The Upstater: Living (in) History

Fridays at 11, Brownstoner Upstate brings you a selection of properties within three hours north, and a little bit east or west, of New York City.

We’ve mentioned before how enamored we are with the prospect of living in a house with a history. With possessions becoming increasingly more disposable, we find romance in the idea of a house that has withstood time’s unsympathetic passing, a place that remains in spite of weather, wars, turmoil, and a variety of owners (or, in some cases, generation after generation of the same family). With history in mind, here are our offerings this week. Some are designated historical sites, others are just venerable and lovely.

Hurley in Ulster County is home to lots of great stone houses dating back to the 18th century, and according to the blue and yellow marker, George Washington stopped here for a hot second. We love the kitchen hearths in them. You could practically stand up in the one in this circa-1700 house. Take note: It’s located right on an intersection. Bedrooms: 4. Baths: 2.5. Square Feet: 2,752. Lot Size: .36 acre. Taxes: $5,881. Distance from Brooklyn: 2 hours, 2 minutes.

1 Zandhoek Road, Hurley (Flemming Realty) GMAP

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It’s tough to discuss great old properties without bringing Poughkeepsie into it. Say what you will about the city, there are some pristine Victorians all over the place. The details are what grabbed us about this one, which was built in 1859 (or 1815, according to PropertyShark.com). The moldings are nicely restored. Bedrooms: 5. Baths: 3. Square Feet: 4,650. Lot Size: .29. Taxes: $9,565. Distance from Brooklyn: 1 hour, 56 minutes.

117 Academy Street, Poughkeepsie (Prudential Serls Prime) GMAP

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Since it was built in 1900 (not the 18th century, as the listing claims), this farmhouse in Red Hook is practically new compared to the Hurley stone house, but we wanted to include some with a bit of land. Plus, it’s got a big outbuilding that includes a 9,000-pound auto lift — just in case you’re a car person. Bedrooms: 5. Baths: 3. Square Feet: 2,449. Lot Size: 3.62 acres. Taxes: $7,498. Distance from Brooklyn: 2 hours, 14 minutes.

238 Rockefeller Lane, Red Hook (Rising Star Realty) GMAP

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We’ve been eyeballing this gorgeous circa-1851 Second Empire Victorian for quite some time, but the property taxes snap us back into reality ($14,000 a year puts this house squarely into the “YOWZA!” category). Still, we can dream. Like the built-ins, not so sold on the pink walls. Bedrooms: 4. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 2,825. Lot Size: .6 acre. Taxes: $14,024. Distance to Brooklyn: 1 hour, 29 minutes.

29 South Street, Goshen (BHG Rand Realty) GMAP