Listing of the Day
Location: Rhinebeck, New York
Price: $1.695 million
Built in 1875, this quintessential Second Empire Victorian home exhibits the baroque, European qualities one might expect from a grand 19th century home but with modern touches and amenities that give it an updated feel.
It wasn’t always the picture perfect home it is today, however. "When I sold it to them, it basically had been gutted," said listing agent Vicki Hickman of HH Hill Realty, who sold the Victorian era home to the current renovation-minded owners.
In fact, after being lost in a tax sale, the residence eventually found its way into the hands of a developer, who updated some of its mechanical infrastructure, but ultimately found the full renovations too taxing.
It was up to the new homeowners, a couple with ties to the film industry, to restore the interior to its former glory, while also giving it a contemporary twist. While in some cases this meant opening rooms up, as was done with the kitchen and dining room, in other instances it was as simple as literally applying a fresh coat of paint.
More:Preserving a Historic Home Takes Patience—and Reverence
"They brought a friend over from Europe to restore the frescoes," Ms. Hickman noted, referring to the vibrant ceiling frescos that grace two of the home’s parlor rooms.
Overall, though, while the Victorian home includes updated amenities, lighting fixtures and some layout changes, it also maintains the vast majority of its historical details. In effect, the doors, plaster walls, and mantle pieces all remain the same, lending the residence its authentic Victorian air.
Stats
Standing on a roughly half-acre lot, the 4,816-square-foot Victorian home includes six bedrooms, four full bathrooms and one half bathroom. In addition, the property also includes an approximately 3,000-square-foot two-story barn that can be used as a work space, studio or garage.
Amenities
Though the home is nearly 150 years old, it contains distinctly modern amenities, such as contemporary bathrooms with heated floors, a marble steam shower, a chef’s kitchen with a blue marble island, and central air conditioning.
More:Click to Read Four Preserved Cottages in the Hamptons Listed for $5.99M
Neighborhood notes
Rhinebeck is a quaint town in upstate New York with views of the Catskills and Hudson River. The town itself is not without its attractions, as its farmers market, museum of aviation, and alternative movie theater demonstrate. Similarly, with a long Dutch history in the town, many residents also participate in "Sinterklaas," a traditional Dutch celebration in early December.
Agent: Vicki Hickman, HH Hill Realty
Write to Listing of the Day