‘Carefully restored’ toll house that predates the Declaration of Independence is for sale in the Hudson Valley for just $799,000
If the walls of a 250-year-old house could talk, imagine the stories they would tell, especially those found in a Hudson Valley property that once served as a toll booth where travelers paused to pay their dues before continuing their journey.
Located in Ulster Park, NY, the aptly named Old Toll House was originally built in 1775 and predates the American Declaration of Independence from British rule.
But in the final chapter of its incredible story, it enters a new era, undergoing what the ad describes as a series of “meticulous” renovations that resulted in a “rare blend of timeless elegance and modern comfort.”
“Steeped in history, character and charm, this remarkable home is ready for its next steward – an exceptional opportunity to own a valuable piece of Hudson Valley heritage, carefully preserved for modern living,” the description adds.
For the past 25 years the property has been owned by an interior designer who has carried out an incredible restoration of the house. It is now on the market for $799,000 – almost seven times the $118,000 the sellers paid for the house in 2000, when it had fallen into a serious state of disrepair.
“One of the sellers is an interior designer, so it’s incredible to see what they did with it,” says listing agent Sally Sprogisfrom Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty.
However, unlike many historic homes in need of TLC, this property’s transformation has been significant yet subtle, with its many outdated design details restored rather than replaced to preserve its most impressive features.
“When they bought it, it was in quite poor condition, but they updated it very meticulously, taking care to preserve period-specific details as best as possible,” Sprogis adds.
At the front of the house, stone steps lead up to an inviting covered veranda, which has been redesigned as the perfect place to relax and entertain.
Still, guests will likely have a hard time not being drawn to the incredible kitchen, which features an extraordinary stone fireplace that helps serve as the heart of the home as the coziest space.
“There’s a huge stone fireplace in the kitchen that also has this incredible brick floor and copper-topped countertops,” says Sprogis. “It’s so charming. Every detail wasn’t overlooked.”
Other historic highlights include hand-hewn beams, Brazilian pine floors, built-in cabinetry, custom millwork, and oversized windows.
“There are also Venetian plasterwork and fabric-covered walls in the dining room,” she adds. “The house originally had a dumb waiter, but they turned that into a linen closet. It’s really ready-made and doesn’t need anything.”
A full bathroom on the main floor has mahogany accents.
“All the tile work is done by hand and it’s just so beautiful,” says Sprogis.
Upstairs there are three bedrooms, including one with built-in bookcases that is currently used as a library, along with another full bathroom with custom blue and white tile work.
Set in 1.4 hectares of grounds, surrounded by gardens, stone walls and a detached two-car garage, the property is just 5 minutes from New Paltz and 10 minutes from Kingston’s Rondout District.
“I think the next buyer will be someone from New York City who wants to use it as a second or third home,” she notes. “They will also try to experience everything the Hudson Valley has to offer.
“There are many farm-to-table restaurants here, along with local breweries and wineries. It’s only about an hour’s drive from the ski slopes and an hour and a half from New York City. It’s the ultimate place to live.”
According to the latest Realtor.com® New York City Rental Report, the Hudson Valley has seen a surge of interest in recent months, much of it from New York renters who have grown tired of the skyrocketing costs of leasing a city property.
The October report found that New Yorkers looking to leave the city but remain within commuting distance of the metro area were shopping for homes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, or heading north of Manhattan to the Hudson Valley.
That news did not come as a surprise to real estate agent Hudson Valley Jillian Pajerof the Oliveira Pinkas team at Douglas Ellimanwho told Realtor.com that the area had an undeniable appeal that many homebuyers struggle to resist.
“It’s hard to put into one sentence what makes the Hudson Valley so special. For me, it’s the perfect balance of nature, culture and convenience,” she says.
