus Hall called it home. After sitting vacant, the building was purchased in 2002 by a Manhattan design firm. The designers saw great potential in this diamond in the rough, and their renovation transformed the handsome building into what it is today.
The stucco and copper exterior was designed to become one with the bucolic farmland on which it sits. The building was entirely gutted, including all utilities and mechanics. The renovation exposed original soaring wooden ceilings and steel I-beams, and the structure was defined into three unique spaces. The large south-facing loft studio with original clerestory and casement windows is filled with abundant natural light – perfect for any professional task or at-home craft. The center living space with separate entry features cerused oak hardwood and tile floors, offers a new kitchen with stainless appliances and cabinetry, Typhoon Bordeaux granite countertop and island, and cook’s pantry. The open floorplan welcomes an organic lifestyle, and entertains with ease throughout the living spaces, including primary bedroom, den/second bedroom/home office, walk-in closet, and two full baths. The northern space with its own double-door entry is dedicated towards a gallery/mercantile venue, but can be easily adapted – public or private, or both.
This is a turnkey property – inside and out. 564 State Route 23 gracefully and proudly resides on an active east-west artery, equidistant between Hudson and Hillsdale, alongside the Hollowville Creek. Conveniently located, yet private. This space is ideal for makers, artists, and creators, with ample room for assembly, energy, and creativity – comfortable daily living adjacent. 564 State Route 23 is an extraordinary property, and its integrity and quality will provide the next steward enormous opportunity and lasting appeal. Under an hour to Albany; just over two hours to NYC.
What is the most compelling thing about this property?
Form and Function. This simple, stylish structure boasts over five thousand square feet of very usable and flexible space. There’s a comfortable living space with a new kitchen and two full baths; there’s a large work area with soaring ceiling heights and brilliant natural light, and there is a gallery space at the front of the building.
For whom is this house perfect?
This building is ideal for makers, artists and business owners who are looking for a live/workspace. The space could easily accommodate a couple of businesses.
What is the most fun thing to do within five miles of this property?
Explore Churchtown Dairy and other neighboring farms and farmstands. Check out the Walking Trails at Won Dharma Center or just spend time along the Hollowville Creek at the back of the property.
If this house could talk, what secrets would it tell you about its history?
Built in 1957 as an International Harvester showroom for Wilkes Bashford’s family business. Wilkes moved to the west coast and opened his eponymous shop in San Francisco. He was a legendary retailer. After the tractors moved out, prefab homes were built there. It later became home to the Knights of Columbus where flashing lights and a large disco ball shone brightly on the local revelers. In 2002, after sitting vacant for a few years, the building was bought by its current owners and underwent a total transformation.
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