3951 viewsBy Sean David Turner, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
One of the things I love about being a real estate agent is making new discoveries—be they properties, designs, or neighborhoods. Recently, I helped clients sell their Upper East Side duplex. They were so happy with the result that they insisted I speak with their grandson and his wife, who were developing older homes in a small village called Tuxedo Park, located just over 43 miles from the heart of Manhattan.
When I visited a home he was working on, I was immediately struck by the picturesque setting. One of the first things I that came to mind was how much Tuxedo Park felt like a quaint, European lakeside village. After visiting, I knew I wanted to help sell the home. Frankly, I was looking for any excuse to spend more time in this wonderful area. I reached out to my colleague, Anne Prosser, as she has lived in Tuxedo Park and I knew it would be a fun project for us to work on together.
Tuxedo Park was co-founded and developed by Pierre Lorillard IV in 1885. Lorillard, an esteemed tobacco tycoon known for his love of hunting and thoroughbred horse racing, planned the village to be a private hunting and fishing resort for the social elite, complete with 15 lavish “cottages” circling Tuxedo Lake.
The resort also included a clubhouse, which would host elaborate balls throughout the year. At one ball in 1886, Lorillard donned a new style of men’s formalwear that had yet to be seen, which left quite the impression on guests. Thus, the tuxedo was born.
Lorillard developed Tuxedo Park’s homes to compliment, rather than supplant, the natural beauty of the area. Rock formations and natural trees were favored over the uniform, manicured gardens that were popular at the time.
The home we had the pleasure of selling was 130 Continental Road, one of the original “cottages” built by Lorillard for his family. The stately, lakeside home is framed by natural rock formations and features impeccably maintained, original architectural details.
“Tuxedo Park is a tranquil gem just one hour from New York, but that feels almost like it could be in Austria and a century earlier. The 1892 Lorillard cottage at 130 Continental Road is a spectacular example of the fine spacious houses found there, perfect for family gatherings and peaceful country relaxation.” – Anne Prosser, Brown Harris Stevens Agent
Inside, the 5,721 square-foot home’s modern updates shine. Clean, white walls with built-ins and crown moldings give each living space an open, airy, and elegant feel.
There are plenty of original interior design details included, as seen here in this welcoming dining room.
Outside, a finished patio with an outdoor fireplace offers an ideal space for entertaining and birdwatching.
The home is a shining example of what the oft-overlooked Tuxedo Park can offer. With train service to Penn Station and a convenient commute to the heart of Manhattan, it’s an ideal location for anyone looking for an alternative to other, more-trafficked areas in the New York Metro Area.
Tuxedo Park residents enjoy access to world-class golf, tennis, boating, and numerous winter sports and activities.
If you are looking to learn more about Tuxedo Park and explore available homes in the area, please do not hesitate to reach out to Anne or myself. If you’re like me, you’ll undoubtedly feel you’ve made an amazing discovery.
