Dramatic Waterfront Estate Overlooking a Bird Sanctuary Near the Catskills Lists for $2.45 Million

A dramatic stone estate in Athens, NY, overlooking the Hudson River and abutting the Four-Mile Point Preserve bird sanctuary has recently hit the market for $2,450,000.

Built in 1997, the four-bedroom post-and-beam residence known as Four Mile River House sits on 1.62 acres of privacy, surrounded by tiered stone walls and a “cascading waterfall fountain.”

“The waterfront aspect is the most compelling feature of this property, but the stonework is also insanely beautiful,” says listing agent Anthony D’Argenzio of This Old Hudson Team at Houlihan Lawrence. “You can ride a boat to the property, and it’s surrounded by protected land, so it’s very private.”

Found throughout the 3,458-square-foot, jaw-dropping interior are hand-hewn beams, radiant heated stone floors quarried in South Africa, and two fireplaces.

“It has almost a Frank Lloyd Wright feel to it with the beams and scale, which is interesting for a home like this in the Hudson Valley,” says D’Argenzio.

A chef’s kitchen has custom cabinetry, a butler’s pantry, and a breakfast bar.

“The next buyer could use it as a primary or secondary residence as this neighborhood has a mix of both owners,” he notes.

A formal dining room has two sets of French doors that open to an oversized deck, providing waterfront views.

“It is not far from Hudson or Albany and is close to the train station, cultural attractions, restaurants, and skiing, so you have a year-round setup,” says D’Argenzio. “It was used as a part-time investment property when the sellers weren’t using it.”

Upstairs, a lavish primary suite with a fireplace has wide-plank wood flooring, a vaulted ceiling, access to a private terrace, and a spa-inspired bathroom with a jetted tub.

The property also has a third-floor crow’s nest designed for soaking in the stunning scenery, with its 360-degree views.

A finished lower level has a recreation room, a bedroom that could also be used as a home office, and French doors that open to a covered patio and beautifully landscaped grounds.

“The next buyer will be someone who appreciates water views and beautiful architecture,” he says. “I could see a creative or someone who loves the outdoors or someone looking for an income-producing property.”

With 250 feet of shoreline and “room to dock a boat,” along with a cliff, an in-ground pool, a private riverfront beach, and state land bordering two sides, the property could be used as a country retreat or vacation rental.

“It is very well sited and has an orchard with fruit trees, a grassy knoll that overlooks the water, and lookout points,” says D’Argenzio. “The grounds are incredible.”

Kellie Speed is a contributor to Realtor.com. As a writer and editor, she has worked for a variety of online and print publications, including Inked magazine, Jetset, Westchester magazine, JustLuxe, The Boston Globe, and U.S. Veterans Magazine. A Massachusetts native, Kellie attended Northeastern University for journalism, was previously the Boston editor for Haute Living, and contributed to Avalon Publishing’s Moon Metro Boston guidebook. Kellie writes celebrity profiles and covers restaurants, travel, and lifestyle.