By 
Looking to escape the winter doldrums? Our wildest, warm-weather dreams are transporting us to summertime on a 50-acre, working farm in upstate New York, where the most picturesque, 300-year old stone house is waiting for its next owner. We'll be pinching pennies to come up with the $1,790,000 asking price—but if ever a property was worth every dime, this is it.
The Benjamin Bruyn House, as it's dubbed, has been a landmark in Kerkonkson, NY since 1730, when the earliest fieldstone portion was built. Having stayed in the Bruyn family for at least 100 years, it later became home to iconic film star Lillian Gish—known affectionately as “the first lady of the silent screen."
All good historical homes, it seems, have a survival story. Despite its celebrated past, the Benjamin Bruyn House had fallen into disrepair by the 1980s, when it was saved by an interior designer who fell deeply in love with the home and poured his heart and soul into its gut renovation. The current owner purchased the house in 1998, and has been continuing to beautify it ever since.
The fruit of all of that labor is evident in the striking architectural details that pop against the simple, streamlined antique decor. Evidence of the home's early days can be seen and felt in the museum-like "tavern room"—the oldest room in the house, originally used as the kitchen. With its low ceilings and cozy fireplace (one of seven in the home), it's perfect for intimate gatherings with friends.
The home's ballroom is an 1830s addition featuring soaring beamed ceilings and a storied history of its own—it was used as a local speakeasy during the prohibition era. Today, it's an airy and open living room centered around an exceptionally beautiful working fireplace.
Don't miss the dining room, with its dramatic, dark wood trim and inviting farmhouse table.
In love? Wait until you see the rest of the sprawling 50-acre property, which comes complete with a charming caretaker's residence.
The large, open field—once used as a horse track—is now used to grow crops. Should you decide to bring back the horses, there's an 8-stall barn waiting for you.
For more information, contact David Barnes, Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty at 845-389-2208.
Writer Elizabeth Finkelstein is a self-proclaimed old house addict on a lifelong hunt for her perfect historic home. From big Victorian fixer-uppers to tiny colonials to mid-century modern masterpieces, Elizabeth believes that the best homes show the charm of having been loved over time. She chronicles it all on her website CIRCA Old Houses, which showcases beautiful old houses for sale across the country. See more at CircaOldHouses.com.
