Ulster County Stone Houses

Stone houses are daily reminders of the long and rich history of small New York towns

Stone houses date back to the mid 17th century in Ulster County. School children are taught that New York City was originally New Amsterdam, settled by Dutch immigrants. A lesser-known story is of a small group of French Hugenots who, in May 1677, purchased land in Ulster County (today just two hours north of New York City) in the shadow of the Catskill Mountains.

Descendants of the 12 original families still live in the area but the daily reminder of the rich history in this region are the stone houses – cottages built during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries from local material in traditional styles. Our little neighborhood is dotted with these wonderful homes. Many are weekend retreats for city folk, lovingly restored so their charm remains undiminished. They transform our community by creating a living heritage.

One of my favorite stoneys is a classic [top]. It’s built so close to the road, if the windows were larger there would be no privacy. With its traditional red-brown trim, original shutters and well-landscaped front yard, it’s beautifully maintained. Don’t you adore the dormers?

The front door is accessed by wood stairs and a modern porch. Some front doors were originally barn-door openings as barns and houses were connected.

The original section of the house has a door that opens directly onto the driveway, at street level.

I always admire the wood shutters and the dark red trim. This brown-red color is also seen in Scandinavia.

Since the house is located on a curve in the road the back is completely exposed. Lattice detail of the original outhouse has been added and cabbages and basil are planted all around, inside the low fence.

Set back on a main road, this cottage has a sky-blue porch and window trim that blends beautifully with the typical stone.

Another of my favorite houses. It’s easy to see why. Sited in a very low spot, and so close to the street, it clearly requires protection by a fearsome looking stone fence. We sometimes see this building style elsewhere – sharp-edged rocks set vertically into the top to create a fortress effect. Talk about no loitering!

The Gothic-style arch around the doorway makes me think this house was built during the 19th century – or perhaps later than many in the area. The door itself is modern and otherwise undistinguished.

I’ve not yet met the neighbors who live in this house but when we drive by we always look up at their delicate lace curtains, the lovely brown-red trim, and the thick wall that runs around the curved property. Everyone knows this house – it’s an area landmark without any official designation.

Hidden behind a tall stand of trees that screens it from the road, this center-hall-colonial house is typical of many in the area. Some of these are large — this one has two chimneys — and while this is a single-family home, a few have been converted into bed & breakfast hotels.

Originally a church, then the town hall and later a chicken farm, this is now a private home with remarkable gardens below the large tree.

The gravel driveway keeps it rustic and the periwinkle blue doors are especially vibrant against the stone during the winter when the snow covers the greenery.

Built at the crest of a small, steep street, this three-story house sits on high ground, with views of the Walkill river from the upper storeys. Actually, it is a complex of three stone buildings – two connected and another nestled farther back into the hillside

The side gables face east so the shutters would be essential to help screen out morning sun.

A view from the back, looking across the driveway gives no hint of the size of the main structure.

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