This majestic 1825 Federal home on the banks of the Hudson River was designed by architect Barnabas Waterman for shipping entrepreneur Anthony Rutgers Livingston. Steeped in history, the house has undergone an extensive – yet sensitive – restoration. Enter into a grand hallway with Double Parlors to the right and a formal Dining Room on the left. Original Federal flourishes abound with acanthus leaf capitals and entablatures, Corinthian columns, Keystone cap arches and intact mantels and crown moldings. Seven wood-burning fireplaces! The high ceiling heights and tall windows throughout provide extraordinary elegance, light and comfort. A thoughtful Kitchen renovation, with 1/2 Bath for 21st century convenience. Upstairs is a Full Bath and four spacious and airy Bedrooms, the Master with ensuite Bath. The walk–out lower level of the house features a Family Room with fireplace, a full bath and the original 1825 kitchen with hearth and beehive oven. A stroll past the boxwood garden and pergola leads to a 3-bay Garage with finished Studio and 1/2 Bath above, perfect for artist, home office or additional guests! Convenient to NYS Thruway, Catskill, Lumberyard Performing Arts; 15 minutes to Hudson, 2 hours to NYC.
What’s the most compelling thing about this property?
The Hudson River is right outside the door. Endless hours of enjoyment can be had observing river activity: the ever-changing ebb and flow of the river current and the parade of boats and ships gliding by.
For whom is this house perfect?
Any individual or family who can envision a contemporary lifestyle in a turnkey historic Hudson Valley home right on its own waterfront.
This house is perfect for entertaining, both inside and out…and even on the river.
What’s the most fun thing to do within five miles of this house?
Water activities from kayaking to a canoeing, on a sailboat or a larger craft. This house is all about having fun on the river. Plus, it’s just a short two-block walk to the middle of Athens to enjoy a meal or a brew at Crossroads Brewery, Food Studio or The Stewart House Pub.
The immediate surrounding area offers opportunities to visit the homes of the American Hudson River School painters Thomas Cole and Frederic Church. High quality performances are available nearby at The Lumberyard Center for Film & Performing Arts and at The Bridge Street Theatre in Catskill. And the dynamic little city of Hudson, N.Y., is only a short ferry or bridge crossing away.
If this house could talk, what secret would it tell about its history?
Anthony Livingston, the gentleman who built the house, mortally wounded a man over a legal dispute one night on the streets of Hudson. Although he was jailed, the judge dropped the charges but Livingston left town anyway. Since then six more owners have lived happily in this historic, Hudson River home.
