3778 State Route 82Ancramdale, NY 12503Price: $2,600,000

Set up a hillside on over 76 acres, this architectural gem looks over a magnificent valley nestled in gentle rolling hills, meadows and woodlands with views to distant mountains. It's a private artist's retreat and gardener's dream and on the market for the first time in over 35 years. The overall design was conceived by the owner/architect Sam Brody, and features a 4,250 SF main home connected to a separate guest suite and balanced by an artist's studio, steps across a landscaped courtyard. The home was custom built by a well-regarded local contractor, overseen in every detail and has been upgraded over the years. From virtually every interior space of the home there is a seamless connection to the lush surrounding gardens and the long-distance pastoral views. A carport at the main entrance provides covered barrier-free entry for both the house and guest suite and is framed by the gardens beyond. Once inside, the brick-floored entry foyer connects to the open plan dining area and kitchen. These rooms have sweeping views to the south and east. A screened-in porch for carefree dining and watching the morning sunrise runs the entire length of the dining room and kitchen with multiple French doors for access. Just off the dining room is the library with walls covered in custom bookshelves and direct access into the landscaped courtyard. Beyond that and hidden away, is the primary en-suite bedroom looking out into the courtyard's lush blooms. The centerpiece of the house is a cathedral-vaulted living room with a unique custom designed two-story brick fireplace surrounded by a wall of windows. Upstairs is a peaceful, second bedroom with full bath. A loft-like room overlooking the living room can be used as an overflow bedroom. The spacious walkout basement is dry with high ceilings, includes substantial storage and a half bath. Large windows and double glass doors exiting to an exterior garden, provides potential for additional living space. To the left of the carport is a beautifully designed guest suite with full bathroom covered in beautiful redwood. At the edge of the home's garden courtyard sits the artist's studio, bathed in natural light with electric, heat and running water. While the gardens are the focus surrounding the home, a naturally placed gunite pool is tucked up a gentle rise and dappled in a mix of sun and shade. There are agricultural exemptions in place for the fields below the house, while the wooded upper portion of the property can potentially be subdivided to create separate homesites, each with its own road access and far enough from each other and the main house to be private as well as offer amazing views to the northeast. A true country setting close to Millbrook, Copake and Hudson.