The property at 175 North Old Post Road, named Hudsonview, is listed for $1,999,999 by Houlihan Lawrence Realtor Athena Kelly Miles. It includes eight bedrooms, 9.3 bathrooms, 18 acres, scenic views of the Hudson River and abuts Hudson National Golf Course.
The most unique part of the purchase, however, might be the history that comes along with it. The estate was built for shipping mogul Harold Clarke Strong and his wife, Selina. It was a residence that robber barons, tycoons of commerce and magnates of industry once called home. It was later owned by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, which used it as a country retreat for its members.
The home is now owned by Jim Moorhead, whose family purchased it in 1966. The architect moved back to the home in 2006 to care for aging relatives who have since passed away.
There are signs of the past throughout the home, including numbers on some of the doors from when the garment workers used the home and cubbies to hide liquor during the prohibition era. There is also a basement saloon and 7,849 square feet of living space.
“There are a ton of neat details,’’ Athena said. “It’s very original, and organic to its original construction. There are great, big, gorgeous grand rooms. There’s an octagonal radio room with wood paneling from the 1920s. But it has been continually maintained. If something broke, the fixed it. But they didn’t believe in ripping out bathrooms. They didn’t want to change its integrity.”
Walls of windows and elegant French Doors offer year-round views of the Hudson River from nearly every room. There are multiple bedroom suites with fireplaces -- there are 10 throughout the home -- and the patio spans the back of the house.
“What amazes buyers is that the pictures are real,’’ Athena said. “The view from every single floor is spectacular. People pull up and they’re amazed at the grandeur.”
The property also includes a two-bedroom guest cottage, swimming pool and room for a tennis court.
The heart of the home is a 39-by-23 foot great room that’s part-transatlantic liner ballroom and part national parks lodge. Hardwood paneling and millwork juxtapose beamed ceilings, with pendant lights and ceilings featuring Native American art. Dual curved stairways are guarded by iron railings hand-forged with silhouettes of sailboats.
One other selling point, which also probably triggered Strong’s interest, is its location. A Realtor’s “location, location, location” mantra seems perfectly suited for the home, which is minutes away from a Metro-North stop that doubles as an Amtrak station. Major roads and shopping are also nearby.
“The owners have maintained the mechanicals and the structural integrity of the home,’’ Athena said. “They haven’t put in a bunch of 1970s bathrooms and created a linoleum nightmare. It’s a special house with a special history. It’s truly one of the treasures of Westchester.”
Click here for the website listing and click here for a video tour of the house. To arrange a showing, contact Miles at amiles@houlihanlawrence.com or at 914-424-3551.