Historic 1700s Farmhouse With Quirky Midcentury Modern Silo Addition Hits the Market in Upstate New York for $2.8 Million

A picturesque farmhouse nestled on 8.1 acres of bucolic privacy in upstate New York is offering a very unique combination of historic charm and midcentury modern innovation.

The charming abode in Kinderhook, NY, which is known as Hardwicke Farmhouse and is now on the market for $2.75 million, was built in 1740 but has been thoughtfully modernized over the years, with great care taken to preserve its original integrity.

As part of that modernization, the original farmhouse building was outfitted with a surprising addition: a midcentury modern silo-inspired great room designed by architect John Messick.

The addition, while designed centuries after the initial structure was completed, was thoughtfully conceived to complement the original dwelling, while also providing a fresh and exciting element to the traditional abode.

The result, listing agent Anthony Dargenzio of This Old Hudson Team at Houlihan Lawrence Inc. notes, is unlike anything else on the market.

"It's truly stunning," Dargenzio said. "For anyone who loves history, this quintessential Hudson Valley farmhouse has been tastefully restored."

The three-bedroom residence has popped on and off the market multiple times in recent years, having last changed hands in 2021 for the comparatively low price of $625,000.

Its owners initially listed it for $3.25 million in November 2024, then increased that price to $3.45 million just six months later, but struggled to secure a buyer.

Now, it has undergone a price chop of nearly $700,000, a move that Dargenzio is confident will secure plenty of interest from house hunters.

"It was on the market in the past with another agency, but we relaunched it, and have priced it more appropriately now," Dargenzio said. "There is a lot of value for what you are getting; it feels like a massive estate."

In addition to the sprawling 8.1-acre parcel, the home also comes complete with an impressive and varied history, one that spans multiple architectural eras.

The historic structure features an original building dating back to 1740 along with a Greek Revival center hall that was added on a century later. A second addition was later constructed in the mid-20th century.

A 2,800-square-foot interior still features many period details, including hand-hewn beams, custom millwork, wide-plank floors, Dutch doors, and several fireplaces.

"The midcentury addition is really interesting and gives a contemporary flair to the house," Dargenzio said. "It has a big fireplace and a lot of glass, offering views of its incredible setting. You feel like you are in a snow globe or a nature preserve.

"John Messick was a contemporary of I.M. Pei, who has done a lot of significant projects (including the National Gallery of Art's East Building in Washington, DC, and the extension of the Louvre in Paris)."

Found throughout the midcentury space are bold geometric lines, vaulted wood ceilings, and oversized windows that overlook the bucolic property that also abuts 600 acres of farmland.

"A lot of people want designer, turnkey, luxury, and privacy, and this property hits all the notes," he added. "Kinderhook is a hidden gem with lots of amazing history. (Eighth President of the United States) Martin Van Buren was born in Kinderhook."

Other highlights found inside the home include a cozy front parlor and first-floor primary suite with wood-burning fireplaces. An open floor plan flows seamlessly into the dramatic great room with inglenook fireplace and panoramic views of the in-ground pool, barns, and fields.

A modern kitchen has vaulted wood ceilings, butcher block countertops, and stainless steel appliances.

"It is currently being used as a primary residence, but it could also be a vacation rental or a retreat property," Dargenzio said. "I could see a creative from New York buying it or someone from California moving here as a climate refugee to escape the recent wildfires.

"It's located on a quiet country road that is close to Columbia County's cute towns," he added. "It's only about 25 minutes away from Albany and not too far by train to New York City."

Also found on the pastoral lot are a reclaimed pond fed by two freshwater springs, weathered barns, open fields, and wildflower meadows that add to its picture-perfect setting.