Historic House Spotlight: Grand View Farm, Selkirk, NY
It is not often that we highlight historic homes, but when we laid eyes on this one, we could not help ourselves! Welcome home to Grand View Farm (1322 River Rd). Located in the hamlet of Selkirk in the town of Bethlehem, New York. This property belonged to descendants of the Baker family for many generations!
Set back off River Rd, the home is perched above rolling fields and provides lovely eastern sunrise views, with the Hudson River in the distance. Scenic Hudson has conserved this view shed, and currently seeks a purchaser for this historic property, which adjoins conservation land.
The imposing Italianate style architecture is demonstrated prominently by the tall narrow windows rounded at the top, the front tower, and deep overhanging eaves with extensive brackets. A partial front porch wraps around the side and is adjacent to an elaborate bi-level rear porch facing East.
At this time, there is some uncertainty surrounding the build date of this home. A 1968 Inventory form on file with the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation identifies this resource as the “Jacob Baker Homestead”. At one time, a New York State Education Department Historical Marker was placed at this site, but its location is unknown. The marker indicated the farm was settled in 1791 by Joab Baker of Connecticut. Further research is underway to determine if Grand View Farm and the Jacob (or Joab) Baker Homestead are in fact both referencing this structure. That research and an in-depth inspection of the building structure might offer clues as to whether it dates from the late 18th century or if it may have been constructed later.
Despite being vacant for some time, this home retains much historic character and displays a quality of craftsmanship that is unparalleled. The property is currently seeking an owner who can invest a substantial amount of work to return it to its former glory. View the listing. It is being offered subject to deed restrictions and the seller will evaluate offers based in part on the degree to which purchaser plans to restore the property.
The Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation previously determined this property eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Preservation and it is located in a qualifying census tract for the state rehabilitation tax credit programs.
Did you Know?
The front and rear porches have ceilings painted in haint blue. Based in Southern tradition, haint blue is said to ward off spirits. So good news, there!