This Second Empire style house was built in 1856. Photos by Gary DiMauro Real Estate
Seated on almost four acres of scenic Hudson Valley farmland, this Dutchess County abode offers an abundance of space, character, and views.
Address: 14 Linden Farm Lane, Red Hook
Description: This Dutchess County country estate is teeming with character and begging to be explored. It sits on 3.8 acres of land, with a sweeping vista of historical farms. More than 1200 acres surrounding the property and make up multi-generational crop land that is preserved and protected by Scenic Hudson.
Standing on the grand porch, one is instantly transported to the mid-1850s. This home was built in Second Empire style, which was fashionable for all 19th century Francophiles. The architectural aesthetic rose in popularity during Napoleon III’s redevelopment of Paris and is characteristically ornate and intricate. The four-sided mansard roof, ornate cornices, and rectangular central tower exude Second Empire majesty. What was once a lush summer getaway can now be a full-time home in the Hudson Valley.
Upon entering the house, visitors will immediately notice the elaborate details. Carved doors match the home’s personality, bringing an abundance of character and charm to the design. The large foyer exudes an inviting presence, beckoning guests to explore further. There are 4,875 square feet and 14 rooms, each with their own personality, to discover. A family of nearly any size can take advantage of four bedrooms and two bathrooms and appreciate the patterns along the trim of the house’s central staircase, a defining feature.
French doors and tall windows bring a beautiful amount of natural sunlight into the parlor. A perfect spot for entertaining, this room boasts a rustic fireplace — one of two in the house. Spend hours gazing outside at the foliage in the fall or stay warm and cozy during a winter snowstorm. The home is impeccable and well-maintained, and the lower levels have received several new additions
Up on the second floor reside spacious bedrooms, most of which are inside the central tower. Large windows allow residents to wake up with the sun if they so desire. Any of the home’s four bedrooms can easily convert into a home office, a guest room, or any other space as well. Also on the second floor, luxurious landings off of the main staircase elevate the home’s design theme.
The third floor is where this house’s history really shines. Original wallpaper lines the walls of several fascinating rooms upstairs, some of which may have been up for almost 150 years. Inspired by the 1880s aesthetic movement, dazzling designs tell the home’s intriguing story. Marble sinks from the era can still be found in corners of the third floor. The floor coverings and molding have been untouched, allowing residents to either preserve the original aesthetic or take the upper floors in a new direction.
Every space up here is unique, as the top of any Second Empire building exudes some of the style’s most pronounced characteristics. Residents can climb up the tower to the cupola, which has a window just large enough to gaze out at more than a thousand acres of protected lands.
Asking price: Price reduced to $869,000 from $899,000
Selling points: Red Hook‘s sleepy town aura makes life in this Dutchess County home pleasant and relaxing. After strolling around the neighborhood, locals can retreat to Poet’s Walk for an equally beautiful experience that takes inspiration from the great Romantic poets. Greig Farm is close enough to offer farm-fresh produce throughout the seasons, especially in the summer when blueberries are simply divine. The Hudson Valley home is also very close to Rhinebeck, making the possibilities for nearby weekend excursions endless. Plus, the Red Hook Central School District is one of the best in the county, according to Niche.com ratings.
Listing agents: Eliane Abramoff, Gary DiMauro Real Estate