Willow Branch Farm: An Architect Restored Hudson Valley Masterpiece

On one of the most scenic country roads in the County, Willow Branch Farm, a 19th century farmhouse on over 53 acres has been transformed by the noted architect owner into a stunning property with Catskill views and sunsets. The Italianate three bedroom house is surrounded by a traditional English style landscape with a picturesque pond that delights the eye.

Inside, 10 foot tall ceilings, wood floors and large windows bring in light and views throughout the day. Enter through original 19th century carved doors into the foyer. To the right, the expansive living room has a bay window to take in the view, floor to ceiling windows and a gas fireplace with an exceptional 19th century French Portoro black marble mantel. French doors open to the north porch. The spacious kitchen and dining room combine for the perfect place for cooking and entertaining. Custom rift and quartered white oak cabinetry hides a convenient coffee area and pantry space. A walnut topped island contains an induction cooktop and ample storage underneath. Top of the line appliances include a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a Bosch dishwasher, refrigerated drink drawers in the coffee station and two full size, convection wall ovens hidden behind a custom designed cabinet. A wall of floor to ceiling glass doors open to the west porch with dramatic views and sunsets throughout the year.

Grass cloth walls, an English Wilton carpet and a 1940’s French chandelier make for a very cozy library or ’’Snug.’’ The back hall, with a black basalt stone floor from Waterworks and antique 1920’s pendant lights, leads to a large pantry and a separate laundry room with storage and a sink. The mud room, with double closets, hooks for hanging and a convenient bench, has a side door for easy access to and from the outside. The screened porch at the end of the hallway, which overlooks the pond and property, is ideal for summer relaxing and dining. A custom-built staircase with walnut bannister spindles and a hand tufted wool runner leads to the second floor. The primary bedroom has spectacular views facing west, a walk-in closet and en suite marble tiled bathroom. Off the hallway are two guest rooms, each with their own bathroom. The tower room with 16’ ceilings is the ideal office or workspace.

Bespoke details are throughout the home including St. Jude and Christopher Farr wallpaper in the bedrooms and first-floor half bath, all bathroom and kitchen fixtures and tile from Waterworks, many Vaughan and antique lighting fixtures, and all custom cabinetry.

Outside, the barn has been redone with a new roof, concrete floor, plumbed for a bathroom, space for cars or workshop on the first floor and an impressive, high ceiling space on the second floor that can become guest space, extra living, studio, or work space. Beautifully restored original columns and decorative brackets line the north and west porches.

Modern improvements include a new standing seam metal roof, buried power lines, energy efficient geo-thermal heating and cooling, new insulation, full house generator, Lutron lighting, motorized window shades, irrigation, sound, and security systems. The property is on two parcels. There is a separate 4-acre parcel of vacant land can be built on for a guest house, an, investment property, or sold.

Just a few miles from the Hudson River and only minutes to the historic Village of Kinderhook with restaurants, bookstore, wine shop, Jack Shainman gallery, library, orchard, and the Empire Trail for walking or biking. Twenty minutes to Chatham Village. Just 30 minutes to Hudson’s vibrant Warren Street and Amtrak. An easy drive to Albany Airport.

Willow Branch Farm is the perfect blend of location, history, elegant design, and modern updates.