Savannah Delaney

401-645 Lake Delaware Drive

Bovina, NY
$ 14,000,000 Beds 9 Baths 9.5 Sq 7,000
Monthly Estimate* How much can I afford?

Built on the edge of a glorious 68 acre lake set in a high mountain valley in the scenic Catskill Mountains, the historic Lake Delaware Farm offers a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of a true American legacy that has been in continuous use by the same notable family since the 18th century. The Lake House, among the oldest buildings standing in Delaware County, offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of one of our nation's most notable, founding aristocratic families. In 1686, when most of the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains were wild, untamed land and home to several Native American tribes, the English crown granted a large tract of 160,000 acres to Robert Livingston the Founder, making him Lord of the Manor. Livingston Manor with their family seat known as Clermont, made up much of what is now Dutchess and Columbia counties along the Hudson River. The family grew and thrived there for centuries, expanding the lineage and fortune through enterprise and marriages, and lining the banks of the river with their glorious homes where they could admire ''their mountains'' across the water. With the Hardenbergh patent of 1708 Queen Anne of England bestowed a vast 2,000,000 acre land grant, essentially the entirety of the Catskill Mountain range, on seven loyal and valued subjects. By 1740 the Livingstons of Clermont had acquired one fifth of the Hardenberg Patent which would be distributed to the children of Robert Livingston ''The Judge'' after his death. Gertrude Livingston received her gift of 20,000 acres in the same year that she married Col. Morgan Lewis, who served as an important General in Washington's army during the Revolution and went on to serve as the Governor of New York, as well as a Supreme Court Justice and Attorney General for New York State in the early federal period. He was dear friends with the likes of The Marquis de Lafayette, Alexander Hamilton and General Washington, whom his brother in law Chancellor Robert Livingston swore in as President. The centerpiece of Gertrude's acreage was the magnificent Lake Delaware, where she and Morgan Lewis built themselves the original Lake House circa1787, four years after the treaty to end the Revolutionary War was signed. This would be a special summer destination for the family since Gertrude already had inherited vast tracts of land from her mother Margaret Beekman Livingston, both in Rhinebeck and Staatsburg, in a home that in its present incarnation we know as The Mills Mansion. Their granddaughter Julia Delafield writes of Lake Delaware in her 19th Century biography of Lewis: ''General Lewis was attached to this estate. It was about 60 miles west of the Hudson...At one end of the lake, separated from it by a sloping lawn, he had erected by the mechanics of the estate a well-planned and extremely pretty mansion in the Grecian Style of architecture'' Now two generations later Delafield writes ''The Grecian villa is quadrupled in size, it is a charming summer retreat and has never been visited by pestilence'' The landscape of this more than 1600 acre parcel being offered- spanning across the towns of Delhi and Bovina-is exquisite, with rolling hills, meadows, old growth forests and open vistas out onto the mountain peaks. The valley is elevated far above sea level providing a crisp and refreshingly cool climate. One approaches The Lake House via a long winding driveway that snakes its way up the hill and is lined with fine, historic rock walls interrupted here and there by standing stones, framing out delicate iron gates. After passing various barns and outbuildings, one arrives at the top of the hill where the enormous structure of The Lake House and the stunning view across the lawn to Lake Delaware is revealed. Shaking off the English influence after the Revolutionary war, the Lewises styled their new home on the monumental architecture of ancient Rome and Greece. The entry portico of the original portion of the home, with its Built on the edge of a glorious 68 acre lake set in a high mountain valley in the scenic Catskill Mountains, the historic Lake Delaware Farm offers a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of a true American legacy that has been in continuous use by the same notable family since the 18th century. The Lake House, among the oldest buildings standing in Delaware County, offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of one of our nation's most notable, founding aristocratic families. In 1686, when most of the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains were wild, untamed land and home to several Native American tribes, the English crown granted a large tract of 160,000 acres to Robert Livingston the Founder, making him Lord of the Manor. Livingston Manor with their family seat known as Clermont, made up much of what is now Dutchess and Columbia counties along the Hudson River. The family grew and thrived there for centuries, expanding the lineage and fortune through enterprise and marriages, and lining the banks of the river with their glorious homes where they could admire "their mountains" across the water. With the Hardenbergh patent of 1708 Queen Anne of England bestowed a vast 2,000,000 acre land grant, essentially the entirety of the Catskill Mountain range, on seven loyal and valued subjects. By 1740 the Livingstons of Clermont had acquired one fifth of the Hardenberg Patent which would be distributed to the children of Robert Livingston "The Judge" after his death. Gertrude Livingston received her gift of 20,000 acres in the same year that she married Col. Morgan Lewis, who served as an important General in Washington's army during the Revolution and went on to serve as the Governor of New York, as well as a Supreme Court Justice and Attorney General for New York State in the early federal period. He was dear friends with the likes of The Marquis de Lafayette, Alexander Hamilton and General Washington, whom his brother in law Chancellor Robert Livingston swore in as President. The centerpiece of Gertrude's acreage was the magnificent Lake Delaware, where she and Morgan Lewis built themselves the original Lake House circa1787, four years after the treaty to end the Revolutionary War was signed. This would be a special summer destination for the family since Gertrude already had inherited vast tracts of land from her mother Margaret Beekman Livingston, both in Rhinebeck and Staatsburg, in a home that in its present incarnation we know as The Mills Mansion. Their granddaughter Julia Delafield writes of Lake Delaware in her 19th Century biography of Lewis: "General Lewis was attached to this estate. It was about 60 miles west of the Hudson...At one end of the lake, separated from it by a sloping lawn, he had erected by the mechanics of the estate a well-planned and extremely pretty mansion in the Grecian Style of architecture" Now two generations later Delafield writes "The Grecian villa is quadrupled in size, it is a charming summer retreat and has never been visited by pestilence" The landscape of this more than 1600 acre parcel being offered- spanning across the towns of Delhi and Bovina-is exquisite, with rolling hills, meadows, old growth forests and open vistas out onto the mountain peaks. The valley is elevated far above sea level providing a crisp and refreshingly cool climate. One approaches The Lake House via a long winding driveway that snakes its way up the hill and is lined with fine, historic rock walls interrupted here and there by standing stones, framing out delicate iron gates. After passing various barns and outbuildings, one arrives at the top of the hill where the enormous structure of The Lake House and the stunning view across the lawn to Lake Delaware is revealed. Shaking off the English influence after the Revolutionary war, the Lewises styled their new home on the monumental architecture of ancient Rome and Greece. The entry portico of the original portion of the home, with its four massive, two story, smooth Doric columns, runs the entire length of the front façade. On the underside of the portico there are three unique sloping barrel shaped soffits that frame the second story windows, and taper in a fan shape towards the front. A smooth and continuous flat entablature and unadorned cornice sits atop the columns at the base of a sloping roofline, interrupted only by the dormer windows of the attic bunk room. Once inside the center hall, one finds an unusual carved spiral stair, with two lovely sun filled 18th Century parlor rooms on either side. From the center hall the rooms spill out into later 19th Century additions with handsome details throughout, such as the fine paneling and ceiling tracery in the dining room , handsome marble fireplace mantels, original hardwood moldings and intricate inlaid floors. There are eight large scaled bedrooms in total, all boasting baths en-suite, plus a bunk room on the attic floor with its own bath with double showers and sinks, ready for the ultimate slumber party. Additionally there is a large contemporary eat in kitchen, a grand back stair with arched openings on either side, a family room, butler's pantry, mud room, laundry room and bar on the ground floor as well as an elevator to the second floor bedrooms. The home has the warm feel of a grand country inn- impressive in its scale yet very comfortable by our modern day standards. One can feel the presence of the generations of distinguished family members- the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the decorated military men, the Senators, Justices, and Gilded Age barons that have called this place home over the centuries. As impressive as the house is, it is the Lake itself that casts a spell on all who visit and it is no wonder this family would make such an arduous journey in the days of horseback and carriages. Fresh, bracing and crystal clear, the lake begs one to dive in for a swim, or to take your pick of vessels in the historic boat house and row to your hearts content. Looking out over the lake, perfectly situated on a hill across the way, stands Aknusti, another home once held by the family. Family lore holds that "Aknusti" is a Native American term meaning "expensive proposition"a fitting name for what was, at the time, an ambitious and lavish undertaking. The grand Georgian-style colonial mansion was designed by renowned New York architect Thomas Hastings, while the estate's sweeping grounds were sculpted by the prestigious landscape firm of Frederick Law Olmsted. On the 1600+ acre parcel of Lake Delaware Farm there is another remarkable remnant of days gone by. Ancrum was originally a 200-acre parcel named in honor of the small Scottish village where the first Lord Robert Livingston was born. There, a family member erected an English-style manor house with extraordinary views out over the valley and elaborate formal gardens designed by the renowned landscape architect, Fletcher Steele. Although the house is gone, many of Steele's structural elements still stand along with a lovely statue of a seated Diana, beckoning you to imagine the gardens in their original splendor or to venture out into the overgrowth in a Secret Garden like search for what else could be discovered. Surrounded by charming towns, farms and awe inspiring natural landscape, Lake Delaware Farm was designed as a refined summer retreat, blending elegant architecture and pastoral beauty. At its peak, the estate encompassed thousands of acres, with a mansion, working farms, stables, and even a private chapelevoking the romance and scale of an English manor. The estate holds the secrets of the history of the Hudson Valley, New York State and the Revolution that gave birth to the Constitution of the United States. Rich in history and character, Lake Delaware remains a captivating echo of aristocratic rural life, ideal for a bucolic compound or a once in a ten generation investment opportunity.

Active

  • Price
  • $ 14,000,000
  • City
  • Bovina
  • Bedrooms
  • 9
  • Full Bathrooms
  • 9
  • County
  • Delaware
  • Half Bathrooms
  • 1
  • Area
  • Bovina
  • Lot Size
  • 1600 Acres
  • Zip
  • 13740
  • Sqr Footage
  • 7,000
  • Year Built
  • 1787
  • Taxes
  • $ 85430
  • Style
  • Greek Revival
  • MLS#
  • 20253829
Listed By: Norah Burden with Brown Harris Stevens.
Data Source: Ulster County MLS

Features

General

Sewer Septic Tank
Heating Oil
Cooling Central Air
Utilities Electricity Connected,Phone Connected,Propane
Appliances Water Heater,Washer/Dryer,Washer,Vented Exhaust Fan,Stainless Steel Appliance(s),Self Cleaning Oven,Refrigerator,Range Hood,Microwave,Freezer,Exhaust Fan,Electric Water Heater,Dryer,Dishwasher,Built-In Refrigerator,Built-In Range,Built-In Gas Range
Garage Spaces 8
Patio/Porch Features Covered,Deck,Front Porch,Patio,Porch,Terrace
Architectural Style Greek Revival
Security Features Carbon Monoxide Detector(s),Smoke Detector(s)
Year Built 1787
View Lake,Mountain(s),Panoramic,Water
Township Bovina
Levels Tri-Level
Property Subtype Single Family Residence
County Delaware
New Construction false
Property Type Residential
Attached Garage false
Garage Y/N true
Other Structures Barn(s),Boat House,Garage(s),Guest House,Outbuilding,Residence,Second Residence,Stable(s),Storage,Other
Total Rooms 19
Full Baths 9
Status Active
City Bovina
High School District Other
MLS Area Bovina
Lot Size Units Acres
Lot Size Square Feet 69696000
Elementary School Other
Tax Annual Amount 85430
MLS Area Minor Bovina
Structure Type House
Standard Status Active
Tax Assessed Value 780796
Tax Lot 1
Legal Description Horse farm, private forest
New Construction false

Interior Features

Interior Amenities Bar,Bookcases,Ceiling Fan(s),Crown Molding,Double Vanity,Eat-in Kitchen,Elevator,Entrance Foyer,Granite Counters,High Ceilings,High Speed Internet,Kitchen Island,Natural Woodwork,Pantry,Recessed Lighting,Storage
Basement Daylight,Exterior Entry,Finished,Full,Interior Entry,Storage Space,Walk-Out Access
Flooring Ceramic Tile,Wood
Total Fireplaces 6
Fireplace Features Wood Burning
Basement (Y/N) true
Air Conditioning Y/N true
Heating Y/N true
Fireplace Y/N true
Above Grade Finished Area 7000
Half Baths 1
Laundry Features Laundry Room
Total Bedrooms 9
Below Grade Finished Area 3000
Total Baths 10

Exterior Features

Parking Features Boat,Enclosed,Additional Parking
Lot Features Lake on Lot,Agricultural,Landscaped,Pasture,Private,Secluded,Views,Wooded,See Remarks
Water Source Well
Lot Size Area 1600
Foundation Details Stone
Building Area Total 7000
Lot Size Acres 1600
Road Surface Type Gravel
Frontage Type Lakefront
Road Frontage Type County Road

Amenities

  • Foreclosure
  • Views
  • Short Sale
  • New Construction
  • Adult 55+
  • Lease To Own
  • No HOA Fees
  • Furnished
  • Primary On Main
  • Air Conditioning
  • Seller Finance
  • Green
  • Fixer Upper
  • Horse
  • Golf
  • Fireplace
  • Deck
  • Garage
  • Basement
  • Pool

Affordability Calculator

$3,786

Per Month

Based on the average sale price from the ATHENS, NY office

  • Monthly Principal & interest $2,658
  • Monthly Property Taxes $1,062
  • Monthly Home Insurance $67
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Default based on a 30-year fixed rate of 6.49% with 20% down. The estimated payment is offered for convenience and is not an offer of credit. Due to market fluctuations, interest rates are subject to change at any time and without notice. Your individual rate may vary. Rates may differ for FHA, VA, or jumbo loans.

Mortgage calculator provided courtesy of Inside Real Estate.

Schools

Elementary School Other Elementary School
Middle School Unknown Middle School
High School Unknown High School

Price History

1/13/2026 Listed $14,000,000

Property vs Zip Code Average in 13740

Price
AVG $4.16M
$14M
Taxes
AVG $26,880
$85,430
Year Built
AVG 1935
1787

Areas That We Cover

401-645 Lake Delaware Drive Bovina, NY is a Single Family Home for sale at $14000000 with 7000 sqft and a lot size of 1600 Acres Acre(s). 401-645 Lake Delaware Drive Bovina has 9 bedrooms, 9 baths and was built in 1787. The property's zip code is 13740 which is in Bovina, NY

*Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Financial calculator disclaimer: Default based on a 30-year fixed rate of 6.49% with 20% down. The estimated payment is offered for convenience and is not an offer of credit. Due to market fluctuations, interest rates are subject to change at any time and without notice. Your individual rate may vary. Rates may differ for FHA, VA or jumbo loans.

Mortgage calculator provided courtesy of Inside Real Estate.

All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed, and should be independently verified. The real estate information and related content displayed on this site is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.

Savannah Delaney

Savannah Delaney

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

518-253-1506

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