481 Old Albany Post Road

Description

Deep within the Hudson Highlands, along the historic Old Albany Post Road, this extraordinary 28-acre estate offers a rare union of architectural significance, enduring privacy, and natural beauty. Beyond handcrafted iron gates framed by stone pillars, a winding drive disappears into mature woodlands before revealing a residence that feels quietly woven into the landscape. Stone and timber excavated during construction were incorporated throughout the residence and landscape, giving the estate a remarkable sense of permanence and belonging. Designed in 1961 by architect Reuben Bowden, the home carries the unmistakable spirit of nearby Manitoga — the Garrison estate of American industrial designer Russel Wright, whose “Dragon Rock” home became an icon of building in harmony with the land. As acquaintances of Wright, the original owners drew inspiration from his philosophy when they commissioned Bowden to design a home to the land, rather than upon it. This home has been designed by the spirit of place upon which it stands. The owners lived on the land for several months before design began, observing the sun, the seasons, and the water before settling on the home’s final placement. The result is an exceptional example of organic Mid-Century Modern architecture: unique low angle rooflines, deep eaves, expansive walls of glass, and sculptural forms create a seamless dialogue between house, mountain, spring, stream, and forest. Inside, 3,896 square feet of beautiful living space reflects the craftsmanship of the period. Original cork floors, gracefully curved board and batten walls, extensive built-ins and cozy benches below expansive windows create interiors that are both sculptural and inviting. The principal living room and library rise beneath dramatic ceilings reminiscent of an inverted ship’s hull, while freestanding stone fireplaces anchor the spaces as architectural focal points. The oval dining room is a work of art in itself, with its flowing curved ceiling and original custom cabinetry echoing the room’s elegant geometry. Completely redesigned, modernized and expanded in 2007 for today's lifestyle, the kitchen competes for the focal point of the home, and is the natural gathering placethroughout the day. Retractable walls of glass open completely to a generous lanai, dissolving the boundary between indoors and out, and nearly doubling the space. Every principal room is immersed in woodland views, making the surrounding landscape an ever-changing part of the home. Thoughtful updates throughout. the home—including steam showers and refined finishes —enhance daily living while honoring the home’s original character. Outside, a manicured path winds past a spring-fed pond and brook on its way to one of the estate’s most enchanting features, the 36'x68' custom pool in a shaded, secluded glen, filled entirely by the spring-fed stream that continuously replenishes the pool before flowing back into the stream on the opposite bank. Fully heated, the pool is bordered by flagstone hardscaping and approached by an ancient stone staircase, and feels more discovered than constructed. Poolside, a flat boulder balanced atop another evokes the mysterious ancient stone dolmens found in the Hudson Highland region, while a pool house designed in the style of an oriental tea house offers a breezy, serene retreat at the water’s edge. A separate studio provides additional space for work or creative pursuits. Bordering permanently protected parkland, the property enjoys a level of privacy that is increasingly rare, yet remains just minutes from Metro-North, the charming hamlet of Garrison and the Village of Cold Spring with convenient access to New York City. Offering three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, and 28 acres of protected Hudson Highlands landscape, this is an exceptional architectural retreat—timeless in design, deeply connected to its setting, and unlike anything else in the region.