Brownstoner Upstate: Germantown, a Hidden Gem East of the Hudson
Hudson Valley Manor House, Germantown. Photo via Airbnb.com With the increasing popularity of Hudson Valley towns and the subsequent influx of newcomers to the area, it’s getting harder and harder to unearth a hidden treasure every now and again. There are two places, however, that don’t get as much attention as their neighboring communities even though they…
Hudson Valley Manor House, Germantown. Photo via Airbnb.com
With the increasing popularity of Hudson Valley towns and the subsequent influx of newcomers to the area, it’s getting harder and harder to unearth a hidden treasure every now and again. There are two places, however, that don’t get as much attention as their neighboring communities even though they deserve it just as much: Germantown in Columbia County, and Rosendale in Ulster County.
Germantown, a Hudson Riverside hamlet in the town of Germantown, is sleepy, idyllic, and rife with historic properties, such as the Hudson Valley Manor House, depicted above. It might not be the place to go for exciting nightlife (or much nightlife at all, for that matter, unless you count watching fireflies as “nightlife”), fancy restaurants, or tony shops.
But if you want old world charm, outstanding views of both the Hudson to the west and the hills to the east, and picturesque farmland, then it might be what you’re looking for in a Hudson Valley escape. (We’ll take a close look at Rosendale next week.)
Otto’s Market, Germantown. Photo by Otto’s Market
If you visit Germantown:Â There are scant places to grab food in Germantown hamlet, so it’s good thing they have Otto’s Market. Otto’s provides fresh produce, specialty grocery items, deli items, prepared foods, and fresh-baked pies. They also cater.
Once you’ve fueled up or packed your picnic basket, head south on Route 9G for the Clermont State Historic Site, located about 10 minutes from Germantown. The grounds feature the manor house, originally built in 1740, as well as gardens and views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains.
It’s free to wander around the grounds, and guided house tours are $5 for an adult and $4 over 12 years old or free for children under 12.
Book a room at the Hudson Valley Manor House through AirBnB, an antique brick Italianate originally named the Schoolfield Country House. The house offers two small bedrooms with shared bath for $95 a night, or larger rooms with private baths for $135 a night.
Clermont State Historic Site. Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Real Estate in Germantown: Brownstoner Upstate Market Trends puts Germantown’s average listing price around $499,000. Don’t let that high number scare you away because it’s still possible to snag something affordable. Here’s a pick from the Germantown listings:
316 East Camp Road, Germantown: $309,900
Get your farmhouse and your barns, too. Two barns, to be exact, both of them red and charming.
Meanwhile, the interior of the early 19th century farmhouse hangs onto its vintage appeal with plank floors and big windows. It also comes with its own generator in case things get dicey during the winter.
Located just south of the hamlet and two hours and 45 minutes from Brooklyn. Beds: 3. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 2036. Lot Size: 1.34 acres. Est. Taxes: $6518. 316 East Camp Road, Germantown (Mondello Upstate Properties) GMAP.
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