Rockefeller's Hudson Pines Represented By Houlihan Lawrence

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY – For the first time, Hudson Pines, the Westchester residence of banker and philanthropist David Rockefeller is being offered for sale. Houlihan Lawrence has been named the exclusive listing brokerage for the property. Rockefeller died earlier this year at the age of 101.

The asking price is $22 million. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Throughout their 56-year marriage, Rockefeller and his late-wife Peggy raised six children between their New York City townhouse and this stunning country home, set high above the Hudson River with dramatic views of the river and landscape. The home was designed in 1938 by legendary architect Mott B. Schmidt, who had a working relationship with the Rockefellers for over 25 years and designed country estates for some of America’s most prominent families.

SEE ALSO: Rockefeller Estate Selling Off Cattle At Hudson Pines Farm

“This is a home of unparalleled provenance, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own classic American architecture where a true American visionary once lived,” said David Turner, the Houlihan Lawrence listing agent. “We consider it a privilege to represent Mr. Rockefeller’s estate in the sale of this iconic property.”

From Houlihan Lawrence:

Originally constructed for Rockefeller’s sister, Abby, he and his wife later acquired the home and renovated it for use as their family home. Years later, in 1970, he wrote a letter to Mr. Schmidt to thank him for his work. In the letter, he wrote the manse “could have been there for a couple of centuries rather than a few decades. It is both elegant and friendly, and fits perfectly into the landscape. I am happy ... to tell you once again how much we have enjoyed living in it during the past quarter century.”

Situated on 75 acres, Hudson Pines clearly embodies the many passions that defined Rockefeller and easily reflects his understated style, warmth and quality, a spokesman for Houlihan Lawrence said. The master of proportion, Schmidt’s brilliance in the design of the residence lies in the subtle restatement of his established formula of the classic. His architectural language is evident throughout the inviting and beautifully-appointed rooms, creating an unparalleled lifestyle that continues today. To many, it’s regarded among Schmidt’s finest work.

The main residence offers 11,000 square feet of living space across three levels. A gracious entry with Mott Schmidt’s signature floating staircase exemplifies timeless elegance. The living room overlooks the sweeping lawn followed by dramatic river views beyond, as does the dining room, with access to a private side terrace. Overlooking the gardens with a brick terrace, the library has a magnificent carved fireplace, separate office with fireplace and a full bath. In addition to the grand staircase, an elevator accesses the second floor which features a master wing with a private balcony, dual dressing galleries with fitted closets; and five bedrooms and five full baths. A third floor has an additional three bedrooms and three baths. A lower basement level includes a wine vault, hobby rooms and offices.

Surrounding the home are magnificent specimen gardens, broad lawns and arboretum-worthy woodlands, reminiscent of the creations of England’s Capability Brown. This is complemented with a round heated pool, a playhouse for gatherings of any age, a large carriage house, a three-bedroom gate house, six-stall barn with tack room and office, three greenhouses with potting benches and an office, a mature apple orchard and a private helipad.

“Much like his Manhattan townhouse, Mr. Rockefeller cherished his home in Pocantico Hills. The importance of this home in the context of his life is paramount,” said Anthony Cutugno, senior vice president of Houlihan Lawrence Private Brokerage. Turner added, “Hudson Pines represents the connection and collaboration between two icons, Mr. Rockefeller and Mr. Schmidt, which makes this such a special property.”

Hudson Pines, where the sun sets dramatically into darkness with no lights in evidence, is adjacent to the Rockefeller State Park, with over 30 miles of riding, walking and carriage trails. Steeped in provenance and never before offered for sale, Hudson Pines, only 45 minutes from New York City, is now on the market for $22 million.

Upon his death in March 2017, Rockefeller’s estate began to sell off his various real estate holdings, as well as his private art collection, with the proceeds benefiting charities. While Mr. Rockefeller is famous for his career in finance and diplomacy, he was most proud of his work as a philanthropist and preservationist, and was one of the first people to sign the Giving Pledge, whose signatories promise to dedicate the majority of their wealth to charity. His family also is central to the history of Pocantico Hills, founding the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, which features an educational center with offices, as well as the critically-acclaimed restaurant Blue Hill. Together these were established to promote sustainable, community-based food production.

Photos courtesy Houlihan Lawrence.