'Couch Court,' Historic 1854 Victorian, Hits Market For $1.99M

NYACK, NY — A rare chance to own an iconic 1854 Victorian landmark with deep roots in Nyack's civic past, from serving as Orangetown's town hall to the office of Rockland's first female attorney, is here for $1.999 million.

"Distinguished by its striking blue façade, dramatic turret and classic Victorian details, the mixed-use landmark blends historic character with modern functionality and stands as one of the village's most treasured architectural gems," according to the listing, by Nancy Swaab of Ellis Sotheby's International Realty.

Couch Court is located on South Broadway, in Nyack, near the walkable riverfront, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions.

Spanning around 6,000 square feet, the property has a ground-floor commercial space with five large rooms, a fireplace, two half-bathrooms, high ceilings, hardwood floors and plenty of natural light. The second floor offers four large rooms and a full bath. On the third floor, a "well-appointed," two-bedroom rental apartment has river views, an "inviting" turret sitting room, an eat-in kitchen and laundry. Additional amenities include a full walk-out basement, a detached two-car garage and parking for six vehicles on a paver driveway.

With over 170 years of history, Couch Court has played a central role in the Nyack story. The home was originally built for the Storms family, who were local industrialists who helped lead the village's early civic development. It was also the home of Edwin Stillwell, captain of the Nyack Tarrytown Ferry, before it became the office of Dr. Lewis Couch, a homeopathic physician, and later on, the workplace of his daughter, Natalie Couch, who became Rockland County's first female attorney. The Town of Orangetown used the building, from 1945 to 1951, as its town hall before relocating to Orangeburg.

After a significant restoration beginning in 1998, Couch Court earned honors, including the 2001 Rockland County Historic Preservation Merit Award for Adaptive Reuse, recognition from both the Town of Orangetown and the NYS Assembly, and inclusion in the Village of Nyack's list of important historic structures. A plaque from the Historical Society of Rockland County marks the building's façade. Modern upgrades include central air and security and sprinkler systems. The property also features a classic rocking-chair front porch and mature landscaping.

"With its architectural elegance, rich past, prime village location and flexible mixed-use layout, Couch Court is truly a unique offering," Swaab said. "This is an opportunity to own not just a remarkable property, but a living piece of Nyack's cultural, civic and architectural legacy. Opportunities to own a property of this significance, condition and versatility seldom come to market, making this listing an extraordinary occasion for investors, business owners and those who appreciate historic preservation."

Annual property taxes are estimated to be $36,852. The property is zoned to the Nyack Union Free School District.