945 Cliff Street

Some homes have history. 945 Cliff St has a story. Set on 5.9 acres in the City of Ithaca, this remarkable 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers 1,984 square feet of living space and a history believed to stretch back to the mid-1800s. Once part of a much larger Davenport family farm, the property has evolved through generations while retaining a character that simply cannot be recreated. Inside, hardwood and pine floors and historic details meet thoughtful updates. The kitchen features quartz countertops and an adjoining office/den, while a dining room, living room, and convenient half bath complete the main level. An east-facing sunroom may quickly become a favorite spot, capturing views of Cornell University and Ithaca Falls. Four bedrooms and a full bath provide space upstairs, while heat-pump mini splits offer both heating and cooling alongside traditional steam radiator heat. The property’s history extends well beyond the house. The timber-framed barn, now used as a garage and storage space, features mortise-and-tenon construction and a beautiful stone foundation. Former owner Archelaus Chadwick, a scenic artist who worked for Ithaca’s famed Wharton Movie Studios, left artistic touches still visible today, including trompe-l’œil painted panels within the home and remnants of old theatrical scenery in the barn. Outside, the grounds are just as special. Cornell-trained landscape architect Henry Stilwell Brown designed the property’s oval stone pond, footbridge, stone walls and tiered landscaping. The 5.9 acres include lawns, open woods, and approximately 424 feet of frontage along the Black Diamond Trail, creating an extraordinary combination of privacy, nature and city convenience. Major improvements include a new roof in 2022 with transferable 50-year warranty, rebuilt back deck stairs in 2023, barn painting in 2025, and new electric water heater in 2026. Please schedule a private showing with your agent to experience this home in person! OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, Sept 19, 10a-12p. Any/all offers reviewed at 12pm Tuesday Sept. 22.