HouseChatham (United States)

Price :

$3,995,000

USD

Euro € EURAmerican Dollar ($ USD)British Pound (£ GBP)

Surface4,144 m²bedrooms6 bathrooms5

Incredible opportunity to own Spencertown Farm, an epic colonial compound that was meticulously re-imagined by its long-time owner, artist Donald Baechler. This country retreat sprawling over 126 pastoral acres in Chatham is approached via a long private driveway with a bridge crossing Punsit Creek to reveal expansive lawns and a backdrop of rolling countryside. The grand farmhouse dating to the early 18th century, along with its barn complex, guesthouse, and pastoral landscapes were revamped in 2005 by Baechler and designers Michael Hord and Hiroshi Sakamono of MH3 Design and Construction. Baechlers bronze Walking Figure and other sculptures currently grace the property. This extraordinary estate offers historical Hudson Valley allure and an unparalleled four-season country chic lifestyle for a buyer with discerning aesthetic sense. Authentic rustic touches are peppered throughout the main house, including original wide plank floors, original doors with antique hardware, and vintage light fixtures chosen by Baechler. Cabinetry was inspired by the humble, perfectly-crafted discipline of Shaker style. Central heating and air conditioning throughout the home ensure complete comfort. The neoclassical entry opens into a center hall with original staircase. To the right is a sundrenched living room with high ceilings, working fireplace and decorative millwork mantel. To the left is a classic dark-wood paneled library with working fireplace and copious bookshelves, connecting to a formal dining room. The chefs kitchen gleams with custom tile, marble counters with a deep stainless steel sink, Viking appliances, and a large center island with a farmhouse sink, built-in wine rack and shelving for serving ware. A breakfast nook and powder room complete the area, while the vintage butlers pantry eliminates the need for over-counter cabinetry. The adjacent open plan laundry room/pool house includes a full bath and changing room, as well as access to the rear yard with a pebble stone patio, covered porch, and steppingstone path to the Gunite spa and pool with custom diving boulder. Groomed trails in the facing hillside provide opportunity to explore the extended grounds. Front and back staircases ascend to the second floor that comprises an expansive primary suite; the ensuite bath flaunts a black Java stone tile floor, marble-topped counters, twin sinks, a deep tub with custom marble surround, and an enclosed spa shower, as well as a large walk-in closet with built in cabinetry. Four additional bedrooms, two full baths and a powder room complete this floor. The compound of outbuildings is anchored by a fully air-conditioned and insulated great barn (rebuilt in the 1970s) containing large unique spaces -- a dream studio or workshop for any artist, creative or collector. The lower level features two studios in separate wings each with private access, a multitude of insulated windows and smooth concrete floors with radiant heat. They share a full bath, generous storage space and a ceiling-height automatic rollup door to accommodate even large deliveries. A beautifully designed rustic staircase leads to the largest, upper-level studio, with a 32-ft peaked ceiling, natural light, built in art storage, and a second rollup door. Additionally, the property includes a charming one-bedroom cottage which has been fully renovated with a new kitchen and bath. It features a covered porch, full basement, attic, and working fireplace. Nestled between the Catskill and Berkshire mountains, Chatham is one of the best-loved of the Hudson Valley towns. It is easily accessible via the scenic Taconic Parkway, offers a variety of restaurants and retail, as well as the historic Crandell Theatre, home of the FilmColumbia Festival. A multitude of other historic and cultural activities await in the surrounding area.