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Garden Centers Galore: A Gardener’s Delight Near Tuxedo Park

Tuxedo Park, NY is not only known for its historic homes and luxury real estate, but also for its breathtaking natural surroundings and beautifully maintained gardens. Since its founding, Tuxedo Park has carried a reputation for elegant European-inspired landscaping, with expert gardeners, horticultural experts and renowned landscape architects creating some of the most stunning outdoor spaces in the region.

Tuxedo Park has a well-known history of formal and informal landscape architecture designed and created by the likes of Ernest Bowditch – contemporary and protege of Frederick Law Olmstead – and of English, Italianate and Japanese style gardens created during and just after the Gilded Age. Some of the most accomplished professional gardeners lived and worked in Tuxedo Park at the turn of the last century.

Today, that tradition continues. Local garden clubs, private homeowners, and passionate gardening enthusiasts maintain gardens with the same care and pride. For those considering buying a home in Tuxedo Park, it’s important to know that living here means being surrounded by lush landscapes and easy access to outstanding garden centers that support this lifestyle.

Here are three of our favorite local garden centers near Tuxedo Park that highlight the area’s commitment to beauty and nature.

Auntie Els | Sloatsburg, NY

A true community staple, Auntie Els has been serving the area for decades. Located just minutes from Tuxedo Park, this family-owned shop goes beyond typical garden supplies. Here you’ll find seasonal plants, spring and fall flowers, and holiday greenery, alongside fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and market treats.

For new homeowners or long-time residents, Auntie Els is perfect for seasonal décor, gardening inspiration, and family-friendly shopping. Their welcoming atmosphere reflects the close-knit community that makes Tuxedo Park such a desirable place to live. You can check on their Instagram here or their Facebook here.

Address: 171 NY-17, Sloatsburg, NY 10974
Phone: (845) 753-2122

Hickory Hollow | Tuxedo, NY

If you’re looking to transform a property into a true estate-style home, Hickory Hollow in Tuxedo is the go-to nursery. With acres of mature trees, shrubs, and landscape materials, this garden center serves both homeowners and professional landscapers.

They even offer landscape installation services, making it easy for new Tuxedo Park homeowners to design their dream outdoor spaces. From spring plantings to Christmas trees, Hickory Hollow has been a trusted, locally owned resource for decades.

For buyers exploring real estate in Tuxedo Park, knowing you have access to a nursery of this scale means you can customize and enhance your property with ease. You can visit their Website here or their Instagram here.

Address: 713 NY-17, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
Phone: (845) 351-7226

Sloatsburg Nursery | Sloatsburg, NY

A fresh addition to the local gardening scene, Sloatsburg Nursery has quickly gained attention for its wide range of specimen trees, shrubs, and garden plants. Located in a repurposed space on Route 17, this nursery is smaller than Hickory Hollow but filled with character and unique finds.

One standout feature is their indoor greenhouse, which even houses a banana tree—something you won’t find at most nurseries in the region! Whether you’re a weekend gardener or a homeowner looking for specialty plants, Sloatsburg Nursery offers both variety and personal service.

For those moving into the Tuxedo Park area, this nursery is a reminder of how local businesses add charm and convenience to everyday life. Be sure to check their Website here, their Facebook here, and their Instagram here.

Address: 185 Orange Turnpike, Sloatsburg, NY 10974
Phone: (845) 712-5665

Living the Tuxedo Park Lifestyle; stay local, stay native.

As you shop these amazing nursuries and garden centers or as you plan your gardens, it can be particularly important to pay heed to using native plant species. Native plants contribute to healthy ecosystems and it’s no exception to try to plan and plant accordingly in Tuxedo Park. This is an important and growing trend and the garden centers are also mindful of this native species trend.

Beautiful gardens are more than just a hobby here—they’re part of the Tuxedo Park lifestyle. With historic homes framed by lush landscaping and tree-lined views, it’s no wonder many buyers are drawn to the area. Access to these local garden centers makes it easy for residents to maintain properties that reflect the elegance and charm the community is known for.

If you’re exploring homes for sale in Tuxedo Park or considering relocating to this picturesque community, these garden centers are just one example of the resources available to help you settle in and make the most of your new home.

Thinking about buying real estate in Tuxedo Park, NY? Whether you’re drawn by the historic charm, the vibrant local businesses, or the natural beauty, Tuxedo Park offers a lifestyle unlike any other. Reach out today to learn more about available homes and what it’s like to live in this one-of-a-kind community.

Beyond the Market: Three Delicious Restaurants in Tuxedo, NY

One of the things that makes a community a great place to live is its local flavors, and that includes the fantastic restaurants in Tuxedo NY. When you are looking to explore and are considering a move to a new area, you might want to know what the lifestyle is like so you know what to expect, right?

While you may be searching for your future home in Tuxedo NY, or just browsing and trying to learn what are the current Tuxedo NY housing market trends, always explore the vibrant local scene as well. Today, let’s explore three fantastic restaurants that captures the spirit of town, whether you’re a long-time resident or a future homebuyer, these local spots are a must-visit.

In no particular order, below are three great restaurants you may explore in Tuxedo NY, along with their phone numbers, addresses, and web links.

Dottie Audrey’s Bakery & Kitchen

First is this local restaurant commonly known as “DAs” offers a scratch made comfort food, a cozy atmosphere and service with a smile! They serve some of the best baked goods in the New York Metro Area all made fresh daily, in house!  DA’s offers “family style” meals and I contend they make one of the best baguetts this side of the Atlantic. You can place a take-out order via telephone or dine-in.  While your there say hi to the friendly staff and the always present owners Pat and Jen!!!  Don’t forget to try the salmon lox omelette, the crispy tofu bowl or the black bean veggie bowl.  The strawberry lemonade is a great side drink. And take home a fresh baguette! You can also check their Instagram here, their Facebook here, and their website here.

Address: Duck Cedar Plaza at 549 NY-17, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
Phone: (845) 915-3088

Tuxedo Sushi

Next, if you’re in the mood for something different, Tuxedo Sushi offers a modern dining experience Tuxedo Hamlet across from the train station. Tuxedo Sushi has been a local favorite for years, and it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the best Japanese restaurants in Southern Orange County. They serve a wide menu that goes beyond incredible sushi rolls and sashimi to include delicious salads, soups, and warm, cooked Asian-style meals that are available for both dine-in and takeout. You can check their Instagram here or their website here. You can check their Instagram here or their website here.  Don’t forget to try the sweetheart roll!!!

Address: 233 NY-17 Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
Phone: 845-351-3211

Los Molcajetes Mexican Restaurant

Finally, if you’re looking for some authentic and hearty Mexican food? Look no further than Los Molcajetes where vibrant colors and festive atmosphere is always expected. With their menu being packed with traditional dishes that are made with care, from sizzling fajitas to savory tacos, this is a great option for a lively gathering. What I love is their generous portions that do not disappoint.  Be sure to try the quesadillas!! You can also check their Instagram here, their Facebook here, and their website here.

Address: 233 NY-17, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
Phone: 845-915-3220

In summary, these three great restaurants are just a small slice of what it means to live in beautiful Tuxedo. A great local community that offers variety and access to great dining experience. Still standing through the years, this is a testament on how great these restaurants have been serving the Tuxedo community and how the locals have continued to give their undying support to local businesses.

Thank you for reading, sharing and supporting the local businesses in Tuxedo.

Well-crafted Drinks from Dottie Audrey's

Selling NY’s Lower Hudson Valley

Serving New York’s Lower Hudson Valley, with a decade of expertise in representing fine properties from Tuxedo Park, to Warwick, Goshen to Cornwall-on-Hudson to Cold Spring and beyond. I maintain a clear commitment to client success and satisfaction. I forge deals with skilled expertise in market positioning, leading edge marketing, negotiations and client solutions. With access to numerous, vetted real estate industry professional resources, my clients benefit from grounded advice, agility, speed, security and confidence. With my Sotheby’s International Realty network, my dealmaking takes place beyond my core area of direct representation into markets including New York City, Long Island, Vermont, Massachusetts , Florida, Connecticut, New Jersey and more. Contact me today for creative thinking and guided expertise to drive success with your real estate portfolio and real estate needs.

6 Simple, Low-Cost Staging Tips

Former Home and Studio of artist Jasper Johns. Simplicity / “less is more” rules the day in staging.

Photo: HTV / Michael Steele

Selling a home can be stressful, from choosing a realtor and attorney to planning for the next moves. It can be a bit overwhelming for some, but there are ways to reduce the stress and increase your odds for a successful sale. After nearly a decade in the real estate brokerage business, I can say with confidence that staging your home in advance of listing helps reduce stress; it not only begins to help you with your eventual move, but also increases the odds for successful showings and a potential higher selling price, as opposed to an unstaged home.

What do I mean by staging? I don’t mean placing fluffy throw blankets across the corner of each couch or taking the latest design trends from Pinterest or Instagram; I mean doing more substantive and meaningful actions.

Here are 6 simple, low-cost staging tips that will help you sell your home faster, for more money and with less stress!

  1. Exterior: Cut the grass, trim the shrubs, blow the leaves, plant some flowers mulch the flower beds. Powerwash your walkways and siding.
  2. Garage: clear the garage of everything except for the absolute necessary items: yard tools, a bicycle or 2 and your vehicles. Blow and sweep the floor. If you want to go one step further, you can bring in a garage floor painting specialist to epoxy paint or floor paint the garage floor.
  3. Reduce items: Simplicity rules the day in staging; less is more. Unless your home is completely bare of personal items, there is improvement to be made. I typically tell people, try to reduce your personal items by about 50% or more. This will help depersonalize the space – giving the potential buyers an opportunity to feel themselves in the home – but also goes a long way to helping you pare down or pack for your move.
  4. Paint: Paint/painting is cheap and quick. Paint obvious areas where walls are dirty, scratched and stained. It’s an opportunity to pick chic, historic or timeless colors and ditch the 20-year-old fad color. I’m a huge fan of Benjamin Moore’s historic color line.
  5. Deep Cleaning: Hire a professional cleaning crew to deep clean the entire home. Steam clean tile floors, wash windows and clean carpets. Nothing is worse for a showing than a home with obvious grime visible to the eye.
  6. Handyman Fixes: For a couple of hundred dollars, you can have a local handyman fix loose door handles, running faucets or toilets, cabinet doors and more, to make a positive impression of a well-maintained home. Buyers want to know that a homeowner has stayed on top of basic repairs – if not that they can worry about the larger stuff too.

These small tips and small expenditures of time and money will make your property sell faster, for a higher dollar amount and reduce your stress after you list your home.

Sold Stone Carraige House in Tuxedo Park

Jacob Matthews representing the sellers recently sold 32 Lookout Road. This home set on approximately 2.1 acres featured amazing original hand-cut monolithic stone and shingle exterior and a free-flowing floorplan across approximately 4,000 sf. A wonderful example of a Tuxedo Park carriage house turned full residence. Congratulations to the new owners. Sold 1/15/22.

Tuxedo Park stone carriage house, sold by Jacob Matthews, Associate Broker, Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty

Jacob Matthews Realtor earns SRS Designation

Jacob Matthews, Associate Real Estate Broker with Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty, has completed his Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) coursework, exams and designation which brings him a level-up when representing sellers in real estate transactions.  This designation conferred by National Association of Realtors (NAR) Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) increases expertise in seller representation, negotiation, ethics and effectiveness in real estate transactions.   Jacob has a passion for working with sellers and marketing homes and it repeatedly shows in the results he achieves for his clients.   He consistently trains and educates through professional associations to serve and achieve at a higher level in the industry.  SRS designation is one more step in Jacob’s dedication to professional development and growth as a Realtor.

Jacob Matthews lists luxury real estate properties in NY’s Orange & Rockland Counties and the greater Lower Hudson Valley region.

Historic Home Sold – Rock Tavern, NY

I’m pleased to announce that the John Springstead Bull House in Rock Tavern, NY (Town of New Windsor) has been sold. A classic Orange County, NY “Bull House”, this magnificent mid-19th century hand-cut stone structure still has many period details intact. A wonderful example of the Lower Hudson Valley’s unique antique homes that are now so highly coveted. The home and accessory stable barn sits on just over 3 acres of verdant Orange County lands! In need of total restoration, and rehabilitation, the home is 4 BR | 3 BA | 4800 sf. Sold January 2021. Congratulations to the new owners who are professional designers / decorators and developers who will restore the home to its glory with an eye to it’s beauty and history. You can follow their ongoing restoration project over at @bullfarm1856 on Instagram. I represented the seller in the transaction and was honored to be a part of this. Both agents worked very hard and all parties pleased! For more information on Orange County, NY homes for sale, contact Jacob Matthews, Associate Broker at Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty.

Sold Estate Home – Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY

It was a strong finish to the year, right up to the second to last day of 2020 with the successful sale of Sengen House at 6 Sengen Lane in Cornwall on Hudson, NY. I was deeply honored and pleased to represent this amazing estate home and its owners, direct descendants of the 1st, only and original owners from the early 1900’s. The home boasts some of the very best long distance, sweeping scenic views in all of the Lower Hudson Valley and the listing was extensively covered in local, national and international media. On 19.9 mountaintop acres it features a massive 9 bedroom main estate home of approximately 9,000 sf, including the attached guest quarters. And it has a detached guest cottage offering 2 beds and 2 baths w/ garage and horse stables. A rare and unique opportunity. I represented the sellers in the transaction and the buyer was brought in by an NYC broker who really was great to work with on the other side of the table. Both seller and buyer are truly pleased for the next phases here and elsewhere!

Sold in Tuxedo Park – Carriage House

Sold and Closed on 11/30/2020 – I was pleased to represent the sale of 18 Patterson Brook Road, Tuxedo Park, NY. This home is one of the most amazing properties I’ve ever marketed and sold; remarkable in every way. An authentic recreation of the 1890’s carriage house that stood on the same site. 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Baths | 4,400 sf | 3.2 acres of stunning property and privacy! I represented the sellers in this transaction.

Sold – 23 West Lake Road Tuxedo Park

Closed and sold – Looking back at some sales I made in 2020. “The Old Fish Hatchery” closed and sold in Tuxedo Park. Lakefront cottage, 1.7 acres | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2253 SF | in ground swimming pool. Sold $998,000. on 8/17/2020. Such a great property!! I represented the sellers in this transaction. If you have any questions about the Tuxedo Park real estate market (or surrounding communities) feel free to contact me at any time at 914.588.8001.

Fish Hatchery - Tuxedo Park Lakefront Home
Fish Hatchery – Tuxedo Park Lakefront Home