An Original Ashokan Reservoir Home: $1.695M

  |  January 19, 2024

Hundreds of structures across 15 square miles in the Olivebridge area of Ulster County were destroyed during the eight-year construction of the Ashokan Reservoir before it opened in 1915; however, a select few were moved to safer ground. Today, Upstater visits one of the rescued, original Ashokan Reservoir homes.

The Wilson Gray Homestead was built in 1820. Less than a century later, hardy souls moved it to its current location in Kerhonkson. Luckily for us, it’s retained its beautiful stacked verandas, while modern conveniences seamlessly meld with the vintage charm. In 2022, the home earned the town of Rochester Historic Preservation Commission’s Historic Preservation Award.

The front door opens to an airy, open-concept space. To the left is a small mudroom with a bench; the living room is beyond. To the right is this dining room. Wide-plank wood floors are rich underfoot, and white walls are a neutral palette for artwork.

That palette and flooring continue in the living room, which has recessed lighting and painted ceiling beams.

Modern touches abound in the kitchen, from custom cabinets to high-end appliances including a Wolf range and Sub-Zero fridge.

The center island seats three and holds an under-mount soapstone farmhouse sink.

Off the kitchen, a sweet little powder room in gray and white is handy.

On the second floor, the primary bedroom has two doors that open into the hall. From the bedroom, walk through a large closet to an ensuite bath—details of which you can see in the 3D tour.

The space is elegant with a soaking tub, large shower, double-sink vanity, and fine wood wainscoting.

This secondary bedroom is pretty, too.

And a third bedroom on this floor is similar in decor to the other two.

Those bedrooms share this hall bath that has a walk-in shower and updated decor.

Follow the staircase up another level to a gorgeous top floor. A wide, open space is perfect for a playroom or home office.

Practice yoga in this room with a peaked ceiling and hardwood floors. There’s another bedroom up here, too; you can see it in the 3D tour.

Lastly, on this floor, the final bathroom has a stall shower and a slim, gray vanity.

Different from the rest of the house, the basement is unfinished—but it’s clean and ready for storage or whatever you can dream up.

Speaking of dreaming, we can imagine sitting on one of the dreamy verandas with iced tea in the summertime. The fretwork on the verandas is original, according to the listing. In addition to enjoying the plethora of covered porches, you can chill alfresco on an open deck, too.

The deck overlooks the house’s four-acre woodsy setting. Great eats at Mill & Main Provisions & Restaurant is just 15 minutes away. If you care to visit the site of its early years, the Ashokan Reservoir and its Rail Trail are just 20 minutes away. Better yet, plan for musical fun at this year’s Winter Hoot at the Ashokan Center.

If this home’s history makes you happy, find out more about 1078 Samsonville Road, Kerhonkson, from Hayes Clement with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hudson Valley Properties.

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