About 88 Mac Brown Road
Welcome to Mac Brown Waterhouse, a storied 119-acre estate set within a hidden valley offering complete seclusion and timeless beauty. The original 1830s farmhouse is tucked away at the end of a private lane in Claverack, NY, where the road terminates in a round gravel driveway anchored by the property's original stone well. Two large ponds grace the land, one directly in front of the house that is aerated and swimmable. Sited among meadows and mature woodlands, the main house, upgraded barn, and charming studio shed are framed by terraced stonework, a network of trails, and thoughtfully designed gardens. The setting is peaceful, restorative, and deeply connected to the land, yet only a short drive to both Hudson and Great Barrington.
The antique farmhouse offers four bedrooms and two bathrooms across 2,825 square feet, where original details like moldings, wood floors, and Dutch doors preserve its old-world charm. A generous double living room and an office nook outfitted with Vitsoe modular shelving, lead to a bright dining area, kitchen, and direct access to the patios and gardens. The layout encourages an easy indoor-outdoor rhythm, with covered porches, and multiple terraces for lounging, cooking, or gathering. Two staircases rise to the upper-level bedrooms, where the southern exposure fills each room with light, and the attic has been insulated to improve year-round comfort. Throughout the home an intentional color palette lends softness and cohesion. The overall design brings together European sensibility and Hudson Valley character, balancing utility with ease, warmth, and quiet sophistication.
Across the garden sits a fully insulated, historic barn that has been transformed into a large-scale creative studio, complete with a bathroom with a clawfoot tub, kitchenette, updated electrical and HVAC. A detached potting shed offers another versatile space, ideal as a garden studio, writer's nook, or future guest cottage. It's connected to an outdoor bath deck that invites restorative soaks beneath the stars with its fireplace, clawfoot tub, and outdoor shower. Next to the house, a carport with EV charging and a full-property generator ensures comfort and continuity year-round.
The primary pond is the centerpiece of the property—aerated, swimmable, and bordered by a pebble beach and firepit. It's ideal for swimming, birdwatching, or evening gatherings. Cranes, herons, and even bald eagle sightings make it a birdwatching paradise. Terraced gardens by The Secret Gardener surround the home with a cottage-style blend of flowering plants, herbs and vegetables. Rewilded fields and meadows lead to two miles of maintained trails through native grasses and towering trees. The land qualifies for a forestry exemption and includes multiple cleared areas, offering potential for a guest house, horses, or even a helipad. Whether hosting music on the lawn, harvesting from the garden, or watching the changing sky reflect in the pond, Mac Brown Waterhouse is a rare legacy estate and true sanctuary.
