516 Hover Avenue

The Blue Barns are a true retreat, set just outside the hamlet of Germantown. Built in the early 1800s, two historic post-and-beam structures have been artfully transformed into an expansive modern country residence. Set on 2.2 acres, the property is perfectly situated between the cultural destinations of Hudson to the north and Tivoli and Rhinebeck to the south. Every room in the home is generous in scale, and the spaces have been designed with gatherings of friends and family in mind. Thoughtful finishes, including burnished concrete floors with radiant heat, exposed weathered wood beams, lofted rooms and vaulted ceilings balance the historic with the new. Modern amenities further set the home apart, including a new heated swimming pool, radiant floor heating, a soapstone woodstove, and even an indoor cedar sauna. At the heart of the home is a double-height great room, which combines soaring ceilings, hand-hewn timbers, wide-plank wood floors, and oversized windows overlooking the grounds. A wood-burning stove anchors the sitting area, while an open dining room is situated beneath the massive arched windows. Adjacent to the great room, the newly renovated kitchen features high-end residential KitchenAid appliances, granite countertops, a farmhouse sink, and ample cabinetry. The sweetest built-in breakfast nook offers a casual setting for everyday meals. A second living room, set beneath the main loft, offers a more intimate scale with exposed beams above. In a separate wing, the home includes two spacious main bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. The primary suite features exposed historic timbers, a sitting area, and an adjoining bathroom with a cedar sauna. Upstairs, the sprawling second bedroom is also en-suite and features large closets, plaster walls and ceilings, and a decidedly cozy atmosphere. The third bedroom is a massive open sleeping loft set above the living room, that accommodates four single beds beneath the vaulted barn roof, with original plank ceilings, exposed framing, and skylights. A second loft sits above the kitchen and is used as a yoga studio, but could also be converted into a fourth bedroom suite, playroom, or home office. The large laundry room off the main living area offers additional space, with ample room to add a third full bathroom. Outside, the home orients onto the fenced grounds, and opens onto a stone patio overlooking the lawn and mature trees. The heated pool sits across the lawn, surrounded by bluestone paving and manicured grass for lounging and entertaining. Farther afield, there is a small pond for exploring, a chicken coop, and plenty of additional outdoor space for gardening or potential outbuildings. Just moments from Germantown's restaurants and amenities, the property is within walking distance of Nines, a wonderful neighborhood restaurant; Otto's Market; and Central House, a restored boutique hotel with its Universal Café & Bar. Hudson is a 15 minute drive to the north, with its renowned restaurants, galleries, antique shops, and Amtrak service to New York City. Ten minutes south, Tivoli features additional restaurants and cafés, while nearby Bard College is home to the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts and the Hessel Museum of Art. The Blue Barns in Germantown are a historic architectural gem, and manage to be both impressive in scale and cozy in character in the same breath. Whether you are seeking a full-time country residence or a weekend getaway, this distinctive upstate retreat will not disappoint!