Brownstoner Upstate: Let's Get Luxurious and Contemporary

As the old saying goes: People who live in glass houses are very lucky, indeed.

If you’re the type of house hunter who’s looking for nearly unfettered access to the outdoors from every room (and you have $1,600,000 burning a hole in your pocket), this newly constructed modern home in Woodstock might be just the ticket. No need for fussy complicated design when your backdrop is so lovely; simply bring the outside in as much as possible. Includes plenty of land and an in-ground pool. Beds: 3. Baths: 3.5. Square Feet: 2,650. Lot Size: 18 acres. Distance from Brooklyn: 2 hours, 4 minutes.

00 Van Dale, Woodstock (Coldwell Banker) GMAP

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This glass modern house in Ghent, Columbia County is the most expensive property on the list this week, and it was inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House and Philip Johnson’s Glass House. Not to worry about privacy in this transparent home; it’s accessed by a quarter-mile long driveway and sits on 14 acres. Nevertheless, we would need blackout curtains for the bedroom. The U-shaped house  is located not far from the Taconic Parkway and 20 minutes east of the city of Hudson. Beds: 2. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 2,368. Lot Size: 12.7 acres. Est. Taxes: $5,617. Distance from Brooklyn: 2 hours, 23 minutes.

45 Rigor Hill Road, Ghent (Berkshire Property Agents) GMAP

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When it comes to luxury homes in the lower Hudson Valley, Garrison in Putnam County does not disappoint. This bucolic, upscale town is so committed to staying bucolic that none of the roads are paved in order to maintain the rustic nature of the community. While the community might be rustic, this property is not. It’s the epitome of contemporary (we won’t say modern since it was built in 1980) with floor to ceiling glass that offers stunning views of the Hudson River. Oh, and the indoor pool is nice, too. The taxes, even for a multimillion dollar property, are pure insanity. Beds: 4. Baths: 3.5. Square Feet: 4,606. Lot Size: 6 acres. Est. Taxes: $35,099. Distance from Brooklyn: 1 hour, 16 minutes.

40 High Ridge Road, Garrison (Robert A. McCaffrey) GMAP

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We’re staying in Putnam County for our final listing this week. And while this property in Putnam Valley doesn’t have as much glass as our previous offerings, it certainly doesn’t lack in big windows and natural lighting. It’s also the oldest of the bunch since it was built in 1974. Still, the contemporary sensibilities are strong here in the stainless steel cable railings, modern kitchen, and the sleek fireplaces. We like Putnam Valley because of its rural character while still convenient to the boroughs. Beds: 6. Baths: 4.5. Square Feet: 4,400. Lot Size: 12 acres. Est. Taxes: $18,500. Distance from Brooklyn: 1 hour, 14 minutes.

23 Sunrise Drive, Putnam Valley (Clickit Realty) GMAP