Gil Schafer, one of the world’s leading architects, is renowned for designing new “old” homes that not only meet modern needs, but also capture the elegance, charm, and sense of place typically only found only in historic homes. For the last three decades, Schafer’s work has embodied the very best in classical design and architectural timelessness while remaining adaptive to the ever-changing ebb and flow of life.

Perhaps the most perfect example of Schafer’s work can be found in his very own home, Middlefield, an iconic country estate set on 45 acres in the scenic Hudson Valley, which is being offered for sale for the first time in its history. Conceived as a place where history and modern living seamlessly intertwine, Middlefield embodies the warmth and character of traditional American architecture while offering all the comforts expected of a 21st-century retreat.

Take a virtual home tour of Middlefield with Quintessence here!

Approached by a winding drive lined with old-growth trees and native plantings, the house is perfectly situated to take advantage of both its privacy and its connection to the surrounding landscape. Built in 1999, the Greek Revival home features a classical double height portico that exudes an understated elegance. Symmetrical facade, gracious proportions, and handcrafted details nod to the region’s rich architectural heritage.

Let’s explore Middlefield with listing images courtesy of Compass!

With interiors by the legendary Miles Redd, every room is designed to feel both grand and intimate. A center hall leads to beautifully scaled double parlor living and dining spaces. Each of which is filled with soft natural light and thoughtfully framed views of the surrounding garden and woodlands. A generous three season porch is set off the main living spaces and takes full advantage of the western sunsets and summer breeze. Reclaimed antique wide-plank floors, custom-made door hardware and millwork, and antique mantels create a sense of timelessness, while carefully selected finishes and a restrained palette lend an air of relaxed sophistication. The kitchen, designed as the heart of the home, balances utility and beauty with custom cabinetry, a large wood burning fireplace, and a charming yet functional butler’s pantry.

Upstairs, three generously sized bedrooms offer a sanctuary of calm, with the primary suite enjoying a view overlooking the rolling hills. Three upstairs baths are outfitted with classic fixtures and honed marble, recalling the quiet luxury of historic country homes.

A third-floor media room and studio provide a quiet getaway for one to relax or work while taking advantage of the views from the dramatic fan light windows.

The landscape, designed by Deborah Nevins, is as carefully considered as the architecture. A series of garden rooms using walls, Hornbeam, Yew, and Boxwood hedges, trees, and lawn terraces mediate between the architecture of the residence and the land. Meanwhile, the kitchen garden and stone terrace overlooking hand-laid stone walls and clipped hedges offer the perfect setting for outdoor dining.

Middlefield is a house meant to be lived in, where every detail tells a story, and every space invites you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of place. A rare opportunity to own a home that is both deeply rooted in tradition and effortlessly suited to modern life in one of the most sought-after corners of the Hudson Valley.

Please contact Ashley Whittaker with inquiries.

And to see even more of Middlefield, you can purchase a copy of The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now, by Gil Schaefer, in which the architect illustrates how he blends classical architecture, interior decoration, and landscape to create homes with a feeling of history. Schafer is also the author of A Place to Call Home: Tradition, Style, and Memory in the New American House, and Home at Last: Enduring Design for the New American House.

 

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