Category: NY

On the Market: 1 Taft Pl, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY

There is a distinct magic that occurs when a historic Hudson Valley enclave meets architectural preservation done right. Few places capture this synergy quite like the village of Cornwall-on-Hudson—a scenic riverside community tucked just north of the Highlands, where the mountains famously cascade right into the water.

Standing proudly within this storied neighborhood is 1 Taft Place, a striking manifestation of Second Empire Victorian architecture that marries Gilded Age romance with contemporary refinement.

A Masterpiece of Architectural Provenance

From the moment you approach the property, the home’s grand historical narrative is unmistakable. The residence proudly showcases its original Second Empire features, defined by a dramatic mansard roofline and deep, classic dormers that flood the top floor with natural light. The exterior’s crisp, tailored blue and white palette accentuates the rhythm of its fenestrations, while a sweeping wrap-around porch anchors the estate, offering the ultimate venue for crisp Hudson Valley mornings or sunset conversation.

The deliberate siting of the home creates a commanding presence on the corner lot, gracefully framed by mature trees and tailored boxwood hedges. It is an exterior that doesn’t just ask for attention—it commands respect.

Interiors Designed for Grandeur and Comfort

Stepping through the threshold, the home transitions beautifully from a monument of history into a bright, airy, and deeply functional modern sanctuary. The architectural vernacular remains intact, highlighted by soaring ceilings, heavy pocket doors, and exquisitely preserved original woodwork that speaks to an era of uncompromised craftsmanship.

  • The Parlor and Living Spaces: Sun-drenched formal rooms transition effortlessly from one to the next, unified by rich hardwood flooring and deep-set windows that frame views of the surrounding greenery.
  • The Kitchen: Artfully reimagined to serve the modern epicurean, blending high-end contemporary utility with the home’s traditional soul. Custom cabinetry and premium stone surfaces make it a natural gathering hub.
  • The Mansard Level: Ascending the staircase reveals the unique spatial rewards of Second Empire design. The upper chambers leverage the sloping lines of the roof to create deeply romantic, architectural bedrooms that feel entirely removed from the bustle of the world below.

The Allure of Cornwall-on-Hudson

To understand 1 Taft Place is to understand its hyper-local context. Situated in a coveted pocket community just steps from the village center, this property offers a rare “best of both worlds” lifestyle. You are within a leisurely stroll of the local artisan coffee shops, bistros, and independent storefronts that give the village its distinct, sophisticated character, all while remaining minutes from the riverfront parks and the hiking trails of Storm King Mountain.

For discerning buyers seeking an iconic piece of Hudson Valley history without sacrificing the proximity and energy of New York City (accessible via nearby commuter hubs), this estate represents a rare opportunity to inherit true architectural provenance.

View the full listing here

Copyright, Jacob Matthews / Jacob Matthews Realty Group, LLC 2025-2026

On the Market: The Former Herbert C. Pell Home

In the world of Tuxedo Park real estate, there are “houses,” and then there are estates that define the very fabric of our community. The former residence of Herbert C. Pell, located at 74 Tower Hill Loop, is undeniably the latter.

Freshly listed and steeped in Gilded Age provenance, this home offers a rare glimpse into the architectural ambition that put Tuxedo Park on the map in the late 19th century.

A Masterpiece of Siting and Stone

Designed in 1895 by the legendary William A. Bates, the Pell residence is an architectural tour-de-force. What strikes you first is its “commanding siting.” Rising from a monolithic native stone foundation, the structure appears to have emerged naturally from the rugged hillside—a hallmark of Bates’ ability to blend engineering with artistry.

The facade is a beautiful marriage of the classic Tuxedo Park vernacular:

  • Architectural Details: A sophisticated mix of Neoclassical, Georgian, and Queen Anne elements.
  • The Roofline: Distinctive Dutch-gambrel lines that lend the home a timeless, storied silhouette.
  • Craftsmanship: Finely laid brick and hand-crafted millwork that have been meticulously preserved to honor their 19th-century origins.

Interiors Designed for Grandeur and Comfort

Spanning over 5,300 square feet, the interior layout manages a difficult feat: it feels grand enough for formal entertaining while remaining warm and livable for a modern family.

As you move through the formal entry, the “high-ceilinged rooms” are flooded with natural light, offering long, sweeping views over Tuxedo Lake. The heart of the home lies in its specialized spaces—the columned octagonal living room with its intricate millwork and the restored, oak-paneled dining room, which features one of the home’s six distinctive fireplaces.

Versatility Across Three Levels

While the history is palpable, the home’s floor plan is remarkably versatile for today’s lifestyle:

  • The Second Floor: Features five spacious bedrooms. The primary suite is a true retreat, boasting a dressing room, en-suite bath, and a private fireplace.
  • The Top Floor: Currently partially renovated, this level is a “blank canvas” waiting to be transformed into a creative studio, a playroom, or an expansive guest wing.
  • The Walk-Out Lower Level: Designed for utility and leisure, this level includes a private office, a summer kitchen, and a climate-controlled wine room.

The Lakeside Lifestyle

Set on 1.5 private acres, the exterior is just as compelling as the interior. Terraced lawns and stone pathways wind through mature plantings, leading to vantage points that offer panoramic views to the South, East, and West. It is one of the few properties in the Park positioned at such a high elevation that the sunrise and sunset over the water feel like your own private show.

Located just an hour from Manhattan in our 24-hour-guarded enclave, 74 Tower Hill Loop represents the pinnacle of the Tuxedo Park legacy.

Are you ready to step into Tuxedo Park history?

As your local expert, I specialize in connecting discerning buyers with the Park’s most storied estates. To schedule a private showing of the Herbert C. Pell home, or to discuss other opportunities in the area, please reach out.

View the full listing details here

Copyright, Jacob Matthews / Jacob Matthews Realty Group, LLC 2025-2026