“We began our search for an upstate home in late 2019 the way everybody does it,” says David Krause: “by scrolling through Realtor and Zillow while bored and dreaming of a country getaway.”
The couple’s search yielded an 1830s house in Freehold, NY, but it was all but completely defunct, with no hot water, nonfunctioning bathrooms, and leaks in the roof. Still, squinting a little, David—founder of the vegan, all-genders skincare line Alder New York—and his husband, Ayan Chatterjee, a producer for MSNBC, could see its potential. “There wasn’t a lot of inventory at the time, but I fell in love with this house, with its mountain views and wrap-around porch and original features,” David says.
Taking the full-scale renovation into their own hands, the duo restored the house’s stateliness and gave the interiors rustic yet design-forward appeal. The results were so good, in fact, they abandoned plans to use the house as a weekend escape from the city and moved in full time.
Have a look around.
The list of changes made (so far)? “We renovated the kitchen and the bathrooms, added a laundry room, mudroom, and the den with a wood-burning stove,” says David. “We also replaced the roof with a metal standing seam roof (we weren’t planning on this; needing a new roof was one of the surprises of fixing up an old home!), took off the aluminum siding, and restored the wood siding underneath. We also updated electrical and added split-system AC and heating. And we added a pool (this is our favorite addition).”
Outside, “we have an ever-growing vegetable garden that provides us with much of our produce throughout the summer and fall,” David says. “I like to grow varieties that you can’t find in supermarkets: Parisian market carrots, ground cherries, and blue tomatoes. I also have a cut flower garden that provides beautiful blooms for the house.”
“The countertops and backsplash are a leathered quartzite,” David adds. “It’s very textured, and we love how tactile it is. It feels like a traditional soapstone that could have been found in the house originally, but the textured, leathered finish and the veining gives it a more contemporary sensibility.”
“Overall, the renovations ended up being much more extensive than originally expected,” reports David. And like most old homes, it’s a work in progress: “We’re always changing things around.”
For more Upstate renovations, might we suggest:
- Steal This Look: A One-Room Cabin in the Catskills
- Upstate Update: A Writer’s “Layered,” Eclectic Catskills Farmhouse
- Kitchen of the Week: A Shaker Cook Space in the Catskills (Root Cellar Included)
Frequently asked questions
What is the location of the Alder New York House in Catskills?
The Alder New York House is located in the Catskills region.
What type of renovation was done to the Alder New York House?
The Alder New York House underwent a historic renovation.
Who completed the renovation of the Alder New York House?
The renovation of the Alder New York House was completed by Alder New York.
What is the design aesthetic of the renovated Alder New York House?
The design aesthetic of the renovated Alder New York House is modern yet cozy.
How would you describe the interior design style of the Alder New York House?
The interior design style of the Alder New York House is a mix of contemporary and rustic elements.
Is the Alder New York House available for rental?
Yes, the Alder New York House is available for rental.
Can I book a stay at the Alder New York House?
Yes, you can book a stay at the Alder New York House through their website.
Are pets allowed at the Alder New York House?
Yes, the Alder New York House is pet-friendly.
How many bedrooms are there in the Alder New York House?
The Alder New York House has multiple bedrooms, providing ample accommodation.
Is Wi-Fi available at the Alder New York House?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available at the Alder New York House.
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