We’ve had a love affair with the Hudson Valley for ever! Upstate New York is one of the most beautiful place on earth- at least for us! When we saw the house we knew it was destined to be shared. Tremendously neglected, there was nothing historical to salvage. But the bones were good and the energy so very positive. And so the adventure began in December 2009. Four Ulster County demolition dumpsters later we began to put this charming grand dame of a stone house back together again. To restore her soul.
The grounds were also a mess. Completely overgrown and out of control. There was a small pathway around the house and the rest was brush and rubble. The house was so completely covered with ivy and shrub overgrowth that the townspeople wondered “where did that beautiful and gracious stone house come from?” It was there since 1750! But it was just waiting to be reawakened! A “sleeping beauty” right in the heart of Stone Ridge NY. The perfect place for a guesthouse or bed & breakfast!
One of the most surprising things is how quiet it is. 18 inches of stone, modern blown-in foam insulation and being set back from the road make everyone who visits marvel! It is like being out in the middle of the country.
If you are a restoration or renovation buff, this is the place for you. The entire house has been redone with attention to period details combined with modern amenities. For example there are closets. Most circa 1750 houses would not have had closets. And then of course there are bathrooms! An old house would not have had them either! In fact we demolished the old outhouse which was being used as a wood shed! However- we saved the two seater! You never know when something like that could come in handy!
The kitchen/great room is a combination of what were two wings with a small patio sandwiched in-between. We demolished the walls and made one big room! The kitchen boasts cabinets prompting people to ask “are those original?”
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