5 Upstate New York Estates from Hilltop Retreats to Lakefront Living

From its elevated setting in the hills of Austerlitz, this restored residence unfolds as a quiet retreat with sweeping views over rolling countryside. A sparkling pond anchors the landscape, best enjoyed from the ideally placed, spacious front porch—an easy place to spend long afternoons in the shade. Seventeen private acres offer a scenic mix of woodlands and open clearings, threaded with quiet trails and a winding creek to follow at an unhurried pace. When you do venture beyond the porch, there’s a private back deck for barbecues and a crystal-clear pond for swimming. Restored under an architect’s guidance and thoughtfully sited far back from the road, the home is screened by mature trees for a rare sense of seclusion. Yet Spencertown is minutes away, with Chatham and the Hawthorne Valley Farm Store close by for everyday pleasures.

Set on 1.75 private, professionally landscaped acres in Greenfield—just five minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs—this exceptional custom home balances everyday ease with considered luxury. A gourmet kitchen anchors the main level with quartz countertops, subway tile to the ceiling, a Wolf gas range, Miele dishwasher, Café refrigerator, farmhouse sink, and a walk-in chef’s pantry. The open great room, dining area, and living room gather around a gas fireplace, framed by exquisite custom trim. A first-floor primary suite offers a spa-like ensuite and walk-in closet, joined by a private office, half bath, and an attached 2.5-car garage with a Level II EV charging station. Upstairs, three spacious bedrooms share a full bath. The walkout garden level adds a custom bar, electric fireplace, additional bedroom and bath, plus generous storage—then opens to a saltwater pool, hot tub, and stamped concrete patios for long, unhurried afternoons.

Along the coveted shores of Cayuga Lake in Seneca Falls, this waterfront estate unfolds across 1.55 acres of beautifully landscaped, private grounds with 125 feet of pristine lake frontage and panoramic views. Mature trees frame the setting, while lush lawns slope gently toward the shoreline, creating a daily rhythm shaped by water and sky. The main residence offers 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, complemented by a separate apartment with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath located over the garage—ideal for hosting or extended stays while preserving a sense of retreat. A home generator adds practical peace of mind. From sunrise reflected on sparkling water to autumn color and quiet, starlit evenings, the landscape becomes an ever-changing backdrop in every season, bringing a grounded, tranquil sense of Finger Lakes living.

Along the water’s edge on Seneca Lake, 164 N. Glenora Road offers a contemporary retreat in one of the most desirable stretches of the Finger Lakes. Set across 14.9 acres with approximately 630 feet of Seneca lakefront, the property is defined by scale and seclusion—complete privacy that lets the landscape and shoreline take center stage. Inside, the home is arranged with three bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, balancing everyday comfort with an easy, modern sensibility. With Dundee as its address and the lake at its doorstep, life here can move at a quieter pace: long shoreline walks, uninterrupted views of the water, and the rare feeling of having room to breathe, from morning light to late-evening stillness.

Set on nearly one acre in the middle of Kingston, 322 Albany Avenue reads like a private country estate, screened by mature landscaping and expansive grounds. Originally constructed around 1820 and recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the iconic stone residence retains refined millwork, gracious proportions, and soaring ceilings—historic stonework and period craftsmanship thoughtfully balanced with extensive improvements for modern living. A dramatic living room spans the length of the home with a coffered ceiling, dual fireplaces, rich oak floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows that pour in natural light. The newly renovated kitchen pairs Quartz countertops with custom cherry cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances, and an adjoining butler’s pantry. Upstairs, three generous bedrooms include a primary suite with walk-in closets, a sitting area with fireplace, en suite bath, rear-stair access, and a private balcony overlooking the landscaped grounds. A glass greenhouse, rear sunroom, heated in-ground pool, oversized garage, guest wing, and a former carriage house configured as two one-bedroom apartments round out the compound’s remarkable flexibility.