Farmhouses in the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley – Airbnb/Real Estate Photography by Maxwell Alexander, Alluvion Media
Farmhouses in the Catskill Mountains were built to withstand the extreme winter weather and rugged landscape, and are architecturally different from other farmhouses around the country. The majority of farmhouses are either vernacular structures or have been designed using the Farmhouse Style, which was popularized by architect Andrew Jackson Downing in his 1842 book The Architecture of Country Houses. Those early farmhouses still dot the rolling hills of New York’s Hudson Valley, giving an authentic feel to modern-day farm life in America’s most iconic region.
Rustic Details
The Hudson Valley is filled with picturesque villages, where quaint houses are nestled between rolling hills and babbling brooks. Many people know these idyllic farmhouses as Farmhouse Style, which uses distinct details to create an inviting retreat for rural families. But with a new generation of urban dwellers looking for a lifestyle change, upstate New York is starting to see an increase in its population of city slickers seeking out more pastoral environments. They’re looking for open-air porches, outdoor fireplaces, and big windows. To accommodate these new residents—and still retain that classic upstate feel—Hudson Valley builders have begun incorporating Catskill Mountain design elements into their projects.
Modern Farmhouse Design
Farmhouse style—classic farmhouses that have been modernized, with hints of rustic style and simple elegance—is a very popular home decorating trend. This look is found throughout upstate New York’s Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains region. The idea behind farmhouse design is to achieve an industrial-strength look without sacrificing any comfort or convenience. A modern farmhouse combines indoor and outdoor living spaces seamlessly, often connecting them with open floor plans. However, features such as weathered wood, stone, metal accents, and colorful pops of color keep a space from feeling too cold or harsh.
Barns and Outbuildings
If you’re traveling upstate to visit Hudson Valley farmhouses, keep an eye out for barns and other outbuildings as you drive. These structures—which include silos, grain mills, tool sheds, potato cellars, and even a few 19th-century factories—were built during a time when farms were essential to thriving communities. Many of these secondary buildings have been converted into homes (called Farmhouse Style) or commercial uses that complement modern lifestyle needs. Consider visiting one of these relics of times past on your next trip to see Hudson Valley farmhouses!
Farmhouses are becoming a more popular design choice, as you can see from their popularity on Houzz. The Hudson Valley is famous for its beautiful scenery and fantastic architecture—all of which have influenced several farmhouse design choices in the area. These inspirational spaces will help get your imagination going for your own farmhouse makeover. If you need any help with designing or renovating your home, contact Smith Design & Remodeling today!
If you are looking for more photo galleries of Hudson Valley farmhouses and more, log on to alluvionmedia.com/
