Photos courtesy of Anthony D’Argenzio and Zio and Sons
Plus, bring This Old Hudson’s unique style to your Hudson Valley home with wallpaper from Zio & Sons and A-Street Prints.
When travelers search for the most transformative destinations, they often choose Hudson.
The former whaling port is now one of the hottest cities in the Hudson Valley. Vintage and boutique shopping, cozy wine bars, and meticulously curated experiences draw visitors year-round. However, unique accommodations helmed by hospitality visionaries are the biggest pull. Hudson’s bespoke architecture speaks to bohemians everywhere. Anthony D’Argenzio, the entrepreneur, designer, and real estate expert behind This Old Hudson and Zio and Sons, recognized the Columbia County city’s immense potential.
“It all started on a long weekend away from New York City back in 2015. I was in Hudson and came upon a fixer-upper that I knew immediately had gorgeous, century-old bones,” D’Argenzio says. “I thought it was just going to be a weekend project at first, but the more time I spent in the town, I know that it was home.”
This gave way to This Old Hudson Maison, an old-world Airbnb experience. D’Argenzio opened the property as a short-term rental back in 2017, and expanded the project in 2019 to This Old Hudson Residences, four transformed long-term rentals. D’Argenzio’s concept culminated in a collection of getaways, meant to balance bygone elegance with contemporary luxuries. The original Airbnb remains emblematic of the entire brand mission.
“When I first fell in love with the Hudson Valley, it was really about the people who live here and the quality of life. There’s old-world charm everywhere you turn, and I wanted people to feel that when they stayed at This Old Hudson—and to help other people find their own version of that experience. It’s definitely a reflection of my vision of a place where creativity blooms and art happens on the spot,” D’Argenzio explains.
D’Argenzio’s Maison stands merely a stroll away from Warren St. Visitors to the upper Valley have been buzzing about the space, a perfect home away from home for creative jaunts through the region. The second-floor unit bathes its guests in natural light, evoking warm dreams of Tuscan villas or hotels in Cannes.
The modern-meets-vintage style guru imbues his properties with authentic details inspired by his own European travels.
“I first visited Italy when I was 12 years old and I was enamored with the old-world style. Since then, I have consistently drawn inspiration from those travels—I create based on what I see is timeless rather than trending style,” D’Argenzio says, explaining his fondness for bringing la dolce vita to the Hudson Valley.
Foodies will adore the kitchen. Stock up on supplies from Hudson’s incredible food producers (fresh pasta from Talbott & Arding, anyone?) and draw inspiration from Mediterranean masters of cuisine. A gas range, full breakfast nook, and dishwasher make virtually any dish possible. You’ll definitely want Verdigris Tea or fresh espresso from any of Warren St.’s eclectic cafés for early mornings.
Three bedrooms, including a regal master, can host up to five guests. Other rental highlights include a private porch and access to a shared garden, both excellent settings for esoteric conversations. More than a weekend getaway, This Old Hudson Maison attracts all types of artists. Brands, photographers, and filmmakers have used the space as a backdrop for photo and video shoots.
D’Argenzio is no stranger himself to such mediums. His creative studio Zio and Sons has worked with brands like Anthopologie, Farrow & Ball, and Chairish. This Old Hudson is more than a place, it’s an ever-evolving hospitality idea.
“It’s also become an online platform showcasing all things Hudson Valley, and that includes great real estate finds… a deep passion of mine. I am currently a licensed real estate agent with luxury brokerage Houlihan Lawrence. I love helping people find and list their dream homes upstate, along with working investors. I would say my expertise is working with sellers,” D’Argenzio says. “I love bringing my creative passion and skillset to selling real estate, between the staging, photography, and then promotion on our growing social media channels.”
A more recent collaboration from the Zio and Sons studio allows Valley denizens to bring some of those old-world sensibilities into their own homes.
D’Argenzio developed a line of wallpaper with national brand A-Street Prints. This line expressed antique designs and textures with an elevated twist. For instance, the This Old Hudson Damask recreates the patterned wallpaper D’Argenzio uncovered while renovating the Maison.Â
The collection includes five designs in total. Wall-covering patterns mimic everything from architectural materials like lime-washed brick or artisan plaster to intricate romantic patterns (including Dutch Garland and the aforementioned Damask). The modern Upstate Bedboard wood paneling provides the perfect solution for homeowners seeking texture without conspicuous patterns.Â
“It’s the perfect combination of my love for texture, natural shades, and timeless patterns. My goal was to create a line that evokes a feeling of elevated craftsmanship,” D’Argenzio says. “From the beginning, A-Street understood the balance of contemporary and classic that I wanted to achieve — and that’s something that you can really feel in the final designs. The collection came together quite naturally.”
Not only can your home look like This Old Hudson, but it can also smell like This Old Hudson, too. Zio and Sons partnered with Manhattan fragrance brand Apotheke for a candle line. Named Upstate Serenity, this scent features notes of sun-soaked lemon, crushed thyme, and sunflowers in bloom.
Of course, nothing really compares to the original. Book weekend or long-term stays at This Old Hudson Maison through Airbnb, at a rate of $524 per night. The Superhost-ranked stay will surely transport you to Hudson’s rich and storied past.
Related: Hudson’s Beautiful Bohemian Hotel Is Inspired by the Makers of the Valley
