Brownstoner Upstate: Land of Lakes

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

Well, Town of Lakes, if you want to get technical about it. That’s what the Putnam County town of Putnam Valley has dubbed itself, and it basically says it all. Putnam Valley, located within the Hudson Highlands, is one of the best places to look if you’re searching up north for a lakefront property or something close to a lake, since you can’t drive too far without finding one. Nearby lakes includes Lake Peekskill, Lake Oscawana, Cortlandt Lake, Lake Mohegan, and Indian Lake. While Putnam Valley is a mere 60 miles north of Brooklyn, it feels a world away, since the town has tried hard to sustain its rural character and untouched feel. The properties we’re surveying today aren’t necessarily lakefronts, but they’re close enough. Plus, non-lakefront means more affordable prices.

This sweet little abode is located just a stone’s throw from Lake Peekskill. Looks turnkey, and the lot size is a good one considering it’s in a residential neighborhood. Includes a brick patio with a stone fireplace, lake rights, and pretty flowering trees, according to the photos. Speaking of photos, where’s the kitchen? Beds: 3. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 1,308. Lot Size: .28 acre. Est. Taxes: $7,458.

8 Hanson Street, Lake Peekskill (RE/Max) GMAP

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Lake Oscawana is close to this Arts & Crafts house set on a hillside. The listing touts good views, and it includes a sun room and an extra kitchen on the second floor. The finished basement comes with a wine cellar and workshop, but maybe you want to avoid hitting the wine cellar before using the workshop. The lot size is big enough, nearly an acre. Beds: 4. Beds: 2. Square Feet: 2,200. Lot Size: .78 acre. Est. Taxes: $13,200.

35 Hudson View Drive, Putnam Valley (Houlihan Lawrence) GMAP

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No lake rights here, but Oscawana Lake is less than three miles away. This former Methodist church parsonage was built in 1834 and has clearly been carefully preserved. Great plank floors, a little wood stove in the living room, a good sized lot at 1.5 acres, and curb appeal galore. It’s located right on the road without much setback at all, but Church Road does not appear to be a bustling thoroughfare (and if it is, we’re sure you’ll let us know). Added bonus: It comes with an outhouse. Yep. Beds: 3. Baths: 1.5. Square Feet: 2,068. Lot Size: 1.51 acres. Est. Taxes: $10,235.

359 Church Road, Putnam Valley (Houlihan Lawrence) GMAP

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When the leaves fall from the trees, you can see Lake Oscawana from this wee cottage. Located on an acre of land, this place is short on size but long on charm, complete with French doors (the master bedroom has a set that opens onto the back stone patio), an outdoor stone fireplace, and a deck with mountain views. It’s located on Oscawana Lake Road but it’s perched up on a ledge and surrounded by trees, giving it a sense of privacy. Beds: 3. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 936. Lot Size: .97 acres. Est. Taxes: $7,817.

626 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley (Houlihan Lawrence) GMAP

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