New York’s historic estates offer a glimpse into centuries of architectural elegance, artfully updated for modern luxury. From a restored 1820 lakefront manor in Essex to a 19th-century carriage house in the Bronx and a Hamptons retreat dating back to 1898, these homes reflect craftsmanship from every era.
Each estate balances historic integrity with contemporary features like chef’s kitchens, wine cellars, and serene outdoor spaces.
Here’s a closer look at some of New York’s most captivating and storied mansion properties.
1. 1864 Carriage House in Riverdale Enclave
Tucked within Riverdale’s historic estate section, this 1864 carriage house is offered at $2,995,000 and spans 5,187 square feet with four bedrooms and four bathrooms on a half-acre lot. Highlights include 19-foot ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and a chef’s kitchen with granite counters and commercial-grade appliances. The property also features a private driveway, three-car garage, and lower level with space for eight vehicles. Conveniently located near Metro-North, Wave Hill, and top schools.
Where is Bronx?
The Bronx, New York, is one of the five boroughs of New York City and the birthplace of hip-hop. It is home to Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Botanical Garden. The borough includes a mix of dense urban neighborhoods and green spaces like Pelham Bay Park. The Bronx has a strong cultural identity shaped by diverse communities and local institutions.
Living Room
Pillows in yellow and gray add contrast to the deep blue sectional that anchors the living room. A mounted flat-screen TV is centered between two industrial-style shelving units filled with decor and books. Multiple windows line the back wall, bringing in views of the trees outside.
Kitchen
Blue tile flooring runs throughout the kitchen, contrasting with white cabinetry and black countertops. The space includes two ovens, a large stainless steel range hood, a central island, and double-door refrigerator. Pendant lights hang over the island, and additional storage is provided with glass-front upper cabinets.
Dining Room
A long dining table with seating for ten stretches beneath two pendant light fixtures with glass globes. The space is finished with wood flooring, white horizontal panel walls, and gray trim. A sideboard sits near a window at the far end, placed on an orange area rug.
Bedroom
A sloped ceiling and rows of windows define the layout of the bedroom. A metal-framed bed is placed between two nightstands, while a pair of black chairs and an ottoman sit near the windows. The walls are painted blue, and the floor is finished with dark wood and a large woven rug.
Source: Ashlei V. De Souza @ Serhant LLC. via Coldwell Banker Realty
2. Expansive 1898 Estate on Golden Pond
Set on 8.8 acres in Water Mill, this 1898 estate is offered at $4,795,000 with four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The 4,000+ square foot main home includes a solarium, garden room, and bonus spaces with pond views. A separate cottage, heated pool, oversized garage, and room for a tennis court complete the private waterfront setting.
Where is Water Mill?
Water Mill, New York, is a hamlet in the Hamptons located between Southampton and Bridgehampton. It features historic homes, art galleries, and access to ocean and bay beaches. The area includes the Water Mill Museum and nearby agricultural land. Water Mill blends rural landscapes with seasonal tourism and upscale residences.
Living Room
A wood-burning stove stands against a red brick chimney, acting as the central feature in the living room. Surrounding it are upholstered chairs and a sectional sofa arranged on hardwood flooring. Glass doors in the back open to a sunroom with views of the yard.
Kitchen
Sunlight enters through large windows in the kitchen, hitting the tile floor and the wood-paneled cabinets. A round dining table sits in the center near the window, surrounded by four wooden chairs. The space includes a central island with a built-in sink and dishwasher, and a ceiling fan above provides airflow.
Sunroom
Glass curves overhead and around the edges, enclosing the sunroom in a dome-like frame. A metal dining set with palm-print cushions anchors the space, surrounded by potted plants and vine-covered lattice. The ceiling is layered with woven bamboo slats that filter light through.
Bedroom
White walls stretch into a vaulted ceiling with exposed rafters running above the bed. The bed is tucked into a recessed space flanked by curtained windows, while a sliding door opens to a balcony. A blue nightstand with distressed paint sits at the foot, and a loft area overlooks the room.
Pool Area
A curved pool cuts through the backyard, framed by pavers and a lawn beyond. Lounge chairs with green cushions sit on one side, while metal patio chairs line the opposite edge. Trees and shrubs border the fence line, enclosing the space in greenery.
Source: Craig W. Beem @ Brown Harris Stevens Hamptons via Coldwell Banker Realty
3. Restored 1820 Estate on Lake Champlain
On over 61 acres in Essex, New York, this historic Lake Champlain estate is listed at $4,295,000 and offers 7,787 square feet with six bedrooms and six bathrooms. Built in 1820 and meticulously restored, the property includes a 6,800-square-foot main home, carriage barn, renovated ice house, and boathouse along 275 feet of private waterfront.
Original Federal/Georgian architecture blends with modern features like radiant heat, chef’s kitchen, wine cellar, and fitness room. Grounds include furnished terraces, gardens, and wooded trails.
Where is Essex?
Essex, New York, is a small town on the western shore of Lake Champlain in the Adirondack region. It is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and ferry connection to Vermont. The town includes historic farms, lakefront views, and access to outdoor recreation. Essex also supports local arts, with galleries and seasonal events.
Kitchen
Glass-front cabinets line the walls of a kitchen filled with white cabinetry, black countertops, and a central island with a built-in sink. A large gas range is paired with a tile backsplash and a wall-mounted pot filler. A hanging pendant light anchors the island, while upper cabinet lighting adds brightness to the space.
Dining Room
Fireplace with a marble surround anchors a formal dining room featuring a long table and traditional wood chairs. Soft green walls, crown molding, and a chandelier bring in period-style elements. A rug adds pattern beneath the furniture, and multiple windows let in daylight.
Bedroom
Dual fireplaces frame a symmetrical bedroom layout with a centered bed, white bench, and matching lamps. Built-in shelves and artwork flank each side, and a ceiling fan with natural-tone blades hangs above. Neutral walls and carpeting soften the overall atmosphere.
Bathroom
Bathroom includes a freestanding soaking tub, a double vanity with wall-mounted faucets, and a glass-enclosed shower with mosaic trim. Checkerboard tile flooring runs wall to wall, with shuttered windows and a central storage cabinet nearby. Walls are painted a pale yellow, creating a soft tone throughout.
Backyard
Outdoor space includes a mix of wood and stone surfaces surrounding a rectangular hot tub, cushioned loungers, and a dining table with umbrella. A small building with French doors sits to one side, facing a backdrop of dense trees. Landscaping includes low greenery and ornamental grasses.
