1339 Hard Scrabble Road

An extraordinary private estate: 196 acres adjoining thousands of acres of forever-wild Relay State Forest and DEP conservation land, offered for the first time with rare direct access to 1000s of acres of uninterrupted wilderness. Situated near the historic homestead of the celebrated naturalist John Burroughs, this property is a singular testament to a landscape long treasured for its wild beauty and quiet seclusion. Drive along a long, private drive with no neighbors in sight, until you arrive at a pastoral home defined by mature plantings, productive orchards, and expansive mountain vistas. A well-appointed horse barn with stables, paddocks and ample pasture supports riding and day-to-day care or enjoy the miles of private trails winding through woods and fields, perfect for riding, hiking, hunting, snowmobiling or simple exploration. Water features lend a rare, restful charm. Two ponds punctuate the acreage, including a spring-fed pond adjacent to the house--approximately 3/4 acre and 16 feet deep--fringed by a graceful weeping willow and stocked with fish, ideal for summer swimming, fishing or perhaps a lazy rowboat. The primary residence is a comfortable 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with generous windows that frame the private wilderness and bring light into the living spaces, an inviting retreat to return to after a day outdoors. The house offers solid bones and character, and while it would benefit from updating, it provides a ready canvas for modern refinement or a bespoke renovation that honors the pastoral setting. This land is alive with wildlife year-round: black bear, bobcat, coyotes, red-tailed hawks, wild turkey and whitetail deer are frequently observed. The property's abundant natural resources have long supported berry picking, horseback riding, camping and seasonal pursuits that celebrate the outdoors. A unique offering for buyers seeking privacy, hunting or equestrian use, conservation-minded stewardship and direct adjacency to permanently protected forestland. This is an incomparable retreat where natural history and modern country living converge. Private showings by appointment.