Photos courtesy John Ruggieri, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.
HistoryÂ
Do you ever dream of living in a house with architecture that is like no other? Then you may want to call 80 Balmville Road your home. For those of you who frequently pass the property, you are sure to have been intrigued by the Balmville house that was obviously once a chapel. Â
Built in 1901 as the St. Agnes Chapel, the congregation served the community for more than 60 years and was supported by gifts from members. Reverend Frederick and Mrs. Everet Whitney built the chapel, which was constructed with bricks from the nearby Rose Brick Company in Roseton. It served 58 local members of the community and seated approximately 75 people. It was also one of the few private chapels in the Hudson Valley.Â
The chapel closed due to the congregation disbanding. The beautiful structure sat empty for several years. In 1979, it was purchased by Marie France Silberman, a French haute couture designer. The current owners of the home have lived there since 2001. Â
This Could Be Your Dream Home
A lot of the structure is original to the chapel, including the main edifice, the wooden trusses and ceiling, main level floors, mezzanine railing, stained glass windows, arched wooden doors, basement stone walls, and garden brick walls. Â
Currently a two-family home, the lower level (basement) features an apartment with two bedrooms, one full bathroom, plenty of living space, a full kitchen, and utility room. The unit is accented with whitewashed stone walls, granite counters, a bar area, and radiant heated floors.
The main level boasts a 50-foot open living space with stunning vaulted ceilings, a dining room, a full kitchen with custom cabinetry, a full bathroom, a small office, and entertaining space. The mezzanine includes a bedroom and laundry space. The home offers a back deck off the main level and a balcony off the mezzanine level.Â
This home is ideal for a single person or couple who often host guests (and can use the lower level as a guest space). It would also make an amazing Airbnb or apartment rental, with the unique space and two living quarters. The lower level would also be ideal for someone looking for a home with an in-law suite.
If you are hoping for more of a family living space, the house can easily be converted into a single-family home with the addition of an interior staircase to join the main and basement level. Â
The exterior offers ultimate curb appeal with the historic chapel architecture. In addition, there are exterior walled gardens with iron gates and courtyards. The property also sits next to New York State’s smallest state forest, the Balmville Tree Park. Â
A Beautiful LocationÂ
With an Orange County address, the home is just a short drive to the Newburgh waterfront, with excellent dining locations like Blu Pointe, Hudson Taco, and Primo Waterfront, Balmville is an ideal location for taking in all that the Hudson Valley has to offer. A two-minute drive will bring you to The Powelton Club, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, and lounging by the pool. As a bonus, the surrounding homes in Balmville boast varied architecture.Â
Balmville itself is very historic, especially due to the famous Balmville Tree. The oldest Eastern Cottonwood on record in the United States, the tree was dated in 1953 to have started growing in 1699. This species of tree is usually expected to live for only 75 years. In 2015, most of the massive tree was removed except for the stump due to safety concerns. The tree has been admired by such presidents as Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who often came across the tree while visiting relatives. George Washington passed it on horseback around the time of the American Revolution as Newburgh was his headquarters from 1782-1783.Â
Overall, this property is ideal for anyone who appreciates history and is hoping to make the Hudson Valley their home.Â
Listing Agent: John Ruggieri, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Asking Price: $799,000
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