If the walls of a 250-year-old home could talk, imagine the stories they would tell—particularly those found within one Hudson Valley property that once served as a toll house where travelers would pause to pay their dues before continuing on their journey.
The aptly named Old Toll House, which is located in Ulster Park, NY, was originally built in 1775 and pre-dates America’s declaration of independence from British rule.
But the latest chapter of its incredible tale sees it entering a new era, undergoing what the listing describes as a series of “meticulous” renovations that resulted in a “rare blend of timeless elegance and modern comfort.”
“Steeped in history, character, and charm, this remarkable residence stands ready for its next steward-an exceptional opportunity to own a treasured piece of Hudson Valley heritage, thoughtfully preserved for modern-day living,” the description adds.
For the past 25 years, the property has been owned by an interior designer who has carried out an incredible restoration of the home. It is now on the market for $799,000—almost seven times the $118,000 the sellers paid for the dwelling in 2000, when it had fallen into a severe state of disrepair.
“One of the sellers is an interior designer, so it’s incredible to see what they have done to it,” says listing agent Sally Sprogis, of Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty.
However, unlike many historical homes in need of TLC, this property’s transformation has been significant, yet subtle—restoring rather than replacing its many aging design details in order to preserve its most impressive elements.
“When they bought it, it was in pretty bad shape, but they have very meticulously updated it, taking care to preserve period-specific details as best as they could,” Sprogis adds.
At the front of the home, stone steps lead to an inviting covered porch, which has been reimagined as the perfect spot for relaxing and entertaining.
Yet guests will likely struggle not to gravitate toward the incredible kitchen, which features an extraordinary stone hearth that helps the heart of the home to serve as its coziest space.
“There is a massive stone hearth in the kitchen that also has this incredible brick floor and copper-top countertops,” Sprogis says. “It’s so charming. Every single detail was not overlooked.”
Other historical highlights include hand-hewn beams, Brazilian wide-board pine flooring, built-in cabinetry, custom millwork, and oversized windows.
“There is also Venetian plaster and fabric-clad walls in the dining room,” she adds. “The home originally had a dumb waiter, but they turned it into a linen closet. It’s truly turnkey and doesn’t need anything.”
A full bathroom found on the main floor boasts mahogany accents.
“All of the tilework was hand-done and it’s just so beautiful,” Sprogis says.
Three bedrooms, including one with built-in bookcases that is currently being used as a library, can be found upstairs, along with another full bathroom with custom blue and white tilework.
Located on 1.4 acres surrounded by gardens, stone walls, and a detached two-car garage, the property is located just 5 minutes away from New Paltz and 10 minutes from Kingston’s Rondout District.
“I think the next buyer will be someone from New York City looking to use it as their second or third home,” she notes. “They will also be looking to experience all the Hudson Valley has to offer.
“There are lots of farm-to-table restaurants here, along with local breweries and wineries. It’s only about an hour away from the ski slopes and an hour and a half from New York City. It’s the quintessential place to live.”
Indeed, the Hudson Valley has seen a surge of interest in recent months, largely from New York renters who have grown tired of the sky-high cost of leasing a city property, according to the most recent Realtor.com® New York City Rental Report.
The October report revealed that New Yorkers who were looking to leave the city, but wanted to remain within commuting distance to the metro area, were shopping for homes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, or heading north of Manhattan to the Hudson Valley.
That news came as no surprise to Hudson Valley real estate agent Jillian Pajer, of the Oliveira Pinkas Team at Douglas Elliman, who told Realtor.com that the area had an unmistakable allure many homebuyers struggle to resist.
“It’s hard to capture what makes the Hudson Valley so special in just one sentence. To me, it’s the perfect balance of nature, culture, and ease,” she says.