Upstate

March 23, 2021

‘The Simpsons’ actor Hank Azaria lists Westchester farmhouse for $3.25M

Actor and comedian Hank Azaria--best known for voicing "The Simpsons" characters like Moe Szyslak and Chief Wiggum, as well as his guest-star roles in "Mad About You" and "Friends"--has put his antique Westchester farmhouse on the market for $3,250,000. Located in the hamlet of Bedford Corners, the main house was built in 1890 and sits on four acres. After purchasing the home, Azaria added a beautiful pool and a poolhouse meant to evoke an 18th-century barn.
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A former brickyard in Kingston is now luxury hotel cabins on the Hudson River

Cabin interiors; Photo courtesy of Hutton Brickyards

March 19, 2021

A former brickyard in Kingston is now luxury hotel cabins on the Hudson River

By Devin Gannon

For years, New Yorkers have been drawn to the Hudson Valley city of Kingston for its rich history, arts and culture, and proximity to nature, ideal for both a weekend getaway and year-round residence. A new hotel just north of New York City is set to open this spring that will offer 31 individual cabins across 73 acres of lush landscape, providing a coronavirus-safe escape for city dwellers. Located on the site of a former brick factory, Hutton Brickyards has been transformed from a manufacturing property into a laid-back but luxurious riverfront resort with private cabins, a spa, restaurant, and events space.
Details here

Asking $4M, this historic carriage house in Snedens Landing was once home to Mike Wallace

All photos by Andrea B. Swenson for Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty

February 24, 2021

Asking $4M, this historic carriage house in Snedens Landing was once home to Mike Wallace

By Dana Schulz

An incredible home in the exclusive enclave of Snedens Landing that was once home to award-winning journalist and 60 Minutes correspondent Mike Wallace has hit the market for $3,995,000. Situated on nearly a full acre, the 5,000-square-foot home is made up of a carriage house built in 1880 and a modern addition completed in 2020. As the listing states, it has the largest pool in Snedens Landing, "where Laurence Olivier, Ava Gardner, and Kirk Douglas entertained when Mike Wallace owned the property."
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For $446K, a restored 150-year-old cottage in Kingston with waterfall views

All photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty

February 19, 2021

For $446K, a restored 150-year-old cottage in Kingston with waterfall views

By Devin Gannon

Here's an opportunity to live in the booming "creative capital" of the Hudson Valley. A restored 150-year-old cottage in Kingston has hit the market for $445,555. Located at 1143 Sawkill Road, the incredible property was built in 1870 and comes with an adjoining artist's barn. The two-bedroom, two-bath home measures about 1,250 square feet and sits on one acre of land, surrounded by the nearby woods and waterfalls of the Bluestone Wild Forest.
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A former artists’ compound in exclusive Snedens Landing asks $3M

All photos credit: Jump Visuals for Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty

January 26, 2021

A former artists’ compound in exclusive Snedens Landing asks $3M

By Devin Gannon

A Palisades estate owned by the late artist Grace Knowlton is now on the market for $2.99 million. The property was transformed into a compound for artists by Knowlton, who was known for her spherical sculptures and lived at the site for nearly 50 years. Located in the secluded enclave of Snedens Landing, the four-acre estate includes a restored barn that serves as the main residence, a cottage, an industrial machine shop, and a pottery studio, all across the landscaped gardens.
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For $398K, this Cold Spring cottage is full of cozy character

All photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

January 25, 2021

For $398K, this Cold Spring cottage is full of cozy character

By Devin Gannon

A charming cottage on the edge of Cold Spring can be yours for $397,500. What the two-bedroom, one-bath home at 337 Main Street lacks in space it makes up in character. Constructed in 1890, the saltbox home features wide-planked floorboards, built-in shelves, and a reading nook. Plus, the property includes a large fenced-in backyard with a fire pit, outdoor deck, and a unique barrel sauna.
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The 5 best ski slopes near New York City

Photo of Hunter Mountain by Shinya Suzuki via Flickr cc

January 21, 2021

The 5 best ski slopes near New York City

By Cait Etherington

Sure, you'll find more snow and more serious skiing if you fly to Colorado or even drive up to Vermont, but there are plenty of ski hills located in New York State, including several located within a one-and-a-half to three-hour drive of Manhattan. To be frank, the main thing these hills have on their side is their proximity to New York City. If you want to reenact a trip to the Alps or Aspen, you’re going to be disappointed, but if you want to plan an affordable day or overnight ski trip, skiing in the Catskills region can be a great option. Gov. Andrew Cuomo last fall gave ski resorts the go-ahead to reopen, seen as a safe outdoor activity during the coronavirus pandemic. However, there are COVID-19 restrictions at each resort, including mask mandates, social distancing and disinfection requirements, and 50 percent capacity limits indoors. Ahead, we break down five of the best ski resorts less than 150 miles from NYC, along with everything you can expect when hitting the slopes this year.
Get the guide here

This Adirondacks treehouse was the year’s most popular Airbnb rental for New Yorkers

All photos courtesy of Airbnb

January 13, 2021

This Adirondacks treehouse was the year’s most popular Airbnb rental for New Yorkers

By Dana Schulz

To wrap up 2020, Airbnb released the top 50 most wish-listed unique rentals across all 50 states. The properties range from an Alaskan log cabin under the Northern Lights to a pirate-themed cottage in California. Here in New York, those looking to get away were most taken with a luxury treehouse in the Adirondacks, complete with a cable bridge, outdoor fire pit, and waterfall. The property in the town of Remsen rents for $498 a night, but it's booked solid through March 2022!
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Getting Away

2020 luxury home sales rose 270% in some upstate New York counties

Downtown Rhinebeck, NY. Photo by Juliancolton via Wikimedia Commons

January 8, 2021

2020 luxury home sales rose 270% in some upstate New York counties

By Dana Schulz

It's not news at this point that throughout 2020 the suburbs of New York City were flooded with new home buyers, pushing up prices and leading to unbelievable bidding wars. But what is news is just how much certain upstate areas saw a rise. According to Houlihan Lawrence's Q4 2020 Market Report, Putnam and Dutchess counties saw a 269-percent increase in home sales $1 million and over. And in Westchester county, sales $2M and higher grew by approximately 53 percent.
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Real Estate Trends

January 4, 2021

Running from NYC to Canada, 750-mile Empire State Trail is now complete

By Devin Gannon

The longest multi-use state trail in the United States officially opened in New York last week. Running from New York City north to Canada and from Albany to Buffalo along the Erie Canal, the 750-mile Empire State Trail offers off-road trails for cyclists, hikers, runners, cross-country skiers, and snow-shoers. The Trail, which connects 20 regional trails to create a continuous statewide route, will be open year-round.
More here

Uncategorized

December 29, 2020

In Woodstock, a round house on 400 acres with panoramic mountain views asks $2.7M

By Devin Gannon

A mountaintop round house in Woodstock has hit the market for $2.7 million. Located on nearly 400 acres atop the Ticetonyk Mountain, the property at 229 Cold Brook Road offers incredible views from nearly every room. The custom home with cedar shake siding contains four bedrooms, four baths, a wrap-around sundeck and covered porch, and south-facing solar panels.
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$1.7M cliffside Colonial in Nyack has a two-story watchtower facing the Hudson River

Photos courtesy of Jump Visuals for Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty

December 22, 2020

$1.7M cliffside Colonial in Nyack has a two-story watchtower facing the Hudson River

By Devin Gannon

Near a cliffside overlooking the Hudson River, a Colonial-style home is on the market for $1.695 million. The property at 57 Tweed Boulevard is located just south of Nyack, a village in the Hudson Valley about 20 miles from New York City. Surrounded by wooded state parks, mountains, and water, the home's two-story turret-like watchtower is perfect for taking in all of those scenic views.
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For $1.2M, a 19th-century Hudson Valley castle with Tiffany fixtures and river views

All photos courtesy of RMC Real Estate Photography for Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty

December 18, 2020

For $1.2M, a 19th-century Hudson Valley castle with Tiffany fixtures and river views

By Devin Gannon

In New Windsor, a 19th-century stone castle is on the market for $1.225 million. Located on two acres of land overlooking the Hudson River, the Roe Brewster Castle at 11 Oak Ridge Drive was constructed in 1870 and features fixtures designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The 8,400-square-foot estate has six bedrooms and seven baths but has operated as a multi-family rental property.
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December 10, 2020

The best places to live in Westchester

By Devin Gannon

Moving to the suburbs after growing out of a New York City apartment is not a new phenomenon. But after many New Yorkers spent the early days of the coronavirus pandemic cooped up inside small spaces, trading in city life for country living has become more attractive than ever. Westchester County continues to draw new residents with its affordable and spacious homes, access to nature, proximity to Manhattan, and abundant public transit options. But with six cities, 19 towns, and 20 villages, choosing where to live in Westchester can be daunting. Whether you're looking for walkable urban areas with a reputable school system, artsy towns with waterfront access, or rural villages with more horses than people, there's a home for you in this diverse county.
Get the full list

Uncategorized

Broadway producers behind ‘Chicago’ list their showstopping Westchester estate for $13.2M

All photos courtesy of Anthony Acocella

November 30, 2020

Broadway producers behind ‘Chicago’ list their showstopping Westchester estate for $13.2M

By Devin Gannon

Broadway producers Fran and Barry Weissler, known for their work on "Chicago," "Annie Get Your Gun," Pippin," and other shows, are selling their impressive country estate in Westchester for $13.2 million. Described by the Tony Award winners as the house that "'Chicago' built," 35 Schoolhouse Road in Waccabuc sits on over 18 acres and contains a four-bedroom main residence, a four-bedroom guest house, a sculpture garden, and a custom-built amphitheater.
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November 19, 2020

For $3.5M, a Westchester farmhouse with smart technology, swimming pool, and 19th-century barn

By Devin Gannon

A contemporary farmhouse in Westchester County that has been designed as a modern country retreat is currently asking $3.5 million. The home at 9 Post Office Road is located in Waccabuc, a hamlet in the town of Lewisboro. Constructed in 2018, the home successfully mixes a traditional wood siding exterior with sleek interiors and smart, energy-efficient finishes.
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$3.3M Westchester estate is a mid-century mix of Prairie and Southwestern styles

Photo credit: Digital Homes

November 17, 2020

$3.3M Westchester estate is a mid-century mix of Prairie and Southwestern styles

By Dana Schulz

The listing calls this home "one of the most unique, private and 'feel good' estates" in Westchester, which seems evident just by looking at the listing photos. Located in the affluent town of Harrison, the 12,150-square-foot residence sits on three acres and was designed in a mid-century-modern aesthetic that takes inspiration from both Prairie and Southwestern styles. Double-height rooms, built-ins everywhere, and an indoor pool are just some of what you'll find here. For the first time since the owners built the home in 1994, it's now for sale asking $3,295,000.
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In Rockland County, this $1.3M Colonial home was designed by Stanford White

Photo credit: Andrea B. Swenson for Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty

November 11, 2020

In Rockland County, this $1.3M Colonial home was designed by Stanford White

By Dana Schulz

As a partner in the Beaux-Arts architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, Stanford White designed the Washington Square Arch, the Villard Houses, and the Gould Library, among so many others. He also designed the most private residences of the three men, including this late-19th century, shingly Colonial in Rockland County. Located in the Hudson River-front town of Piermont, the four-bedroom home has a striking semi-circular window, tons of original paneled woodwork and doors, and four beautiful fireplaces. After remaining in the same family for four generations, it's now up for sale asking $1,275,000.
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This 1865 post + beam barn has been reimagined in historic Germantown, and it’s asking $3.6M

Photo credit: Courtesy Corcoran Country Living

November 10, 2020

This 1865 post + beam barn has been reimagined in historic Germantown, and it’s asking $3.6M

By Devin Gannon

In Germantown, a converted post and beam barn has hit the market for $3.6 million. Presently a three-story home with three bedrooms, the property at 114 Best Lane offers an eclectic take on the classic farmhouse, with high, wood-beamed ceilings and four massive fireplaces. Constructed in 1865, the Hudson Valley home has been restored as an artistic indoor-outdoor living oasis, which also includes an adjacent "guest barn" and nearly 15 acres of land.
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For $4.7M, live in this amazing upstate lodge set on 125 acres

Photo credit: Courtesy Corcoran Country Living

November 6, 2020

For $4.7M, live in this amazing upstate lodge set on 125 acres

By Devin Gannon

If you want to reconnect with nature, be neighbor-free, and happen to have $4.685 million on hand, this stunning lodge-style home in Dutchess County may be a perfect fit. Located at 112 North Farm Way in Stanfordville, the three-bedroom home sits on 125 private acres, including a five-acre lake stocked with fish. Adding to its seclusion, a mile-long driveway leads to the home.
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Listing photos courtesy of Compass

November 5, 2020

Yankees great Mariano Rivera puts Westchester mansion on the market for $4M

By Dana Schulz

From 1995 to 2013, Mariano Rivera was a pitching legend for the New York Yankees, ultimately becoming in 2019 the first player ever elected unanimously to the Baseball Hall of Fame. When he and his family moved from Panama in 2000, they relocated to Westchester, not far from the Bronx Bombers' stadium. Now that his three sons are grown, he and his wife Clara have decided to sell their home in Rye, listing it for $3,995,000. The 13,050-square-foot mansion has nine bedrooms and eight-and-a-half bathrooms, as well as perks like a home theater, gym, rec room, massive pool deck, and a gated motor court and four-car garage.
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For $4.9M, own a private New York island with a 100-year-old Mediterranean-style mansion

Photo by Framework Home

October 28, 2020

For $4.9M, own a private New York island with a 100-year-old Mediterranean-style mansion

By Dana Schulz

We'd be lying if we said we haven't dreamt of throwing in the 2020 towel and escaping to a secluded island. And while this private island that's up for sale is just 45 minutes from NYC, it still manages to feel like a magical oasis removed from the rest of the world. Asking $4,900,000, Oak Island is more than half an acre on Premium Mill Pond, overlooking the Long Island Sound. The main residence is a Mediterranean-style mansion built in 1917, and you'll also get a pool/hot tub, separate two-car garage/pool house, and gorgeous lush landscaping.
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Photos courtesy of Heather Harrison, Compass

October 27, 2020

This $8.8M Westchester Colonial estate has indoor and outdoor basketball courts

By Devin Gannon

In Westchester County, a 14-room Colonial with two basketball courts has hit the market for $8.795 million. The estate is located at 35 Morris Lane in Scarsdale, the second wealthiest town in the United States, according to Bloomberg. Measuring over 10,000 square feet on nearly two acres of land, the seven-bedroom home is nothing short of extravagant, from the custom-built interiors to the outdoor in-ground pool and adjacent cabana.
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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

By Dana Schulz

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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