Former President FDR’s ‘Favored’ Hunting Retreat Hits the Market in Hudson Valley for $1.6 Million: ‘A Masterwork of Craft’

A beautiful stone house in the Hudson Valley that was used by former President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a "favored" hunting retreat has hit the market for $1.55 million—less than four years after it last sold.

The upstate New York dwelling, which was built in 1930, three years before FDR became the 32nd president of the United States, and its surrounding 12 acres were originally part of a much larger estate owned by Henry Morgenthau Jr., who served as Roosevelt's secretary of the treasury.

Located in Hopewell Junction, the property was first put on the market back in December 2023 with a much higher asking price of $2.1 million, having last sold in October 2021 for $1.85 million.

Despite its political heritage, however, the historic abode struggled to lure in a buyer—and has bounced on and off the market ever since, with a number of different asking prices. It was relisted most recently on Sept. 10.

Certainly, the estate—which was "hewn from stone quarried directly from the hillside"—will not be to everyone's tastes. But for those seeking a historic sanctuary with ample privacy, it is an ideal find.

Situated at the heart of a lush green 12-acre parcel, much of which is covered in "towering trees," the home, which is listed by Anthony D'Argenzio, of Houlihan Lawrence, Inc., feels perfectly isolated yet still sits just a 15-minute drive from the nearest town.

Having been lovingly cared for throughout its 90-year history, the stone dwelling boasts plenty of historic charm, while also offering many modern amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, a new HVAC system, and a renovated kitchen with Viking appliances.

All of those newer features have been designed to blend perfectly with the home's more traditional elements, such as the "soaring chimneys," arched doorways, original timber beams, stone fireplaces, and Tudor-style windows that perfectly "frame woodland and mountain views," the listing notes.

Offering nearly 4,200 square feet of living space, the home features five bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, as well as multiple living spaces—including a charming breakfast nook, a "sun-drenched gameroom," and a "flexible attic" with its own bathroom.

"Upstairs, three bedrooms span two floors, including a primary suite warmed by a stone fireplace, and a third floor suite with a clawfoot tub, office, and a bonus room," the listing notes.

In the warmer months, residents and their guests can enjoy one of multiple outdoor entertaining spaces, which include several terraced patios ideal for dining al fresco or simply relaxing in the surrounding natural beauty.

Meanwhile, spread across its sprawling landscape are rolling meadows, towering trees, and a meandering creek.

"A gated entrance, fencing, and thoughtful lighting enhance both privacy and peace of mind," the listing description goes on.

For those seeking an investment opportunity, the description notes that the property comes complete with a "successful history as a short-term rental," which is made all the more appealing by its proximity to Beacon and Cold Spring, both of which are popular areas for tourists traveling from New York City.

"With its rich history, timeless architecture, and turnkey comforts, Embury Stone House is a rare chance to own a piece of Hudson Valley History," the listing concludes.

When the property was first built, it was one of multiple structures that made up Morgenthau's iconic Fishkill Farms estate, which he established in 1913 after studying agriculture at Cornell University.

Initially, the estate was a dairy, chicken, and vegetable farm, while also boasting fruit orchards, which eventually became its primary focus, selling "tens of thousands of bushels" of apples to local markets each year, according to the Fishkill Farms website.

Morgenthau and Roosevelt first became friends while the former was working on his farm, with the future president located in nearby Hyde Park—a relationship that evolved into a close political alliance when FDR was elected as president.

Over the years, the farm has passed down through the Morgenthau family, first to its founder's son, Robert, who continued to run the estate alongside his own son, Josh, who still oversees its operations today.