For $1.8M, this design lover’s upstate dream house uses color and texture to update history

Situated on two verdant Columbia County acres, this circa-1789 Federal-style home’s design takes a detour from the strict proportions that previously defined its Georgian rooms in an enchanting mix of curved walls and sophisticated color schemes. While keeping many of its architectural details intact, the current designer-owners of the Kinderhook, New York home, known as Orchard House, have in this way breathed colorful new life into this country retreat, asking $1,800,000.

While the 4,500-square-foot home has maintained the charm of a classic Hudson Valley farmhouse with six-over-six handblown glass windows, three working fireplaces, and decorative mantles, modern finishes, and 21st-century comforts add to the pretty picture. A tidy grey front door opens into an entryway painted in the shades of an English garden

A den and formal living room have classic proportions and wood-burning fireplaces. Both are filled with light.

A rear addition makes forms an additional media room with a third fireplace. A screened-in sunroom wrapped in windows overlooks a gunite-heated pool and surrounding planted acres.

The kitchen is a modern farmhouse delight, anchored by a massive black Aga range. Belgian terra cotta Cle tile floors frame custom millwork. A prep island offers under-counter refrigerator drawers and a wine cooler; they join an integrated 36-inch Thermador fridge and a separate 24-inch freezer. A basil-hued dining room is both cozy and elegant.

Upstairs, three tranquil, sunny bedrooms have en-suite baths with perfectly considered and subtly colorful fixtures and finishes. You’ll also find walk-in closets and a dreamy dressing room.

A charming guest wing offers two additional bedrooms and a full bath. There is also a full laundry room and central air conditioning.

The farmhouse gets its name from the Samascott Orchards that surround it; a rear patio is perfect for dining and entertaining, overlooking manicured lawns in every direction. The property includes a two-car garage.

[Listing details: 98 Albany Avenue by Annabel Taylor of Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty]

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Photo credit: Annabel Taylor of Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty/Gabriel Zimmer