This charming homestead is still known around the Warwick area as the Ryerson Farm. Built by John. H. Ryerson circa 1840, it has a story that's rich in Warwick history and celebrity, with a little bootlegging thrown in. It was a working farm and orchard for many years. In the late eighteenth century, Warwick apple growers found that the 40-proof apple jack they were making was more profitable and had shelf life much longer than the apples they harvested. Thus began a tradition of home distilling which continued until Prohibition drove it underground and bootlegging took over. The Ryerson farm was a collection point for local farmers, and the source of beer and grain alcohol for New York City.
The property was also the one time home of actor/singer Richard Kiley. Kiley created the role of 
Don Quixote in the original 1965 production of the Broadway musical Man of La Mancha and was the first to sing and record "The Impossible Dream", Along with two Tony awards as a Broadway actor, he won three Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards during his 50 year career.
The home is on a five acre mini-estate in a four-acre-minimum premium rural zone. In addition to the three (easily four) bedroom, four bathroom house, there is a writers cottage, and a separate, newly built stone and cedar artist's studio with loft and full bath. The property itself is spectacular, set in Warwick's scenic rolling hills, with an idyllic round deck beneath a beautiful tree off the kitchen. A magnificent perennials garden blooms red white and blue for Memorial Day. The property also has a 20 by 40-foot in-ground pool, with deck, pergola and "his and hers" cabanas.
The main house has been fully renovated, adding bathrooms to the master bedroom and upstairs guest room, and a laundry room. The three bedrooms have been recently renovated, along with the upstairs family room, and the kitchen has a new Viking stove and refrigerator, granite counters, and dark cherry cabinets.
Throughout there are charming touches, including hand-hewn cedar beams in several rooms, and recently-refinished hardwood floors including some with wide plank antique flooring. The library has built-in wooden bookshelves and cabinets. Frank Lloyd Wright art glass windows hang in the fireplace sitting-room, and bay windows overlook a wide stone veranda. The glassed-in writing room offers a magnificent view of the pool and the park-like property beyond.
Many mechanicals have also been upgraded, including a new 400-foot well (2008), new roof (2009), a new 30 gallon water tank and upgraded electric panel for additional service upstairs.
This home is in immaculate condition, a gem in Warwick gorgeous countryside. Yet with all its charm, updates and luxury features, it has remarkably low property taxes. What's not to love!!!
Check out the Narrated Virtual Tour
Contact Vanessa Saunders at GPS for further information
or to book a private showing
845-848-2218 - vanessa@gpshousehunt.com
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