40 Morton, Rhinebeck

Stonecrest on the Hudson is a stunningly designed home on 16 inspiringly landscaped acres with extensive views of the river and the Catskills. A creation of stone, metal, and glass, the home, though imposing, inhabits its environment with seamless grace and is curated for comfort and meditative living. Many exquisite features make Stonecrest one-of-a-kind, impossible to duplicate. Upon approach, visitors notice the striking geometric roof lines and large portico. Inside, the home is open to light and nature through windows and soaring walls of glass. In the great room, forty-foot ceilings, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace surround, and curved transoms atop doors and windows make entry into Stonecrest a breathtaking experience. At the same time, there are many private spots for contemplation and quiet reflection that balance the grandeur of this remarkable home.

In the south wing are a chef's kitchen with butler's pantry and a formal dining room that opens to a bluestone terrace. Top of the line appliances, honed granite countertops, and double sinks and dishwashers ensure that anything can happen in this room, from an afternoon snack to a formal dinner for 30 people. The butler's pantry has a second subzero refrigerator, a wine cooler, and sink. Also on this side of the house is an all-season sitting room and a mud room with its own covered portico for deliveries and access to the 3-car garage.

On the north end of the home is a hallway art gallery, a private deck, an en suite guest bedroom, and best of all, a hidden library awaiting behind a secret door, with floor to ceiling windows, a fireplace, access to a private bluestone patio, and views of the river.

The second floor can be reached by one of two gracious open stairways. A wide walkway that overlooks the great room extends the length of this second level. At one end is the primary suite that includes a private deck, a walk-through closet with separate dressing rooms and vanity space, and a spacious bathroom with jacuzzi and glass-bricked shower. The primary bedroom has windows on both sides with views of the river and sloping lawns. Next door is a second en suite bedroom that could also serve as a sitting room, den, or office.

At the south side of the second story are two more en suite bedrooms, a media room, and entrance to an apartment annex with an open concept kitchen and living space, bedroom, and full bath. Perfect for employees or guests, this cozy space can be accessed from the back staircase for added privacy.

On the lowest floor, a walk-out basement, an enormous space for creative pursuits, has easy access from inside or outside the home. Ample windows, a surround-sound system, and generous storage make this area versatile and convenient. Also on this level is a theater room and a second laundry/utility room.

This property as it exists today cannot be recreated. For example, directly above the Hudson River, there is a resort-style saltwater swimming pool with stone pool house that includes a full kitchen and gathering space. Current zoning laws do not permit this kind of design nowadays.

Countless stunning gems throughout the property include a reflecting pool with firepit and river views, an amphitheater facing the Hudson, a quarter-mile spiral labyrinth with stone paths divided by wild thyme, and a Koi-stocked pond with falling water. Seating areas dot the edge of the property above the river where spending hours watching the ships go by becomes a tranquil act of meditation.

Though the home is an easy distance from charming Hudson Valley towns like Rhinebeck and a one-minute drive to the Rhinecliff Amtrak station, Stonecrest on the Hudson is as private and lost to time as an enchanted kingdom.