Famed artist Hunt Slonem lives in an enchanted wonderland full of whimsey and delight. Recognized for his distinct neo-expressionist style, Slonem’s bunnies have reached iconic status, along with his paintings of butterflies, tropical birds, Presidents and Royalty. His works can be found in the permanent collections of 250 museums around the world, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Whitney, the Miro Foundation, and the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Slonem is also a man who enjoys collecting fine things from antiques to art to historic homes.

“I bought my first house right before 9/11, and it led to my love for old homes that needed tender loving care,” he told The Glam Pad in a 2021 interview. “I have wound up with seven of them at this point, loving every one of them. Filling them with antiques and my work thrills me. Picasso’s collection of chateaus mesmerized me as a child… seeing him fill up these chateaus and then locking the door and getting another one.”

Today we take a peek inside Belle Terre, a sprawling, forty acre Gilded Age estate in the quiet wilderness of New York’s Catskill Mountains that happens to be for sale. The c1906 Georgian manse was first built as a summer home by copper baron James McLean. The stunning 30,000 square foot home is complete with a private lake and bucolic, rolling hills, originally designed by McLean for fox hunting and sport.

Slonem transformed the estate into a private residence and backdrop to his own artwork and extensive collection of fine antiques. The sprawling Georgian home retains many original details including elaborately carved moldings and floor boards, an elaborate stairwell, and even the original elevator, which remains operable. The level of craftmanship of this age represents a period of extraordinary construction that could never be replicated today.

The exquisite estate is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history with a storied past as impressive as the architecture. Eleanor Roosevelt, a frequent guest and friend of McLean’s daughter, once hosted a party on this site for 6,000 guests. An architecture aficionados delight, Belle Terre is under three hours from New York City and a world away from the hustle and bustle.

Let’s take a peek inside with photography by John Nitzel.

Please contact Sotheby’s to learn more about this incredible home, and visit Hunt Slonem to learn more about the artist. You can also shop some of our favorite Hunt Slonem merchandise here and paintings via 1stDibs.