Lower Hudson Valley Lifestyle: A Haven for Celebrities
1 Gesner Ave., South Nyack (Sold)
There is something about the Lower Hudson Valley, particularly the west bank that has attracted widely known residents for decades. Perhaps it is the bountiful, bucolic scenery and views of the Hudson River that has long inspired actors, artists, musicians and dancers. Perhaps it is the privacy and sense of community it affords with easy access to New York City. Whatever the reason, the market continues to attract buyers who are at the top of their fields in film, television, creative and financial industries.
Tuxedo Park, Warwick, Highland Mills and other parts of Orange County have always attracted actors and other notables. “We have been fortunate to help several cultural icons find their homes,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty in Nyack, New York, who has sold homes in the region for 33 years, including the former childhood home of actress Angelina Jolie. “This area has almost always been an artistic getaway of sorts for a lot of creative types from New York City and, to a lesser extent, from LA,” he said.
In 2017, the brokerage sold homes to movie and TV personalities and business leaders from Upper Nyack to Snedens Landing. Comedian, actress, TV personality and longtime South Nyack resident Rosie O’Donnell listed her Hudson Riverfront compound with Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty, and sold her primary residence in February 2018 for $5,100,000. “These communities are the gold coast of Rockland County and are in demand not only by celebrities, but by New Yorkers looking to move out of the city full time or looking for a second home,” said Ellis.
Snedens Landing: A Star Market
Nestled among the steep cliffs of the Palisades in Rockland County just 12 miles north of the George Washington Bridge, Snedens Landing is a secluded enclave dating back to the 1700’s. With renovated turn-of-the-century homes, including 18th- and 19th-century cottages, farmhouses and estates in historic districts, Snedens Landing is one of Rockland County’s top markets,” said Ellis, who along with his Sales Associates specialize in the community. The rural hamlet has long resembled an artists’ colony, with celebs including Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, Noel Coward, Orson Welles, Uma Thurman and Bill Murray.
“We see people gravitate to the area for both Hudson River-view and non-river view homes at varying price points, from under $1 million to well over that,” he said, adding that Snedens Landing had a banner year in the luxury market with multiple sales in the $2 million-and-greater range. “It is a great place to live, with privacy, incredible views and celebrity cachet, minus the pretense,” he said. “The new affluent consumers favor experiences a lifestyle can offer over simply a place to live. What you choose to surround yourself with—family, friends, history, an amazing view and art — are all part of what makes a space a home. Your best life begins with a home that inspires you, and clearly the lower Hudson Valley is inspirational.”
235 North Broadway, Nyack
Lifestyle and Experiences
“Consumers are seeking a much more personal take on what’s most meaningful and rewarding: experiences, art, inspiration, entertaining, family and relationships,” Ellis said. The millennial generation is the future of real estate. They respond to clean open spaces, don’t have time to renovate, want an experience and a lifestyle. “An extraordinary life is living the lifestyle you want and the Hudson Valley is all about experiences, and experiences create a lifestyle,” he said.
Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty Sales Associates are Local Experts with Worldwide Reach and Connections. We define Luxury as an experience, not a price point and create relationships with our customers and clients to last a lifetime.