Upstate

Live in your very own 19th-century castle above the Hudson River for $3.5M

Listing photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

October 26, 2020

Live in your very own 19th-century castle above the Hudson River for $3.5M

First spotted by Brownstoner, one of the most unique and recognizable properties in the Hudson Valley has come to the market. The gilded-age landmark known as Castle Rock was built in 1881 in Garrison, New York as a summer home for William H. Osborn, president of the Illinois Central Railroad. Sitting atop the hill of the same name, the stone castle is 620 feet above the Hudson River, with incredible panoramic views. The 10,500-square-foot home is now asking $3,450,000, for sale for the first time in 45 years.
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Did you know the world’s oldest pet cemetery is in Westchester, New York?

Photo by Anthony22 via Wikimedia Commons

October 26, 2020

Did you know the world’s oldest pet cemetery is in Westchester, New York?

By Dana Schulz

Did you know the country's first pet cemetery opened right here in New York, and still to this day is the world's largest such burial ground? Hartsdale Pet Cemetery was established in 1896 by NYC veterinarian Samuel Johnson (an early promoter of the ASPCA), who provided part of the apple orchard at his Westchester retreat to serve as a burial spot for a client's dog. Nearly 125 years later, this area is the resting place for more than 80,000 pets, from dogs and cats to reptiles to a lion cub who called the Plaza Hotel home. Known as "The Peaceable Kingdom," the grounds are also home to a 50-ton above-ground mausoleum for a pair of spaniels and the War Dog Memorial, a post-WWI tribute to military canines that was the first of its kind. Even Diana Ross, George Raft, and Mariah Carey have buried their four-legged friends here.
Find out more about this historic pet cemetery

History

October 23, 2020

Explore the 200 craft breweries found along New York’s Empire State Trail

By Devin Gannon

Home to more than 460 breweries statewide, New York knows beer. To make it easier to find a beer near you, the New York State Brewers Association in 2017 launched an app that allows users to find breweries across the state, check-in digitally, and earn stamps on their "tasting passport." To encourage support of local beer makers and the use of the under-construction 750-mile Empire State Trail, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday a new passport program specifically targeting 200 craft breweries found along the trail.
More details this way

Events & Things To Do

For $2M, a 25-acre Catskills property with an 1835 farmhouse and a newly built log cabin

Photos by Tyler Blodgett for Heather Croner Real Estate Sotheby’s International Realty

October 16, 2020

For $2M, a 25-acre Catskills property with an 1835 farmhouse and a newly built log cabin

By Dana Schulz

If you're like so many city residents looking for an upstate getaway these days, this incredible 25-acre property in Shawangunk, New York might definitely check a lot of your boxes. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Catskills residence is asking just $2,025,000 (the price of a pretty average NYC condo) and that includes a beautiful 1835 Greek Revival farmhouse, as well as a new log house built from salvaged, antique 1850s barns. All of this is surrounded by landscaped lawns and outdoor event spaces.
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Distinctive Homes

$1.5M mid-century hideaway in Dobbs Ferry has a salt-water pool and loads of greenery

Photo credit: Modern Angles

October 14, 2020

$1.5M mid-century hideaway in Dobbs Ferry has a salt-water pool and loads of greenery

By Dana Schulz

At first glance, the backyard of this house looks like an island resort tucked away in the jungle. But it's actually located just 45 minutes outside NYC in Dobbs Ferry. The mid-century-modern home was built in 1961 by architect Ferdinand Gottlieb (best known for his work on the interior of the original Rizzoli Bookstore on Fifth Avenue) as his personal residence. Now listed for $1,450,000, the four-bedroom home has 12-foot arched glass windows that overlook the Hudson River and the Palisades, as well as a salt-water pool and landscaped patio.
See the whole place here

Distinctive Homes

$875,000 lake-front home in Westchester was designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright student

Listing photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

October 13, 2020

$875,000 lake-front home in Westchester was designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright student

By Dana Schulz

Architect Roy S. Johnson was a disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright who designed many a mid-century home around the Hudson Valley area. One unique example is this rustic, lake-front home in the Westchester town of Bedford, which is now listed for $875,000. The home is located on "Old Wagon Road," and though we can't be certain, it seems as though Johnson may have taken inspiration from this locale, as the shape of the house somewhat resembles a covered wagon.
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Distinctive Homes

October 6, 2020

Just 30 minutes from NYC, a renovated Westchester barn with gardens, orchards, and a pool asks $1.35M

By Devin Gannon

A converted barn in Westchester County that sits on three acres of land and boasts gardens, orchards, and an in-ground pool has hit the market for $1.35 million. Located in the hamlet of Hartsdale, which is roughly 20 miles from New York City, the property, known as Hillbrook Farm, offers the best of both worlds: sprawling, private green space and easy access to restaurants, retail, and public transit.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

October 2, 2020

Union Square’s cherished dinnerware store Fishs Eddy speaks out about COVID struggles

By Dana Schulz

"We’re like a fish gasping for air — literally," said Julie Gaines, the owner of Fishs Eddy, to the New York Post. The much-loved Union Square store has been in business since 1986, selling mix-and-match, reasonably priced dinnerware that includes NYC-themed items and quirky finds like Obama shot glasses and parking ticket plates. Since the pandemic hit, however, they've only been doing 30 percent of their usual business, much of which is based on tourists, which is making it harder and harder to afford their high rent.
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City Living

Built into a rock ledge, this $7.7M Hudson Valley estate has guest pods, a treehouse, and a pond

All renderings by S3 Architecture, courtesy Corcoran Country Living

September 29, 2020

Built into a rock ledge, this $7.7M Hudson Valley estate has guest pods, a treehouse, and a pond

By Dana Schulz

Sylvan Rock is a new micro compound being designed in partnership by S3 Architecture and Aston Martin. Located in the Dutchess County town of Milan, the 55-acre property was conceptualized as a nature-first retreat that focuses on sustainability and wellness with an eye towards self-contained living. To that end, there is the nearly 6,000-square-foot main house, three guest pods, a treehouse, two reflecting pools, a pool house with a wellness pavilion, a pond, and an agricultural food garden.
Tour the whole property

This big, beautiful Victorian in Newburgh is asking just $650K

Photo by Roy Savage

September 24, 2020

This big, beautiful Victorian in Newburgh is asking just $650K

By Dana Schulz

The city of Newburgh, about an hour-and-a-half drive from Manhattan, often gets a bad rap for its past crime statistics. But in recent years, shops and restaurants have been sprouting up, the arts scene is booming, preservation groups are working to save the wealth of historic mansions, and the relatively affordable housing stock is enticing buyers. Take, for example, this 1875 Victorian home. It's over 3,500 square feet, is beautifully preserved, and overlooks the Hudson River and Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site. And it's asking just $650,000.
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In Westchester, a historic bank building is now a $1.9M contemporary home

Photos by Rob Shaw, RHS Photography

September 18, 2020

In Westchester, a historic bank building is now a $1.9M contemporary home

By Devin Gannon

A unique industrial loft in a former 20th-century bank building has hit the market in the Westchester village of Dobbs Ferry. The home, where "Tribeca meets Main Street USA," as the listing describes, was formerly the Greensburgh Savings Bank and has been converted into a one-of-a-kind townhouse. Asking $1.899 million, the four-bedroom home at 81 Main Street measures over 6,300 square feet, has a private backyard, and features remnants of its past life, like a bank vault and super tall ceilings.
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Distinctive Homes

For $2.5M, this Woodstock estate comes with three stone homes, a koi pond, a treehouse, and more

Photos by Tyler Blodgett for Heather Croner Real Estate Sotheby’s International Realty

September 9, 2020

For $2.5M, this Woodstock estate comes with three stone homes, a koi pond, a treehouse, and more

By Dana Schulz

It makes sense that this upstate estate shares the same folksy, comfortable feel as its Woodstock, New York location. Its current owner is Michael Lang, co-creator of the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969. Set on nearly 17 acres, the property features a 5,000-square-foot main stone house, a second stone home, a cottage with a greenhouse, a koi pond, a pool, an orchard, a treehouse, and gorgeous mountain views. Known as Happy Brooks, the estate was built in 1929 and is now on the market for $2,450,000.
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Distinctive Homes

For $1.8M, a treetop retreat upstate with 24 acres, Scandinavian design, and a ‘party barn’

Listing images courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

September 8, 2020

For $1.8M, a treetop retreat upstate with 24 acres, Scandinavian design, and a ‘party barn’

By Dana Schulz

Less than an hour from the George Washington Bridge in the charming town of Cornwall, New York, is this hidden treetop escape. Situated on 24 gated acres, the property consists of a Scandinavian-inspired wood and stone main house, a resort-style pool with a waterfall, and a separate 1,700-square-foot party barn complete with an indoor basketball court, bar with keg tap, and gym. The home has been listed as a vacation rental on Airbnb for a whopping $1,286 a night, but the entire property is now for sale for $1,850,000, and it can come fully furnished.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

For $990K, this historic Hudson Valley Victorian is for sale for the first time in 100 years

All photos courtesy of Compass

September 1, 2020

For $990K, this historic Hudson Valley Victorian is for sale for the first time in 100 years

By Dana Schulz

It's hard to believe this stunning home is asking under $1 million, but it's even more surprising that it's available for the first time in over a century. Located in the Dutchess County hamlet of New Hamburg, the Victorian home was built in 1860 and underwent a full restoration in 2003. In addition to its great location, wrap-around porch, and tons of preserved historic details, the property comes with a separate guest cottage that's just as lovely.
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In Westchester, a mid-century modern home by Paul Rudolph asks $5.6M

Listing photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

August 26, 2020

In Westchester, a mid-century modern home by Paul Rudolph asks $5.6M

By Dana Schulz

Known as the Edersheim Residence, this Westchester home was built in 1958, but in the 1980s, owners Maurits and Claire Edersheim asked famed architect Paul Rudolph (who had renovated their Manhattan apartment in 1970) to completely revamp the residence. Rudolph added a new front facade, a trademark sunken living room, skylights, a guest house, indoor and outdoor pools, a covered porch, and much more. According to Galerie, the most recent owners retained all of Rudolph's modernist details but worked with the Paul Rudolph Foundation on a modernization that made the home nearly net-zero. They've now listed the stunner for $5.6 million.
Take the full tour

Distinctive Homes

$4.5M Mediterranean-style home brings a bit of California living to Westchester

Listing photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

August 25, 2020

$4.5M Mediterranean-style home brings a bit of California living to Westchester

By Dana Schulz

"Santa Barbara comes to Scarsdale," says the listing, and we couldn't agree more. This Mediterranean home in Westchester was built in 1928 in the California stucco style. A pool with a waterfall, multiple terraces, large guest house, and tennis court, complete the west coast picture. The home is on the market for $4,450,000.
See the whole place

This Hudson Valley town has the fastest-rising real estate prices in the country

Photo by Paul VanDerWerf via Flickr cc

August 13, 2020

This Hudson Valley town has the fastest-rising real estate prices in the country

By Dana Schulz

Kingston, New York has been called the Hudson Valley's "creative capital." As Brooklyn Based explained, from the 1950s to the '90s, it was home to a massive IBM campus, but the Catskills town grew increasingly vacant afterward. In recent years, however, it's seen a resurgence of newcomers thanks to its historic housing stock, relatively low prices, foodie scene, proximity to outdoor activities, and zoning deliberately meant to attract artists. And in the face of the pandemic, these factors have made Kingston a go-to spot for those fleeing New York City. A report by the National Association of Realtors cited in Bloomberg found that Kingston has the fastest rising home prices in the U.S.
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Real Estate Trends

July 20, 2020

7 best hikes near New York City

By Rebecca Fishbein

Getting out of the city during the hot summer months has never felt so necessary, with the usual ways of staying cool by exploring an air-conditioned museum or taking a dip at a city pool. For those looking to reconnect with nature (while maintaining social distance), there are a number of escapes just outside of the city offering hikes and treks ranging in levels of difficulty. Some of these are easily accessible by Metro-North; some might require a car, and some happen to be in the city itself, provided you consider Staten Island within its borders. All of them feature great views, exercise, fresh air, and the occasional tree, how novel! Ahead, discover our favorites.
See our favorites here

Funky $1.2M upstate home is Jetsons on the outside, Flintstones on the inside

Photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

July 15, 2020

Funky $1.2M upstate home is Jetsons on the outside, Flintstones on the inside

By Dana Schulz

The visuals speak for themselves at this super funky upstate home in Rhinebeck. From the outside, its semi-circular shape and odd window placement read very futuristic. But inside, the home is positively prehistoric-looking, with cave-like vaulted ceilings, stone floors, and tree-branch railings. Listed for $1,195,000, the 11-acre property includes the two-bedroom home, a guest house, animal shelters, fruit orchard, and vegetable garden.
Lots more to see

Historic 1797 manor house in Westchester hits the market for $4.7M

Listing photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

June 30, 2020

Historic 1797 manor house in Westchester hits the market for $4.7M

By Dana Schulz

Known as the Manor House, this 18th-century Federal-style Colonial in Westchester county has just hit the market for $4,699,000. Set on 1.44 acres, it's one of the largest parcels of land in Larchmont, and at nearly 7,000 square feet, the home is just as spacious as its perfectly manicured grounds. It has a romantic double front porch and a large rear porch, as well as eight fireplaces, six bedrooms, and tons of historic details.
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For $2.8M, this 1840s upstate millhouse has a private waterfall, terraced gardens, and a gorgeous pool

Listing photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

June 26, 2020

For $2.8M, this 1840s upstate millhouse has a private waterfall, terraced gardens, and a gorgeous pool

By Dana Schulz

In the Westchester town of North Salem, this 1840s millhouse is a magical getaway, both indoors and out. Set on six acres, it boasts terraced gardens, stone walls, walking trails, a heated pool, guest house, and, most notably, a waterfall. Inside, the home has been renovated but retains its historic details such as elaborate moldings, barn beam framing, wide-plank floors, and brick fireplaces. And it's just listed for $2,795,000.
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Distinctive Homes

‘Real Housewife’ Luann de Lesseps lists her Catskills round house for $1.15M

Listing images courtesy of Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty

June 24, 2020

‘Real Housewife’ Luann de Lesseps lists her Catskills round house for $1.15M

By Dana Schulz

When "Real Housewives of New York" star (Countess) Luann de Lesseps bought this mid-century-modern home upstate in 2018, she said she was drawn to it when she learned that round houses are good Feng Shui. But as the Post first reported, the Countess has just listed the three-bedroom home for $1,150,000 since she's been spending most of her time in the Hamptons instead. Located in the Ulster County town of Port Ewen, the three-bedroom home sits on nearly a full acre right on the Hudson River. It has 200 feet of private river frontage, a private dock, and mooring for a boat.
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Pedestrian path on Mario M. Cuomo Bridge opens with public art, scenic overlooks, & food vendors

Photo courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

June 15, 2020

Pedestrian path on Mario M. Cuomo Bridge opens with public art, scenic overlooks, & food vendors

By Devin Gannon

The pedestrian-bike path on the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge officially opened to the public on Monday. The 3.6-mile shared path serves as the "gateway to the Hudson Valley," connecting Westchester and Rockland Counties, and is one of the longest of its kind in the country, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The path features six different scenic overlooks, 10 public art pieces, and three local food trucks.
See it here

Transit

$4.9M lakefront mansion was built for the founder of Tuxedo Park

Photos by Jump Visual

June 11, 2020

$4.9M lakefront mansion was built for the founder of Tuxedo Park

By Dana Schulz

Tuxedo Park is probably best known on the surface as the place where the tuxedo got its name, but the reason that this style landed here from English nobility is that this upstate gated community was home to Gilded Age mansions and their wealthy, high-society residents. Today, most of these incredible homes remain, including this one at 84 East Lake Road. In fact, the monolithic stone lake house was built for Pierre Lorillard, heir to the Lorillard Tobacco Company and founder of Tuxedo Park. Currently listed for $4,900,000, the incredible estate sits on four-and-a-half acres and boasts a grand oval living room with 24-foot ceilings, several stone outbuildings, a floating dock, barn, carriage trails, and more.
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Distinctive Homes

$1.6M Tudor feels like a storybook castle in Westchester

Photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

June 9, 2020

$1.6M Tudor feels like a storybook castle in Westchester

By Dana Schulz

Photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence This enchanting Tudor home in the Westchester town of Larchmont looks like something straight out of a fairytale, from its storybook facade to incredible architectural details like beamed and vaulted ceilings, arched stained-glass windows, and tons of moody work. Located at 1 Beechtree Drive on a quiet cul-de-sac, the six-bedroom home is asking $1,599,000 (h/t CIRCA).
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Eleanor Roosevelt’s childhood home in the Hudson Valley lists for $960K

Listing images courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

June 1, 2020

Eleanor Roosevelt’s childhood home in the Hudson Valley lists for $960K

By Dana Schulz

As a child, after both her parents had passed away, Eleanor Roosevelt left her family's New York City apartment to spend her summers at her grandparents' Hudson Valley estate known as Oak Terrace. She even returned back to the Germantown property after high school, spending half her time there until she married FDR in 1905. According to Brownstoner, the family estate was sold off in parcels in the 1930s, one of which is the brick gatehouse that marked the entrance. Built in 1872, this charming brick structure known as the Oaklawn Gatehouse has just hit the market for $960,000.
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May 21, 2020

This summer, rent an upstate hideaway designed by Ai Weiwei for $125K

By Devin Gannon

The only private residence designed by Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei is available to rent this summer for $125,000. Located in the quiet upstate town of Ancram, the three-bedroom home is described as "liveable art" in the listing, which was first spotted by the New York Post. The modern home, designed in collaboration between the artist and Swiss firm HHF Architects, is also for sale for $5.25 million.
More here

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