Property:
175 N Old Post Rd, Croton-on-Hudson
What’s to like?
If you’re interested in traveling back in time to recapture the Gatsby Age, this historic and stately brick manse in a majestic setting that overlooks the Hudson River could turn out to be the home of your dreams. Complete with architectural details of the period, and enough space and stature to host indoor/outdoor parties of all types and sizes (dinner parties for 100? no problem!), the property brings with it a storied past that’s just as fascinating as its imagination-grabbing unique features.
Originally custom-built on solid granite in 1929 for shipping banker Harold Clarke Strong, the 13-acre sprawling property known as Hudsonview also served for 22 years as a private weekend country retreat for members of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union Local 91 when it became the property’s second owner in 1944. Although home to the extended Bell family since 1966, the lasting imprint of Strong’s original steamship-styled vision remains firmly (and lovingly) intact, thanks to the family’s commitment to maintaining the defining architectural features and nautical-themed details. Those details include: a pair of symmetrical chimneys resembling steamer smoke stacks; an ocean-liner-style entrance stairway; an intricately hand-forged iron railing with sailboat detailing that frames the great room’s mezzanine; Prohibition-era hidden compartments behind the great room’s wood-paneled walls; a carefully concealed basement saloon; Art Deco sconces and light fixtures; an integrated staff call system; a lawn-surrounded in-ground pool; and a guest cottage. Even numbers remain visible on some of the room doors, hearkening back to the home’s union lodge days.
You may want to check: Is that Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan on the terrace?
8 bedrooms | 9 full, 3 half baths | 7,849 square feet | $2,500,000
Athena K. Miles
Houlihan Lawrence
(914) 424-3551; houlihanlawrence.com