Brownstoner Upstate: Let's Go to Athens (in Pictures)

Pardon us if we deviate from the norm just a bit today. Yes, we have some juicy listings for you, but we also wanted to show you around the Hudson River village of Athens in Greene County (west of the Hudson, about 2.5 hours from Brooklyn). We went there yesterday just to explore the waterfront park since its recent upgrade, and overall, we came away feeling quite charmed by it all, even if Athens seems to suffer from that same eerie weekday quietness that other places around here do, as if the whole town is waiting for something to happen. There are lots of empty storefronts with “for rent” signs in the windows, almost no cars driving around, and we encountered only two other people out walking. There is, however, a brew pub that emits the most tantalizing malty fragrance for two blocks surrounding its location, not to mention the most charming outdoor dining area on the waterfront that is connected to the historic Stewart House boutique hotel. Other stuff we discovered on our jaunt: Athens has a town pool, a huge cemetery, and tons of great houses. But before we get to those, take a brief visual tour of the town after the jump.

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And now, for the properties…

Might as well jump right in with the most expensive and impressive property on the list this week: Howard Hall, a c.1812 Federal style farmhouse. It was given an overhaul that was 5 years in the making, and the care and expertise shows. In short, it’s a stunner. Beds: 4. Baths: 1.5. Square Feet: 5,000. Lot Size: 6.1 acres. Est. Taxes: $16,373. 

84 Howard Hall Road, Athens (House Hudson Valley Realty) GMAP

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We strolled right past this c.1920s Craftsman on Franklin Street and knew immediately we were going to write about it. Such is the power of curb appeal, and this one has loads of it. The interior has been splendidly renovated, generously sized at 2,000 square feet, and that front porch longs to be lingered upon. Alas, the lot size is nothing more than a postage stamp, but the waterfront park is just a short walk away. Beds: 4. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 2,100. Lot Size: .10 acres. Est. Taxes: $2,658.

0 North Franklin St, Athens (Halstead) GMAP (approx.)

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We love that this early 20th Century Craftsman was fashioned out of pieces nearby dismantled church. How cool is that? We also love the rickety old carriage house that comes with it, as well as a decent sized yard right in the heart of Athens village. And the second floor bay window. Beds: 3. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 2,983. Lot Size: .39 acres. Est. Taxes: $8,908.

20 South Franklin St, Athens (Gary DiMauro) GMAP

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And for our last and least expensive offering this week, we’re getting out of Athens village and moving more west to the countryside where we found this farmhouse on a full acre of land. Includes a pool, lots of room to play outside and entertain on the deck, or lounge on the front porch. Oh, and did we mention it comes with a detached studio space? Beds: 3. Baths: 1.5. Square Feet: 1,800. Lot Size: 1 acres. Est. Taxes: $6,125

16 Cold Spring Road, Athens (Gary DiMauro) GMAP

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