Inside 1887 Bennett-Deyrup House One Of Hudson Valley's Most Artistic Residences

Perched above the serene waters of the Hudson River in Upper Nyack, New York, stands one of the most captivating homes in the entire Hudson Valley—the Bennett-Deyrup House, a circa 1887 Queen Anne Victorian estate that has long been celebrated as one of the region’s most artistic residences.

Originally featured on the Christmas Eve 1887 cover of the Rockland County Journal, this extraordinary home has transcended centuries, owners, and eras, yet continues to embody the same spirit of creativity and architectural grandeur that first made it famous.

The Bennett-Deyrup Estate is not merely a house—it is a living narrative of art, intellect, and innovation. Its story threads through the life of Alvin Johnson, co-founder of the New School for Social Research and the visionary behind the University in Exile, a program that rescued hundreds of European scholars fleeing Nazi persecution. Johnson’s deep affection for the estate is beautifully captured in his own words:

“It had been my dream to live by a river… The house was big and of Norman architecture; there were three acres of grounds running down to the river with grass so tall that my children, running through it, were just progressive waves in the grass. There we are at home.”

Johnson’s description from 1919 paints an idyllic image of family life in a setting that perfectly balances the intellectual and the pastoral. The home later became the residence of renowned painter Dorothy Deyrup, whose artistic legacy lent the property its current name. Under her care, the house became a haven for creativity, surrounded by gardens alive with color—violets, tulips, roses, and lilies—that reflected her painter’s soul.

Fast-forward more than a century, and this Hudson Valley gem has been meticulously restored and renewed. Following a two-year, $4 million renovation, every inch of the estate has been preserved with masterful attention to detail while seamlessly integrating modern comforts. The result is a breathtaking revival—an architectural and historical treasure once again ready to inspire awe.

The home’s exterior façade is a symphony of Queen Anne artistry: asymmetrical in form, rich in color, and lavish in ornamentation. Turrets rise proudly from its corners, while balconies and verandas open toward sweeping views of the Hudson River.

Intricate rooflines, stained-glass windows, and ornate woodwork create a visual tapestry that changes with the light. Passersby on North Broadway, one of the most coveted streets in Upper Nyack, often stop in admiration of its fairy-tale beauty—a house that seems to have emerged from the pages of history itself.

Beyond its architecture, the 1.42-acre park-like estate is an oasis of privacy and natural elegance. The property includes direct water access, with the potential to rebuild a pre-existing dock, as well as a fully approved pool site, koi pond, pergola, basketball court, and a gated driveway that ensures both security and seclusion.

A private stretch of beachfront enhances the connection between the house and the river that has always defined it. Even the detached two-car garage is modernized, complete with a Tesla charging station, reflecting the thoughtful blending of old-world charm and present-day convenience.

Inside, the Bennett-Deyrup House continues to enchant. The interiors reveal a delicate balance between Victorian opulence and modern livability. The residence boasts eight fireplaces—four with stately stone mantels and four with original raised Victorian tilework. The grand master suite exudes comfort and sophistication, featuring a converted sitting room now serving as a massive walk-in closet, and a spa-like bathroom with a steam shower and commanding river views.

The home’s embossed Lincrusta ceilings and walls, a hallmark of high Victorian craftsmanship, have been lovingly restored to their former glory, while the eat-in kitchen has been reimagined with top-of-the-line appliances to suit contemporary tastes. The addition of a home theater, recreation room, and seven-zone heating system ensures that modern life flows effortlessly within a setting steeped in history.

Yet what truly elevates this estate beyond architecture is its sense of story. Each owner has added a layer to its legacy—artists, intellectuals, and dreamers who saw in the Bennett-Deyrup House not just a home, but a reflection of their ideals. It is a place where art met academia, where children once played among tall grasses by the river, and where creativity thrived in every room.

Located just 30 minutes north of New York City, the Bennett-Deyrup House feels worlds away from the bustle of urban life, yet close enough to remain connected to the city’s cultural heartbeat. Its proximity to Hook Mountain, scenic hiking and biking trails, boutique shops, and fine dining makes it a rare balance of retreat and accessibility.

To stand within its halls today is to feel the weight and wonder of time itself—a century of craftsmanship, art, and human endeavor preserved in wood, stone, and stained glass. The Bennett-Deyrup House is not merely one of the Hudson Valley’s most artistic residences—it is a testament to the enduring beauty of vision, restoration, and the power of place.