Second Empire-Style Cottage Will Be Transformed for Kingston Showhouse

Hudson Valley artists and designers will make over an Ulster County property this fall for the 2025 edition of the Kingston Design Showhouse.

The event is hosted by Kingston Design Connection, a network for Hudson Valley area creatives founded by designer Maryline Damour of Damour Drake after she moved from Brooklyn to Kingston.

A Second Empire-style cottage on the opposite shore of Roundout Creek from Downtown Kingston has been chosen for the showcase this year. Part of the town of Esopus, the neighborhood was known historically as Sleightburgh, later spelled Sleightsburgh. The Sleight family operated a ferry from the area beginning in the mid 19th century, and deeds show the house sits on land that was owned by Isaac D. Sleight.

County records date the brick house with a mansard roof to 1865 and local newspaper accounts appear to show that date isn’t too far off. In 1872, David C. Reid advertised the “French roof” cottage on 2nd Avenue for sale, describing it as in “perfect order” and just two years old. At the time it included eight rooms, a cellar, and a cistern. Surrounding the house were fruit trees and fruiting vines.

An 1875 bird’s-eye view of Kingston shows the houses of Sleightburgh, including the mansard roof of this house, clustered on a hill above the boat landing. The map depicts the few streets of the neighborhood filled with houses set among tree-filled lots and grass.

According to Kingston Design Connection, the small dwelling currently has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Designers will transform the landscape and the interior of the house in time for the fall showcase, which will run from October 10 to 26.

This year’s edition continues the organization’s focus on housing and affordability. Proceeds from the show will support Ulster County Habitat for Humanity’s work creating affordable homes.

For updates on hours and ticket reservations for the showhouse, visit the Kingston Design Connection website or their Instagram.

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