Library Lane is a historically significant compound on a quiet road in the heart of Woodstock, where a thoughtfully designed stone house and a sprawling, light-filled guest cottage sit nestled amidst a uniquely lush, abundant landscape.
The History:
Built by the iconic Woodstock artist Paul Arndt in the 1920s as his home (the stone house) and his sprawling art studio (the cottage), this property is steeped in the history of the region's most influential generation of artists. Arndt was part of the circle of painters, many his neighbors and frequent guests of his renowned gatherings on Library Lane, often referred to as the Woodstock Impressionists, a group active during a period when many Depression-era artists chose to live and work outside New York City.
The Stone House:
The expansive four-bedroom, two-bathroom stone house marries rich textures and refined materials with a minimalist calm intended to both soothe and inspire. It has been meticulously restored to bring a modern sensibility that favors light and clean lines, a nod to nature, while preserving charming details such as exposed wood beams, classic Dutch doors, and the original wide-plank oak and pine floors.
The kitchen, outfitted with Viking appliances, has Siberian elm countertops that sit below a backsplash of gorgeous Cle tiles, and an unlacquered brass Barber Wilson faucet graces the sink.
The living room is framed by striking wood beams, and the whole room meditates around a grand stone-clad wood-burning fireplace. The 4 bedrooms, one of which is on the ground floor, are generously proportioned and have idyllic views. The newly renovated master bathroom has a double-sized sink and a soaking tub. And perhaps one of the home’s most beloved features - the original, wavy-glass, paned windows in every room that open like classic French doors.
The Artist’s Cottage:
Meandering out the front door of the stone house down the gravel path, or slipping through the secret garden fence at the edge of the property, you’ll encounter Paul Arndt's former painting studio, now a dreamy three-bedroom cottage. The living room has soaring high ceilings, an original stone fireplace fitted with a Stüb Belgian insert, and an incredible picture window overlooking some of the property’s most beautiful trees. Throughout the cottage are wide pine floors, and modern touches such as skylights and a Venetian plastered bathroom by artist Anthony Chase.
The screened-in porch with its cathedral-style ceilings has some of the most special views of the property, including its plentiful wildlife, wetlands, gardens, and towering trees.
The Grounds:
The gardens at Library Lane have been envisioned over several years by renowned landscape architect Michael Trapp. Arborvitae, dogwoods, hydrangeas, crab apples, clematis, magnolias, viburnum, vibrant fuchsia rhododendrons, majestic 100-year-old oaks, silver birch, and hemlock trees populate the grounds. Forsythia and privet beautifully line the property, while Heavenly Blue morning glories cascade along the fence lines and fragrant honeysuckle drapes elegantly across the pergola.
The Surroundings:
Library Lane is a peaceful, quiet haven just a five-minute walk to downtown Woodstock, near the area's most beloved skiing and hiking spots, and just under 2 hours from New York City.
The list of closeby favorite haunts could be endless, but in short, stop by Silvia’s, Nirvana, or Good Night for the perfect weekend dinner, get moving at the Woodstock Tennis Club and then cool off with some wild swimming at the Big Deep, fill a basket of local goodies from the Wednesday farmers market, grab the best bagels from Moonrise, stroll around the Ashokan Reservoir, and stock up the pantry from Sunflower Market.
The property is being sold as a compound with two residences, the stone house and the cottage. However, there is flexibility for the next owner of being able to parcel off either of the two homes with the sub-division having already been done.
