$3.349M Luxury Manor With Chapel And Hudson River Views Now On The Open Market For First Time In 123 Years

PEEKSKILL, NY — A one-of-a-kind iconic Hudson Valley property has hit the market for $3.349 million after more than a century.

The historic St. Joseph's House, located at 1 St. Mary's Convent in Peekskill, on a 4.7-acre estate with rolling hills, walking trails, and amazing views of Peekskill Bay and the Hudson River, has never before been available on the open market in 123 years.

"This is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to buy a home with rich history, and staggeringly fantastic views of the Hudson River Highlands," explains Andrew Rogovic, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Christie's International Real Estate Group. "In addition, there is easy access to parks and recreational facilities, art galleries, artists' studios, museums, dining and entertainment in the surrounding area."

The site was originally part of Fort Hill, a strategic lookout used by George Washington and his troops during the Revolutionary war.

The 5,958-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-and-half-bathroom home was once part of the property owned by the Order of the Episcopal Sisters of Saint Mary (the first Anglican/Episcopalian Order in the U.S.) who had overseen a convent and a school in the location from 1872 until 2003. The Order had acquired 30 acres of land that was part of a 300-acre mountain top granted in 1685 to the Dutch Patroon Stephanus Van Cortlandt, that was later renamed Mount Saint Gabriel.

It has been reported that the Grenville granite which abounds throughout the Hudson Highlands area dates back to the ancient igneous rock of the Precambrian period, and that St. Joseph's House was built from stones from the quarries on Mount Saint Gabriel.

Designed in 1902, by renowned architect Henry Martin Congdon, as the pastor's residence, the home is an example of Congdon's renowned Gothic Revival style. He was commissioned to build churches across the U.S., and was known as a leader in 20th century design having been both Vice President of the Brooklyn Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Secretary of the American Institute of Architects.

The Benediction and Dedication of the new Hermitage as St. Joseph's House took place on February 7, 1906. In the monthly Saint Mary's Messenger, published by the Sisters at the time, a description of the ceremony described Fathers Cowl and Mead leading the procession through the house with Acolytes, the Reverend Mother General and Sisters, blessing the holy home and holding the first Mass.

In 1985, current owners Kathy and John McGurty, a Peekskill native, Navy combat veteran and well-known local physician, had a once-in-a-lifetime real estate moment. While meeting Mother Mary Basil, the Order's Mother Superior, for a house call in their infirmary, Dr. McGurty was asked if he knew anyone who was interested in buying a home — the rest is history.

"We immediately initiated the architectural plan with an extensive interior renovation process over a two-year period prior to moving in, the property's first non-religious-ordained-or-professed occupants," Dr. McGurty explained.

The McGurty family has deep roots in the community. Dr. McGurty's father was also a physician in the Peekskill community. The family has hosted many fundraising events over the years for a range of causes, from fighting AIDS and cancer to the regional paramedic program, which was developed by Dr. McGurty 27 years ago.

The McGurtys have meticulously upgraded and maintained the home for the last four decades. They continually further upgraded and renovated the building's interior and exterior for their family of five, preserving the stonework, intricate wood carvings and the original chapel, with its untouched cathedral ceiling from 1906, while upgrading the infrastructure. They added a modern kitchen and bathrooms with radiant heating; a full-level primary bedroom suite; an in-ground, heated swimming pool with amazing views; and an outdoor shower. In addition, the property includes extensive landscaping around the home and across the two additional lots that the McGurty family acquired from the Order over the years.

The luxury property now includes a private gated entrance, the original chapel preserved within the home, scenic balconies and entertainment areas, a three-car garage (with potential for an upstairs apartment conversion), and the in-ground pool with sweeping and unrestricted views of the Hudson River.

"In addition to its storied past and distinctive architecture, the property is surrounded by scenic trails, historic sites, and a vibrant arts and dining scene," Rogovic said. "With an array of local restaurants, galleries, and art studios nearby, 1 St. Mary’s Convent offers an unparalleled opportunity to live, entertain, and find inspiration amidst nature and culture, making it not just a home, but a piece of history awaiting its next chapter."

Find out more about 1 St. Mary's Convent by contacting Andrew Rogovic with Christie's International Real Estate Group at 914-263-2743.