Cattail Brook: Livingston Manor, NY

About The Property

Looking to combine creekside living in a large country house with the convenience of being right outside town? If so, Cattail Brook may be just the ticket. There is a lot of space to spread out in this house, so whether you’re working from home, or just have a lot of people around, there is an abundance of public spaces for gathering or for savoring peaceful alone time.

The long, enclosed sunporch with flagstone floor serves as the entrance, followed by a generous mudroom inside the house proper. From there one can head into the living room or kitchen. The open kitchen, with its abundance of cabinetry and long counters, includes a comfortable space for dining. There is both a washer hook-up in an alcove off this space, and a door leading out to the side deck, from which one can look down the lawn or out at Cattail Brook.

The large living room, paneled in pine with mahogany floors (as is the entire house), has a gas fireplace, French doors opening to the sunroom in the front and another set opening onto the back deck. Built-in shelving, another feature found throughout the building, provides an organic storage spot for your favorite books and records, and display for prized objects.

Off the living room is a den or office (or a sixth bedroom if you prefer), again with built-in shelves. There is a full bathroom on this ground level, with a shower.

Upstairs are five bedrooms, two with double closets, and a full bathroom featuring a clawfoot tub/shower.

Down to the lower level, there is an unfinished area with the systems, also great for storage, and a large finished room that would make a great playroom, media room or gym. There is a wall of built-ins and an exterior door as well.

The house is set back from the road, with the sound of Cattail Brook a constant, relaxing presence. About 230 feet of the brook runs through the property, and while its banks are part of a flood plain, the house does not fall into a flood zone.

There is a charming old barn, built in 1910 with a sliding door featuring what looks to be original hardware. Use it for stowing your lawn mower, or give it an upgrade and make it part of your upstate experience. The remarkable stone foundation reflects the quality craftsmanship that has stood the test of time.

And if you haven’t heard, Livingston Manor is probably the hottest town in the region because of its vibrant business district, which seems to be adding one desirable business after another. This house is .7 mile from the Neon Croissant and .3 from Upward Brewing Company, for starters. Access to hand-crafted beer and bread within walking distance may be all you need to know, so I’ll leave it at that.

Listing Agent: Jennifer Grimes