A Colonial New York Farmhouse Showcases its Characterful 250-Year-History
Set amid the rolling countryside outside Pine Plains, New York, this rare estate is a place where nearly 250 years of history have been carefully preserved while embracing modern country living.
Established in 1774 within a small settlement of millworkers, farmers, and blacksmiths, the property has remained in the hands of just three families throughout its long history.
Over the generations, each has added thoughtfully to the estate, creating a home that today combines historic architecture with beautifully landscaped grounds, mature trees, stone walls, and a collection of character-filled buildings.
At the heart of the estate is a traditional Colonial farmhouse that has been extensively renovated with great respect for its heritage.
Original details remain a defining feature throughout the home, from elegant millwork and wide-plank wood floors to five working fireplaces that add warmth and character to many of the rooms.
The ground floor is designed for both everyday family life and entertaining. It features a cozy living room with a brick fireplace and a formal dining room that are comfortable places to gather.
Built-in shelves behind the velvet sofa are decorated with artworks displayed in front of them. A unique way to display art.
The spacious kitchen is the heart of the home. Filled with natural light, the room offers plenty of space for cooking, dining, and hosting guests with direct access to the outdoor terrace.
A snug has been painted in a moody gray-green hue, creating a cozy spot for reading or spending time with family.
The formal dining room features beautiful built-in cabinets in each corner, while wide-plank flooring and a large fireplace in the center offer additional warmth and character.
The powder room is decorated with the “Cross Stitch” wallpaper designed by Abigail Edwards. The wallpaper is inspired by antique embroidery samplers, vintage cross-stitch patterns, and books found at flea markets in Paris.
Upstairs, the main wing features two spacious bedroom suites, each with a private bathroom, creating comfortable retreats at opposite corners of the house.
Each bedroom has its own subtle color palette, handcrafted woodwork and, in two of the rooms, original fireplaces that reinforce the home’s historic character.
Three additional bedrooms and another full bathroom occupy a separate wing.
The pink room features a beautiful antique writing desk as a bedside table.
The boot room is painted in a warm yellow and features built-in storage and an antique wooden bench.
The outdoor spaces are every bit as appealing as the interiors. Two welcoming porches allow the house to be enjoyed from different perspectives, while a large dining terrace bordered by traditional stone walls extends the living space outdoors.
Beyond the terrace, a wrought-iron greenhouse sits beside a formal French-inspired parterre garden filled with herbs, lavender and seasonal flowers, creating a peaceful setting that changes throughout the year.
Near the entrance to the property sits a charming two-bedroom guest cottage that complements the estate’s historic architecture.
Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding buildings, it features detailed millwork, multiple fireplaces and a welcoming double-height great room where a large arched window fills the interior with natural light.
French doors open directly onto a private terrace, creating an inviting space for guests to relax.
One of the estate’s most remarkable features is its historic barn, built in the early 1800s by the property’s founding family.
Over the centuries, the building has served many purposes, including housing elephants from the Barnum & Bailey Circus during the early twentieth century before becoming the headquarters of a well-known furnishings and antiques business.
Today, the impressive timber-framed structure offers enormous flexibility, with soaring ceilings, dramatic exposed beams and a striking staircase. Multiple rooms provide space for entertaining, offices, workshops, storage, or even a private home theatre.
The property is listed for $2,475,000 at The Lillie K Team.