Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photo: Smart MLS
Part of living in New York City is thinking about moving out of New York City. Each month, we’ll round up the best listings within commuting (ish) distance, places where entire houses go for the cost of a “junior one-bedroom” (or less), but you’ll have to fix your own toilet.
This month, we’ve got plenty of fireplaces, but we’re looking toward summer with two lake houses.
Four-bed, five-bath; $2,995,000
Who wouldn’t love the wood-burning fireplaces with marble mantels shown in this listing photo?
Photo: Four Seasons Sotheby’s International
A stately centuries-old house that’s retained all of its original details (those wide plank floors, for one), while sneaking in some upgrades, like a new slate roof and a generator. The entrance is flanked by two sitting rooms, though one is configured as a breakfast room — and both have working fireplaces. The kitchen is all custom cabinetry and marble countertops, as well as a La Cornue range. Lots of statement wallpaper throughout, assuming it’s to your taste. (Plus the wood-burning fireplaces with antique marble mantels and crown molding, which are basically to everyone’s taste. ) We imagine this is all the work of the “notable interior designer” mentioned in the listing, who turns out to be Hudson-based Nicole Fisher. The primary has its own sauna. Bedrooms have fireplaces. There’s a gym tucked into a floral attic. At nearly $3 million, it’s way high for the area median, but it’s clearly a splashed-out house trying to attract a certain kind of buyer. One who, presumably, will pay for the privilege of not having to do anything to the house after moving in.
How do I get back to the city?
It’s a 20-minute drive to the Hudson Amtrak, then a two-hour train ride to the city from there.
So what do I do if I live there?
Get a drink at the Saisonnier.
Three-bed, three-bath; $1,649,000
The house has sleek lines and built-in bookcases, as featured in this listing photo.
Photo: Smart MLS
Designed by architect Leonard Perfido, who was on a bit of a run of modern homes in the region in the 1970s, this one looks like two houses glued together (and I mean that in a good way — it’s fun). The living room is, true to form, open and spacious, with sleek lines, sharp angles, and oversize windows. (There’s also a fireplace.) The house is built in such a way that most rooms have views into the forest. The place appears to be a recent flip (it sold just last year), so there have been some upgrades: a new electric panel, a home theater, a 50-foot heated Gunite pool, a “puppy spa” in the garage (whatever that means), a Tesla charger. There are upgrades yet to be made, though: The wall-to-wall carpet may be back in vogue, but you’ll likely want a refresh on the kitchen. Lots of storage to be found in a huge walk-in closet and built-in bookshelves. Priced slightly higher than the local median ($1.3 million), but do those houses have puppy spas?
How do I get back to the city?
It’s a 20-minute drive to the Westport train station, then an hour’s train ride.
So what do I do if I live there?
You’re probably rich, so maybe get into sailing?
Three-bed, four-bath; $1,790,000
You’ll have to love wood paneling, as shown in this listing photo, as this house is full of it.
Photo: Smart MLS
A true mid-century lakehouse vibe — ample wood paneling and stone. (The Ilya and Shane of 1965 would love.) Interiors are open and angular, with an emphasis on views. A stone fireplace in the living room anchors the house. The kitchen could use a little updating (or maybe a lot of updating), but you’ll probably spend most of your time grilling outside. The downstairs bedroom has skylights and the primary suite is on its own floor with a domed ceiling. The home is winterized, so good for year-round living — summer retreat or winter escape. In the cold season, there’s a huge deck to look out at the water and a private dock for diving when the weather warms up.
How do I get back to the city?
It’s less than a two-hour drive.
So what do I do if I live there?
Fish and kayak on the lake at your doorstep.
The cabin’s wraparound deck, shown in this listing photo, really ups the coziness level.
Photo: Houlihan Lawrence, Inc.
Another cottage near a lake, but more humanely priced. The land was once home to a boy’s camp, and the homes have maintained that quaint vibe. (It’s not the Borscht Belt, but it’s kind of giving Borscht Belt.) There’s a screened-in porch with mahogany floors and an open wraparound deck, so it’s truly outdoor-indoor living. The bedrooms are compact and cute, though you might want to pull up those rugs. The bathroom is no frills. Similarly, the kitchen could use more counter space, but otherwise it has everything you might need. It’s a charmer — you can sort of just picture the tomato sandwiches getting stacked up for an afternoon spent swimming. The lake itself is only a five-minute walk from the cottage, and you get access to a private beach and mooring rights. It’s technically a three-season house but could be converted for year-round use if you added insulation to the floors. It’s a bit cheaper than other homes that sold recently in the area — those aren’t as pretty, but they are on the lake.
How do I get back to the city?
It’s around a three-hour drive.
So what do I do if I live there?
Go to Tanglewood for concerts. Invite friends up and drink light beer.
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