New York’s historic estates offer more than timeless architecture—they tell the story of the region’s evolving elegance. From the rugged Atlantic cliffs of Montauk to the brownstone-lined streets of Chelsea, each property combines preserved heritage with refined modern comforts. Grand staircases, hand-crafted details, and sun-drenched rooms are just the beginning, as these homes reflect both artistry and opulence.
Here’s a look at four extraordinary historic mansions across New York state that define luxury living with a sense of legacy.
1. Oceanfront Stone House in Montauk
Originally built in 1912 and rebuilt in 1991 by designer Tony Ingrao, this 4,027 square foot Montauk estate known as The Stone House includes 3 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. It sits on 3.2 acres with 178.7 feet of ocean frontage and features a main residence, a 608 square foot lofted artist’s studio with 1 bath, and a 186 square foot pool house.
Listed for $18,000,000, this property has hosted historical figures since the 1950s and includes rare architectural details such as handmade copper windows and masterful stonework.
Where is Montauk, NY?
Montauk is a hamlet at the easternmost tip of Long Island, located in the town of East Hampton in Suffolk County, New York. It is known for its fishing industry, state parks, and the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse. The area includes beaches, surf spots, and a harbor with commercial and recreational boats. Montauk is a seasonal tourist destination with hotels, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
Kitchen
Rough-hewn ceiling beams span across the rustic kitchen, where stone walls and green-painted cabinetry frame the room. A central wood table with mismatched stools doubles as an island and prep space. Lattice glass windows and antique lighting fixtures reinforce the vintage character.
Dining Room
Wood-planked ceilings, a wide oriental rug, and a long table define the dining room, accented by carved chairs and a painted sideboard. A large window captures ocean views beside a model sailing ship. Mural-like wall patterns and wrought iron chandeliers enhance the old-world feel.
Bedroom
Angled beams and slatted wood walls shape the bedroom, with a four-poster bed placed at the center of a loft-style space. Open railings look down to the level below, while triangular windows and a ceiling fan complete the layout. Decor elements include rugs, wooden trim, and maritime references.
Guest House and Pool Area
A kidney-shaped pool sits in a clearing beside the guest cottage, surrounded by trees and shaded lawn. Lounge chairs and patio tables are arranged around the water, with a stone path leading up to the shingled structure. The setting offers a tucked-away retreat away from the oceanfront home.
Aerial View
Stone architecture sits along a secluded cliffside, bordered by manicured lawn and surrounded by low hedges. A winding driveway leads to the main entrance, while the backyard drops off toward the rocky shoreline. Views stretch down the coast and out over the open Atlantic.
Listing agents: Rebecca Cepeda, Kyle Rosko of Nyonlinerealty.Com, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
2. Colonial Revival Mansion
Recognized as a landmark within Brooklyn’s Prospect Park South Historic District, this 11,450 square foot Colonial Revival estate was completed in 1905 by architect Henry B. Moore and includes 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Sitting on a landscaped property with a 75-foot driveway and two-car garage, the home spans four levels plus an English basement and retains 66 restored original windows and multiple fireplaces.
Priced at $12,495,000, the Gale Mansion blends century-old architectural details with modern comforts, just steps from Prospect Park and public transit.
Where is Brooklyn, NY?
Brooklyn is one of the five boroughs of New York City, located on the western end of Long Island. It is known for diverse neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Park Slope, and Bedford-Stuyvesant, as well as landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Prospect Park. The borough has a strong cultural identity, with a mix of historic architecture, art scenes, and global cuisines. Brooklyn is also home to major institutions like the Brooklyn Museum and Barclays Center.
Living Room
Bay windows curve around the piano in the living room, casting light onto a neutral sectional sofa and round coffee tables. A decorative fireplace with ornate trim stands opposite the seating area, beside vintage sconces and floral wallpaper. Crown molding and a central chandelier elevate the historic detail of the space.
Dining Room
Wood paneling wraps the dining room, from coffered ceiling beams to intricate molding along the upper walls. A long table sits beneath globe chandeliers, flanked by translucent modern chairs and corner lounge seating. Built-in cabinets and a wide bank of windows complete the formal yet layered design.
Bedroom
Curved walls cradle the bedroom with multiple windows and a floral feature wall at the head of the bed. A settee and round tables form a seating nook, surrounded by soft textiles and framed modern artwork. Ceiling molding, herringbone floors, and light-filtering curtains create a serene retreat.
Bathroom
Mirrored tile backsplashes reflect natural light from the bathroom’s tall wood-framed windows and polished chandelier. A long marble-topped vanity stretches the length of the wall beside dual lounge chairs and a freestanding tub. Mosaic floor tile and vintage wall sconces pair with contemporary artwork for a balanced finish.
Entertainment Loft
A spiral staircase rises from the entertainment loft, where a library wall, wet bar, and lounge areas share the expansive open layout. A sectional faces the TV setup, while wood paneling and a vaulted ceiling provide architectural depth. Bookshelves, built-in cabinetry, and exposed brick enhance the eclectic character.
Listing agent: Michael S Lubin of Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC., info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
3. Elegant 1926 Colonial
Tucked behind lush greenery on over 1.7 acres, this 1926 Colonial in Flower Hill spans 4,797 square feet with 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The home blends classic architecture with modern updates, featuring a dramatic beamed great room, sunlit wood-paneled den, dual primary suite options, and a third level with two additional bedrooms and a full bath.
Priced at $5,498,000, it offers flexibility between the Manhasset and Port Washington School Districts and a tranquil setting just 30 minutes from New York City.
Where is Manhasset, NY?
Manhasset is a hamlet in Nassau County on Long Island’s North Shore, within the Town of North Hempstead. It is known for the Americana Manhasset, an upscale shopping center, and its residential neighborhoods with access to the Long Island Rail Road. The area includes parks, schools, and proximity to Manhasset Bay. Manhasset serves as a suburban community with ties to nearby New York City.
Living Room
Vaulted ceiling with dark wood beams spans across a bright living room, where a chandelier hangs above a symmetrical layout of sofas and chairs. In the far corner, a staircase leads up to a balcony loft and a built-in bar sits directly beneath. Large windows and French doors bring in sunlight from both sides, softening the contrast of the dark and white tones.
Study
Built-in wooden shelves wrap around a small corner of the house, framing a white cushioned loveseat beneath a piece of framed fabric art. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretch along one wall, drawing in garden views and bathing the space in natural light. A tufted ottoman anchors the seating area, paired with a low tray of flowers and books.
Kitchen
Long galley-style kitchen features polished stone countertops, white cabinetry, and a Viking range centered beneath a patterned backsplash. Windows above the sink frame exterior greenery and allow for direct sightlines to the outdoors. Recessed lighting brightens the room evenly from end to end.
Dining Room
A rustic wood dining table takes center stage in the formal dining room, surrounded by upholstered chairs and natural light from a wide window. Wall space is painted in navy blue, trimmed with white molding that frames a large arched opening into a sunlit breakfast area. A crystal chandelier hangs overhead, flanked by tailored drapery and decorative plants.
Bedroom
Minimalist bedroom is defined by white walls, matching window trim, and a simple platform bed with a white duvet. Narrow windows on two sides bring in filtered daylight and offer a clear view of the outside landscape. Furnishings are sparse, with a white radiator cover doubling as a surface near the window.
Listing agents: Traci C. Clinton, Parsa Samii of Compass Greater Ny LLC., info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
4. Chelsea Townhouse Blends History and Luxury
Built in 1910 and fully gut-renovated, this four-bedroom, six-bathroom single-family townhouse in Central Chelsea offers four levels of modernized living with private outdoor spaces. The 22.5-foot-wide home features a sculptural bronze-and-glass staircase, radiant heated floors, and a chef’s kitchen opening to a landscaped garden. Priced at $8,000,000, the property combines restored historic charm with high-end amenities in a prime Manhattan location.
Where is Manhattan, NY?
Manhattan is a borough of New York City, located primarily on Manhattan Island between the Hudson and East Rivers. It is the city’s commercial, financial, and cultural core, home to Wall Street, Central Park, Times Square, and numerous museums and theaters. Manhattan is divided into areas like Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown, each with distinct neighborhoods. It is also the most densely populated borough and a global destination.
Living Room
A living room with a contemporary layout includes a curved sofa, marble-top coffee table, and two rounded chairs centered near a black fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling industrial grid windows line one wall, and decorative lighting tracks run along the ceiling. Art pieces, sculptural accents, and a dry branch arrangement complete the modern aesthetic.
Dining Room
Within the dining room, a glass table is surrounded by white leather chairs set on a geometric-patterned rug. Three oversized mirrors and a chandelier reflect the layered light around the space. Sheer drapes and minimalist wall art complement the soft, neutral palette.
Bedroom
Inside the bedroom, a white bed stands between two nightstands with matching lamps, facing floor-to-ceiling windows with beige drapes. The doors open to a private terrace that blends indoor and outdoor space. Clean lines and neutral tones keep the focus on light and symmetry.
Bathroom
Across the bathroom, a freestanding tub sits beneath a window with white trim, while a glass shower enclosure stands opposite. Chevron-patterned tile flooring and soft white finishes create a refined, spa-like feel. The space includes a wall-mounted toilet and minimalist chrome fixtures.
Outdoor Dining Area
In the outdoor dining area, black lattice walls host climbing greenery and trellises with accent lighting. A long table with metal chairs is placed under the open sky, flanked by a lounge bench and potted trees. Brick walls frame the courtyard, giving the space privacy and warmth.
Listing agents: Michelle E Bourgeois, Gina M Kuhlenkamp @ Sothebys International Realty, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
