322 Arcadia Drive, Ancramdale

There are plenty of beautiful homes in the Hudson Valley. Far fewer offer a setting--and a lifestyle--like this.

Set directly on the lake in one of the area's premier private communities, this architect-designed contemporary offers beautiful water views from nearly every room, abundant natural light, and something increasingly hard to find: the pleasures of owning a country home without many of the usual responsibilities that come with maintaining one.

Designed by architect Steve Haas, the 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home was created to embrace its waterfront setting. Walls of glass frame the lake throughout the main living spaces, while each bedroom features its own en suite bath, including a first-floor bedroom suite ideal for guests or convenient one-level living.

At the heart of the home is a dramatic cathedral-ceiling living room with a wood-burning fireplace, expansive windows, and generous space for entertaining. The adjoining dining area and granite kitchen create an easy, open flow for everyday living and gatherings with friends, all with the lake as a backdrop.

The large screened porch overlooking the water may quickly become the favorite room in the house. It's the perfect place for morning coffee, summer dinners, entertaining friends, or simply watching the lake change with the seasons. Just off the kitchen, a private courtyard provides another outdoor space for container gardening, a fire pit, or relaxing outdoors.

What truly distinguishes this property is how easy it is to own and enjoy. Swim or kayak on the lake, play tennis or bike along the peaceful, tree-lined private roads or boardwalk. And with the beautifully maintained community pool just moments from the house, it feels almost like having your own pool--without the expense, maintenance, opening, closing, or day-to-day work of actually owning one.

That same ease extends to the home itself. The association maintains the landscaping, snow removal, private roads, pool, tennis courts, and common areas, while also assuming responsibility for many exterior maintenance and replacement items that would ordinarily fall to the homeowner.

The result is an unusually carefree approach to country living. Instead of spending weekends maintaining acreage, landscaping, clearing snow, caring for a pool, or worrying about exterior upkeep, you can simply arrive and enjoy the lake. For a weekend owner in particular, that's a meaningful difference.

Offered fully furnished, the home is truly turnkey and ready to enjoy from day one.

And while the setting feels like a genuine escape, it's remarkably accessible. Hudson and its Amtrak station are approximately 25 minutes away, while the Wassaic Metro-North station provides another convenient rail option to and from New York City. Rhinebeck, Pine Plains, the Berkshires, Tanglewood, the Taconic State Parkway, and some of the region's best restaurants, markets, and cultural destinations are all within easy reach.

For buyers who want waterfront living without taking on the constant upkeep of a traditional country property, this offers a combination that's increasingly difficult to find: an exceptional lakefront setting, distinctive architecture, beautiful views, and a lifestyle designed to be enjoyed rather than maintained.