The Upper Hudson Valley in upstate New York is a special place, filled with tranquil farms, peaceful woods, and bustling, prosperous villages. This property, in Old Chatham, is perfectly located about 30 minutes from the Berkshires and Albany, about 60 minutes from Woodstock and the Catskills and roughly three hours by car north of midtown Manhattan. It is available for $3.5 million from Rachel Haley and Anthony D’Agenzio with Houlihan Lawrence, Inc.
Set on a generous 49 acres, the wooded property includes a unique and fabulous home created from a reclaimed barn. It is owned and lived in by Erika Rose Santoro, a healer and yogi who spent 20 years as a creative business partner and trusted advisor to Alicia Keys, along with her husband and children. Their playful, creative spirit shines through everywhere, from the swing hanging from barn beams in the great room, to the powder room with tile patterns reminiscent of African mud cloth, to the unique artifacts scattered through the house, to the pretty rainbow painted in a baby’s room.
The four bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom house spans 4,100 square feet. It is designed to harmonize with the landscape and integrate nature inside. The home’s cavernous double-height great room includes an impressively appointed open-concept kitchen and a lofted lounge area. The main floor also offers an artist’s studio with piano and the primary bedroom. There are three more bedrooms on the lower level.
Still not enough room to flap the elbows of one’s mind and get those creative juices flowing? There is also a rustic and charming, boho-chic vintage cabin. Beyond the inviting porch are an open-plan living space with a farm kitchen anchored by an antique stove, a bedroom and an updated bathroom. The cabin is perfect for guests, Airbnb income or as an artist studio.
The grounds seem to be mostly left wild and free, perfect for exploring, leaf peeping, or building a bonfire in the fire pit. And, don’t forget to make some art and play some music. After all, this place was designed to foster creativity.
