Photos courtesy of Rosemary Lee
This Greek Revival home was designed by a prominent Hudson Valley architect in the 1800s and still boasts many of its original details.
Address: 195 Montgomery St, Newburgh
Description:Â History fuels the Hudson Valley’s unique charm. In a city like Newburgh, every piece of architecture has a story to tell. George Washington‘s Headquarters are only ever a short drive away, and the waterfront city boasts a plethora of Victorian-style beauties. Even in a sea of treasures, the true gems still find a way to stand out.
“The Sunflower Cottage” captures the essence of lasting majesty in the Valley. It helps that the multi-family home stands proudly on Montgomery St, a historic stretch that offers unbelievable views of the Hudson River and the eye-catching mountains behind it. Built in 1840, the home’s walls truly have a story to tell.
One of those stories involves how the property got its name. Sometime in the late 1800s, artisans added carved sunflowers to the front and side porches. This is more than just a fluke; elaborate and ornate wood carvings mark many of the doorways, paneling, and porches throughout the house. This Greek Revival home has a real identity, with little wooden arches and plenty of delicate-looking windows. Guests will revel at the character and past that this property exudes. Beautiful brick accentuates the warm vibes and congenial atmosphere.
Local historians believe that the Sunflower Cottage was originally a piece of a larger estate owned by architect Thornton Niven. Niven worked as a stonemason building Newburgh’s Dutch Reformed Church, an iconic landmark. He also designed the nearby William Hasbrouck House, as well as several other historic sites in Orange County. The Sunflower Cottage sits between Niven’s own residence and the mansion he designed for Captain David Crawford—which has been immortalized as a museum.
On the exterior of the golden home, sitting porches allow residents to really bask in Hudson Valley scenery. Plus, a large sun-filled bay window at the front of the house lets in a lot of that beauty. Plenty of eclectic eateries and popping bars are a just around the corner, adding to value of the property. Enjoy early-morning sunrises from the porch, or sip a nightcap while taking in the city lights. Fall foliage especially stands out from the vantage points at The Sunflower Cottage.
The 1,612 sq ft Sunflower Cottage is multi-family and detached, permitting larger families to feel comfortable living together. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and separate utilities support this option. Plus, owners could rent out the apartment on the ground floor for additional income.
Upstairs, a glorious dining room and several living spaces can host big gatherings. In addition, a dine-in kitchen grants home chefs plenty of flexibility when it comes to dinner time. One of the living rooms features a black marble mantel and windows that look out at Newburgh’s historic district—the second largest in all of New York state. Stained glass windows bring tons of color into the home as well. Fireplaces are closed off, but add such warmth and charm.
Stunning hardwood flooring runs throughout most of the house, including all of the bedrooms. Though many updates have been made to the home over the years, including modern amenities and improvements to heating, plumbing, and electric, a ton of elements have been preserved.
Asking price: $549,000
Selling points: The Sunflower Cottage is an architectural relic. This historic Greek Revival home offers two separate living spaces, several living rooms, and tons of natural light. It’s quite easy to make jaunts into town to experience Newburgh’s dining scene and nightlife. Two porches grant owners amazing views of both the Hudson River, several of the Valley’s mountain ranges, and the array of surrounding Victorian homes. From the house, you can stroll down the hill to the beautiful waterfront along with the ferry.
Listing agent: Rosemary Lee Apple2Orange Realty
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