A c.1820s Federal Home in Hudson

  |  November 12, 2025

The oversized, soaring portico on this c.1820’s Federal home in Hudson is just a hint at its design.

Listed on the National Historic Register, the brick “Old Turtle House” is a rare example of Italian/Russian-inspired architecture. There’s a lot here to charm architecture fans, from the ornately topped columns to the dentil molding around that tall portico. Cool tip: The listing has blueprints from a 1934 renovation that suggest those columns were made from the main masts of ships. Given that the city of Hudson got its start with whaling shipyards, this house comes with serious bragging rights.

The west elevation closely mimics that of the east, right up to a towering portico.

Parts of the house need tender loving care, like this entry on the west side of the house. Potential new owners should note that its National Register listing may add another step to the improvement process. Nevertheless, this property could be breathtaking once it’s all polished up.

Thank goodness that vintage details abound, such as the leaded glass in the transom and sidelights.

A shapely newel post and sharply sculpted spindles set this staircase apart from the ordinary.

A trio of floor-to-ceiling French doors curve around this parlor, softly lighting the hardwood flooring and an eclectic fireplace.

A fireplace with a similar design makes an appearance in the dining room, which also has French doors that lead outside.

Yes, that’s another fireplace in this room, too. The white mantelpiece has shallow columns, and the firebox is lined with brick.

This room is a tranquil shade of dusky blue, with a cove ceiling and lots of light. There are three bedrooms in total.

This fireplace must have been a workhorse back in the day, judging from its blackened brick and original iron pot cranes.

The listing mentions 2.5 baths, but this snippet of tile is the only photographic reference to them.

The “Old Turtle House” measures 3,180 square feet, and sits high on a knoll on 2.11 acres. When viewed from this angle, the roof lends credence to the home’s nickname, although it’s not quite big enough to carry the entire world. It’s about five minutes northeast of downtown Hudson (hit Governor’s Tavern if you’re craving great drinks and pub fare). The house is listed for $795,000.

If this c.1820’s Federal home in Hudson hits your heart, find out more about 14 Fabiano Boulevard, Hudson, from Gregory Kendall, licensed real estate salesperson with The Kinderhook Group Inc.

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