250-year-old restored New York ranch that once served as a local hunting club and now offers 160 acres of land for $12 million
From the moment you pass under the restored iron gates of White Bridge Farm, you will feel a property shaped by centuries of history and meticulous care.
Built in 1775, the 250-year-old home sits on 160 acres of lush land that was once used as a playground for a local hunting club, which roamed freely throughout the lot in Old Chatham, New York for eight decades, adding another unique layer to the home’s legacy.
“White Bridge Farm hosted the Chatham Hunt Club for about 80 years, and the pool house stands on the site where the dogs’ birthing shed once stood,” says agent Nancy E. Felcetto by Brown Harris Stevens.
The emblem above the door of the main building still marks the club’s heritage, and it is said that Olympic riders trained here, giving the property not only historical resonance but also a real sporting background.
After years on and off the market, the estate at 47 White Bridge Road is available again, this time offered for $12 million, a sharp drop from its top asking price of $15 million.
With over 8,000 square feet of living space, the Old Chatham estate is equal parts 18th century heritage and modern retreat.
The main house features three bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, including an en suite bathroom on the main level with a double-height ceiling.
Formal living and dining rooms, each with their own fireplaces, are located next to a masterfully updated kitchen, office, utility room and sun-filled upstairs suites, all with underfloor heating.
In addition to the main residence, the land has a number of notable attractions: three miles of hiking and riding trails, rolling lawns, and a stream that meanders through the area.
Felcetto notes that buyers are often drawn to the outdoor amenities: “There are several stone water fountains and fire pits. The pool and spa, pool house and outdoor shower are all major highlights.”
Much of White Bridge Farm’s allure comes from its architecture, a blend of historic authenticity and careful restoration.
“All the period features, ironwork, fencing and brickwork original to the property have been carefully restored, including the original horse and dog stables in the barns,” says Felcetto.
The roofs on the estate are custom copper, which Felcetto describes as “handmade dog-eared copper roofing.”
Craftsmanship is both visible and structural throughout the building. The barns have been redesigned as guest accommodation and flexible living spaces, whilst retaining the original stable walls and beams. Modern conveniences including upgraded systems, radiant heating and kitchens and bathrooms are all seamlessly integrated.
The location increases the appeal of the estate. Old Chatham was once an important stop along the stagecoach route between Boston and Albany, and many of the surviving buildings, such as the former inn now known as Jackson’s Old Chatham House, date from that era.
The nearby village of Chatham became an important railway junction in the 19th century, supporting local businesses such as the Chatham Shirt Shop and Payn Mills. Today, the estate is within easy reach of Albany International Airport and the cultural offerings of the Berkshires, including Tanglewood.
What ultimately sets White Bridge Farm apart, Felcetto says, is its almost otherworldly sense of care and completeness.
“The restoration, from the buildings to the landscape, is truly an achievement,” she explains. “It is a property that has served for generations as an important example of the area’s historic heritage.”
