Summer 2015

Michael VanValkenberg, Harvard School of Landscape Design.
The addition, which is twice the size of the original house, is a long,
narrow configuration situated behind the older structure, allowing
the farm house to maintain its historically preeminent position near
the road. The architect chose to celebrate the historical architecture
by providing a contrast instead of a replication. The expansion was
constructed using materials and forms which align with the context
of other farm buildings such as two solid silos and the equestrian
facilities designed by John Blackburn to house the owners’ Paso Fino
breeding program.
The contemporary addition serves as the main residence. Paul
Goldberger wrote in Architectural Digest: “The plan is simple. A large
entrance hall with a stone floor rises three steps to a living area that
includes an open kitchen, a dining area with a view of the fields and
a seating area around a huge stone fireplace. A wide corridor that
doubles as an art gallery leads from the entrance to the master suite….
“The most striking interior space is the indoor (75’ with retractable
cover) lap pool, which occupies a long, narrow wing off the entrance
hall; it is illuminated by natural light and covered by a low, vaulted
roof. The pool space embodies all of the ideas of the house: carefully
wrought materials, modernist proportions, traditional craftsmanship
yielding comfort and warmth. Four pillars, handcrafted by Raymond
Verdagauer from beech trees that stood on the property, mark the
length of the pool.”
The original farmhouse boasts a reading library with views of the
valley, the family room and a fully equipped yoga studio as well as
four upstairs bedrooms. The original farmhouse and addition provide
a total living area of 5,873 square feet.
Price: $1,750,000 for entire property with 464 acres or $998,000
for house, garage, two barns and ten acres. Alternate acreage
combination prices available upon request.
To experience the rural serenity of Charlotte Valley Farm
for yourself, contact Michael R. Franklin at Franklin Ruttan
(315) 876-2262 • Mike.Franklin@UpstateMansions.com
For full details, visit www.CatskillRetreat.com
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