The New York Key

10/03/2025

🤯 HISTORY ALERT! THIS HOUSE HAS STORIES—AND MAYBE ROLLING SKILLS! 🤯

This magnificent 6,200 sq. ft. Country French architectural gem was built in 1880. Why is that year important? Because around the 1890s, when NYC decided to build a new reservoir, the entire village of Old Katonah—including the area near Cherry Street—was condemned to be flooded!

Instead of letting their beloved homes sink, the residents did the unthinkable: They hoisted over 50 buildings onto soaped rollers and moved the entire village a half-mile away, pulled by horses! We can't confirm this specific mansion rolled to its current location, but it certainly belongs to a town that was literally a "Village on the Move"!

Step into the past, with all the modern luxury:
*🔥 Warm Up: Forget one fireplace—this home boasts SEVEN original fireplaces (including dual marble ones in the ballroom!).
* 🍾 Party Time: A sprawling Ballroom Living Room and a Prep/Party Kitchen with high-end Wolf appliances mean you're ready for any soiree.
* ✨ Details, Details: Find beautiful original details like inlaid hardwood floors, Tiffany-ceramic fireplaces, and custom Eastlake design millwork.
* 👑 Outdoor Oasis: 1.6 acres of private grounds featuring a beautiful Victorian gazebo and a large, ready-to-go pool site.

Don't miss your chance to own a piece of Katonah's one-of-a-kind history, completely restored to its original 1880 grandeur!

📍 162 Cherry Street, Katonah, NY
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/162-Cherry-Street-Katonah-NY-10536/33007534_zpid/?utm_campaign=iosappmessage&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=txtshare

10/02/2025

Did you know the oldest house in New York wasn't saved by a wealthy benefactor, but by its own massive family tree? 🤯

The Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House Museum isn't just a Dutch farmhouse—it's a landmark of perseverance!

🏡 A Quick History Lesson:
* The Original: Built in 1652 by founder Pieter Claesen Wyckoff and his wife Grietje Van Ness-Wyckoff after Pieter arrived on the ship Renselaerwyck in 1637 (he was listed as being from Norden, East Friesland)
* The Save: Facing demolition in 1937, a large group of descendants—the Wyckoff cousins—banded together to purchase and preserve their ancestral home! How's that for a family reunion?
* The First: Thanks to their efforts, the house was designated the very first official historic landmark in New York City in 1965.
* The Resurgence: After surviving a fire in the 1970s and being restored in the 80s, the house opened as a public museum in 2001.

But the family connection is still going strong! Today, the Wyckoff Museum keeps the cousin community connected with a dedicated family genealogist and even monthly "Cousins Community Calls" on Zoom! Talk about a historical family that knows how to adapt.

Come visit the site that's been standing since the 17th century! 👇

📍 5816 Clarendon Road, Brooklyn, NY
https://wyckoffmuseum.org

10/01/2025

History Meets "Hello, Beautiful!" 👋

Own a piece of New York history without sacrificing an ounce of modern comfort! The magnificent 1830-built estate at 9523 Main St in Holland Patent is on the National Register of Historic Places, but it lives like a dream home today.

✨ Timeless Elegance, Modern Luxury:
* Historic Charm: The stately limestone exterior and preserved original hardwood floors whisper stories of a time before the famous local stone churches were built.
* Modern Flow: Be captivated by soaring cathedral ceilings and an expansive, bright open-concept layout—a truly rare find in a home from 1830!
* Upgraded Comfort: Enjoy a cozy evening by the new modern fireplace or relax in one of the tastefully updated bathrooms.
* Space for Everyone: With 6 thoughtfully sized bedrooms (including a private 3rd-floor retreat!), this home offers ultimate flexibility for family, guests, and home offices.

🌌Your Private Escape:
This is more than a beautiful house—it's a sanctuary! Step outside to a lush, wooded lot with the calming sound of a stream. You can:
* Sip coffee on your private balcony.
* Host friends around the custom firepit for cozy evenings under the stars.
* Savor the beautiful park views from your windows!

Don't just visit history—live in it. This is where old-world craftsmanship and modern convenience blend in perfect harmony.

🔗 Click for more stunning photos and details!
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/9523-Main-St-Holland-Patent-NY-13354/31605954_zpid/

09/30/2025

🏰 Experience the Legendary Charm of Belhurst Castle on Seneca Lake!

Dive into the captivating history of Belhurst Castle! This stunning Romanesque Revival-style stone mansion was built between 1885 and 1889 by Mrs. Carrie M. Young Harron. She spared no expense, importing Medina sandstone for the structure.
Beyond its grand architecture, the castle is steeped in intrigue and legend! It's listed on the National Register of Historic Properties, but its past includes rumors of underground tunnels, use as a speakeasy and gambling casino during Prohibition, and tales of resident ghosts—most famously, the beautiful Italian opera singer Isabella, who is said to haunt the grounds in search of her forbidden lover.

🍇 Winery & Tastings: Step into the modern era and enjoy the delights of the Belhurst Estate Winery and Gift Shop. Savor a relaxed tasting overlooking the lake, featuring their award-winning wines, craft beer, and hard cider. It's the perfect stop on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail!

🛏️ Lodging & Luxury: Extend your stay in historic splendor! Belhurst offers three distinct hotels: the unique, period-style Chambers in the Castle, the modern and elegant Vinifera Inn, and the serene White Springs Manor just a short drive away.

💍 Weddings: With its fairytale setting, the castle is a premier lakefront wedding venue, offering a truly unforgettable backdrop for ceremonies and receptions.

Plan your visit to this legendary landmark on the shores of Seneca Lake!

09/30/2025

Welcome to The New York Key, your essential guide to unlocking the rich tapestry of homes and history across the Empire State! Whether you're a real estate enthusiast, a history buff, or someone searching for their next property in New York, our page will offer a unique blend of captivating historical narratives and current market opportunities. We delve into the stories behind some of New York's iconic residences, from charming upstate farmhouses to bustling city brownstones, revealing the architectural heritage and cultural significance that shaped them.

At The New York Key, we believe every property has a story to tell. Our mission is to connect you with these tales, offering insights into the lives lived within these walls and the eras they represent. Beyond history, we provide up-to-date information on homes and commercial spaces for sale across New York, making it easier for you to find a piece of this extraordinary state to call your own. Consider us your personal entry into discovering New York's past and securing your future.

Follow our page to explore stunning properties, uncover fascinating historical facts, and stay informed about the dynamic real estate landscape of New York State. From the Adirondacks to the Hamptons, and from bustling Manhattan to serene Finger Lakes, The New York Key opens doors to the diverse and vibrant world of New York real estate and its enduring legacy.

07/15/2014

It's true.

Got a local business? Give yourself a plug below!
-Tim