Not for the "wimpy" buyer
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
20,000 square feet for your books in a romantic mountain setting in Elizabethtown, New York, for under $200,000:
This main building is a turn of the century, 20,000 square foot mansion boasting 16 bedrooms, 16 full baths, and 14 fireplaces. Situated on 54.7 acres, on a mountainside above Elizabethtown, Garondah entertains a breathtaking view of rolling hills, mountains, and sunset views. Keep it a family estate, as originally created, or consider the commercial possibilities such as the location for a hotel, a bed and breakfast, a school, a clubhouse or a corporate retreat. Minutes from interstate 87, this property offers privacy as well as easy access to Lake Champlain (10 minutes to the east), the hiking trails of the Adirondack high peaks region (10 minutes to the west) and local amenities. The main building is partially gutted and in need of extensive rehabilitation.
An English sunken garden is waiting to be reclaimed.
Outbuildings include a large garage/shop (falling down), a gaming cottage (charming and in need of repair), and a caretaker's cottage, ready for occupancy.
Not for the "wimpy" buyer, this purchase requires a person with vision, financial resources, skill, and preservation expertise, to restore this estate to it's original rustic splendor . . .
Just think . . . then think again.
Kathryn Cramer at October 14, 2003 09:55 AM | Link Cosmos | Purple Numbers | Edit
Comments
Oh, my -- I can just hear my husband now: "But we're both good at DIY! And look at all the room for workshops! And it's in the mountains, Mellie!"
Oh, dear.
Posted by: Melanie Fletcher at October 14, 2003 03:59 PM
Maybe those folks from houseinprogress.net will finish their bungalow and need a new project...
Posted by: brian w at October 14, 2003 10:16 PM
It's an insurmountable opportunity.
Posted by: Kathryn Cramer at October 15, 2003 07:50 AM
Oh man. I just looked at this property and I think Kathryn put it exactly right an insurmountable opportunity. There is so much going on for this place and SO much more going wrong with it. There is not even a solid roof in the whole batch of buildings and mushrooms growing on the floor joists. :( very sad.
Posted by: Chris at November 19, 2003 10:56 PM
postscript - january 2004 - property going to closing - sold!
Posted by: eve at January 20, 2004 11:13 AM
I came across the discussion regarding the old mansion Garondah. I live near the old house and have just written the history of the property with old and new photos that will appear in the next issue (September Special Collectors Issue) of Adirondack Life Magazine.
Just thought you might want to see it up close.
Margaret
Posted by: Margaret Bartley at August 16, 2004 12:04 AM
My husband has been there, once about twenty years ago. He is the former business partner of L. W. Currey who still operates his bookselling business from Elizabethtown. We get up there a few times a year.