Tyler Hill Farmhouse: Tyler Hill, PA
About The Property
Once in a blue moon a classic 19th century Greek revival farmhouse comes to market. Well hello there, blue moon! Pulling into the driveway of this modest but impressive jewel one senses a visceral surge of excitement. Old houses have a story, most of which we can only imagine. But that is part of the fun and mystery. Imagining those others that have lived within its walls. I imagine they felt that same sense of excitement when pulling up in their horse and carriage as I do arriving in my Subaru Outback.
If I was asked to close my eyes and imagine a dreamy Pennsylvania farmhouse, this home would be my vision. The 1860s farmstead tranquilly overlooks 60 bucolic, pastured acres. In the summer, cows still graze in the far fields, managed by a neighboring dairy farm. The acreage comprises 4 separate lots that were added to the original homestead.
The wide, columned, stone porch is visually striking, evocative of another era, perfect for sipping iced tea or cocktails in the summer. It wraps around to a large screened in area with a dining table, the perfect 3 season dining room. A triangular façade gives a tip-of-the-hat to the ancient Greek idea of the Golden Ratio: proportions considered most pleasing to the eye.
Entering the approximately 2400 sq ft home through the original front door, excitement mounts. The classic farmhouse interior layout is timeless and welcoming. You come in directly to a central staircase, the foyer handsomely embellished in unpainted oak trim. The living room, with a wood stove and a sprawling bay window-seat, is to your left. To the right of the front door is an old-fashioned parlor room that could be used for an additional bedroom or den.
Just beyond the living room, a spacious dining room seamlessly flows into the generous kitchen with plenty of open shelving. The kitchen is country simple, with a huge commercial gas range, a farm sink, and a maple counter workspace with ample storage below. French doors open onto the back porch and gardens. A mud room (a country necessity) with a sink and half bath/powder room, leads out to the woodshed.
Upstairs one finds 3 bedrooms, originally 4, as one has been turned into a cozy mahogany library. The ceiling in one of the bedrooms has been raised up to the roofline, creating an airy and bright space. The bathroom suite is configured as a WC and a separate room with shower, pedestal sink and clawfoot tub. The laundry room is adjacent to the bathroom and is spacious.
The back garden of the home feels as if one has stumbled into the English countryside. Elegant perennial flower beds have been tended for 30 years by the same gardener. The robust plants have matured and make a beautiful and tranquil habitat. Stone walls have been added and maintained. The owner built a long, eye-catching serpentine bluestone wall surrounded by lilac shrubs, inspired by Andy Goldsworthy. There is a bluestone reflecting pool to zen out by.
Across the small country road are two historic working barns with massive 12’ hand-hewn beams. The farmer neighbor still uses one for hay storage. A large garage fits one or two cars, with an ample workspace at the rear for gardening or gym equipment.
A 1250 sq ft artist’s studio with a great bank of North-facing skylights and huge walls for large scale paintings was constructed around 1990, built to integrate with the surrounding barn vernacular. You’d think it has been there for 150 years. The studio has electric service, running water, and heating.
The pastured acreage represents a variety of environmental areas. There is forest. A stream. Wide open hay fields. Grazing cows in the summer. One remote lot would make a great build lot if the new owners choose.
The house and grounds have been published in Metropolitan Home and in the New York Times; the kitchen, gardens, and stone walls have appeared several times in Martha Stewart Living.
Located just 2 hours from the GWB and with Callicoon NY just a few miles down the road, the location is a convenient world away. The majestic Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River park is a few miles away, managed by the National Park Service.
As for blue moons and amazing farmhouses for sale, they are a momentary occurrence. Reach out to me now before it’s gone.
Listing by Erik Freeland
41 Galilee Rd
Tyler Hill, PA 18469
DETAILS:
• 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
• Approx. 2400 sq ft
• 60.69 acres on 5 lots
• Built circa 1865
• Low taxes (w/AG exemptions – cows still graze the pasture)
• 1250 sq ft heated artist’s studio w/North light
• Two historic barns
• Garage w/extra room
• Mature perennial gardens
• Beautiful bluestone walls
• Reflecting pool
• Total taxes: $5187
• Listing Price: $795,000
Sold price: $675,000
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