Pine Needles- A Hudson River Waterfront Estate

Welcome to “Pine Needles”, home to former New York Governor John Alden Dix. Rare opportunity to own this magnificent property which was built circa 1888 and includes a very private 5+ acres with 220’ of direct frontage on the Hudson River. This would make a wonderful family estate or second home and also has potential for many uses including a corporate retreat or a Bed & Breakfast.

Situated on the East side of the Hudson River in picturesque Washington County, the property offers abundant privacy and features 6,900+ square feet of living space. The main house is currently setup with an owner’s quarters along with 4 separate spaces providing rental income. There is an additional 3 car carriage house with a 2BR apartment on the second level with a private deck overlooking the river.

This property is rich in history and has evolved over the years. The grounds were used by the British during the Revolutionary War. During the Summer/Fall of 1777, General Burgoyne’s army with over 7,000 people, found themselves stranded on the East side of the river. They were unable to cross the waters due to the inability to build a traditional bridge because of the strong currents. It was in this general location that Burgoyne’s “Bridge of Boats” was built. Boats were used to create a floating bridge that spanned the river. Wooden beams were laid across and planks set to make a roadway for crossing. This allowed men, artillery, animals and supplies to cross the Hudson River, only to face defeat at the Battle of Saratoga, a major turning point in the Revolutionary War. The roadbed that was cut into the riverbank that led to the bridge is located on this property and continues to provide Pine Needles owners’ access to the river.

Governor John Alden Dix, whom owned the estate had served as the 38th Governor of New York State from 1911-1913. A native of Glens Falls, Dix attended Cornell University before becoming active in several of his family’s business ventures. He later expanded into the lumber and paper industries becoming quite successful. Dix was a Progressive and his term was largely concerned with workplace safety in the wake of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in Manhattan. He
successfully advocated state legislation that improved workplace fire safety regulations and building codes. While in office, he also oversaw the passage of a law limiting work weeks to 54 hours.

In 1963, Pine Needles became the home of the Schuyler Preparatory Academy, an all-boys private school. This boy’s boarding school was designed with high academic standards and attracted students from outside of the community. The old basketball and tennis courts remain on the grounds today. In 1976, a fire caused damage to the property (mainly on the second floor) and the school utilized another building further down the road, known as Thomson District #10, as auxiliary schoolhouse space.

While this property is quite private situated on 5+ acres, it is wonderfully located just steps to the Dix Bridge which connects Washington and Saratoga Counties. This beautiful bridge was rebuilt and reopened in 2013. It allows pedestrians to cross the river and have access to Hudson Crossing Park, a unique recreation and educational destination featuring walking trails, children’s play garden, Champlain Canal Lock 5, and picnic pavilion. A truly beautiful space to enjoy your daily walks and take in gorgeous views of the Hudson River.

Pine Needles is currently used as a private residence with income generating apartments. While it does need work, it has so much potential and so many possibilities! Wonderfully located in the quaint town of Greenwich in picturesque Washington County, you are a short drive to many other cities and attractions:

Greenwich Main St (variety of shops, cafes and restaurants)- 10 min
Saratoga National Historical Park- 20 min
Saratoga Springs, NY- 20 min
Skidmore College- 25 min
Willard Mountain- 20 min
West Mountain- 30 min
Glens Falls, NY- 25 min
Lake George, NY- 30 min
Albany International Airport- 45 min
Manchester, VT- 50 min
New York City- 3 hours and 40 min
Montreal, Canada- 3 hours and 10 min
Many major Vermont ski mountains- just over 1 hr

Details

Property ID
750037

8
Bedrooms

7.5
Bathrooms

Square Footage
6961

Lot Size
5.13

Year Built
1888

Style
Other

Property Website