I saw 36 houses before I met 1400 Albany Avenue. From Rhinebeck to Hudson to Kinderhook, I felt like I’d seen them all. All said “house” in one way or another, none said “home.”
1400 was different immediately. The deep wide porch was so welcoming, but as soon as I entered, it felt great. Standing in front of the lovely open stairwell with living spaces to the left and right, I felt enveloped. I could instantly see myself here. “It feels like a hug,” I said to my realtor. She smiled like realtors do.
I loved that from a single point in the entry, I could see the whole main floor and all the entries upstairs. It was open, airy, and invited me into every room. Easily. Organically. This house had ease.
And it always has. Not just its design, but also the property itself and its location.
Things I love about the house
The master suite is open and spacious, and gets beautiful morning light. I love the soaking tub in the ensuite. Bathing while watching snow fall is especially wonderful. (The radiant heat floor is also sweet in winter.) I love that the walk-in closet has a window.
I love that one of the guest rooms is adjacent to the guest bath. It feels like guests have their own private suite when visiting.
I love the northwestern light that floods the third bedroom (which I use as an art space). It’s a great place to daydream or I imagine a divine child’s room or nursery. A little one awakening from a nap into that beautiful golden light!
I love the dining/family room. The fireplace makes it cozy and knowing that it (and it alone!) is the original house from back in the day is extra special.
I love the private backyard and patio.
I love the huge front porch and the various options for seating areas. It’s the place to hang out in warm weather. (And in fall, with a hot cup of tea, looking at the leaves.)
I love that it looks so welcoming from the street and that it’s super prime for holiday decorations.
Things I love about the location:
Being so close to so many services is unbeatable, especially for someone who lived in cities for 30 years. Walk into town for a bite to eat or an extra bottle of wine for your porch aperitivo. A quick bike ride to the farm market lets you enjoy delicious ice cream or pick up a load of fresh fruit and veg. A two minute drive gets you to Hannaford’s or CVS for shopping.
I love that it’s the country but within 30 minutes you can be in Hudson, Albany, Great Barrington or the Berkshires. I love that all routes to most places are country roads with no traffic and no rushing. I love that the Amtrak to NYC is so close and that the journey follows the river all the way down.
I love that there are so many arts and culture venues so close. From Shaiman’s The School in Kinderhook to Art Omi sculpture garden to everything the Berkshires offers, to galleries and music in Hudson. You get the country with no loss of culture that makes urban living so vital.
I love that it’s five minutes to 90 or 87, and 10 minutes to the Taconic Parkway. I love that it’s the very best of small town living with big town conveniences.
I also love that the neighbors are warm and friendly, and that Valatie is a community that cares.
Your Hudson Valley Dream House 