Ulster County Offers A Variety Of Home Styles

Ulster County Real Estate: Home Styles

Those of you seeking to find your idea of the “Perfect” home most likely have a full color picture in your mind of that pretty little place to put down your welcome mat. However, how do you fully explain it to your agent. After all your agent will be pouring over listings and suggesting many homes for you to view. Still, after viewing dozens of homes that just don’t fit, you may feel as if they just aren’t listening well enough. It’s just not what you see in your minds eye. Is it? A Realtor who is a good listener can very often zone in on the right house for you in a very short period of time. Then again, sometimes it’s just not that easy. Ulster County has such a large variety of home styles and ages that there are many homes that just don’t quite fit the normal criteria. Knowing the style you love and being able to describe it well, will indeed be helpful. A few of the many styles you will find in Ulster County are listed below:

Victorian – often found in the City of Kingston or in some of the smaller villages, built around the turn of the century, they often feature steep gabled ends adorned with decorative moldings, fish scale shingles combined with clapboard siding, slate roofs, bow windows, stained glass and elaborate covered porches with turned spindles and “ginger-bread” moldings. Interiors often feature elaborate mahogany woodwork. These homes are often referred to as painted ladies with each home featuring several colors outlining the many details.

Old Stone House – these well built homes have withstood the test of time and are our oldest residences dating back to the 1600’s. They are unique to the Hudson Valley and considered our historic gems. With thick laid up stone (also called stone rubble) walls, some with original Dutch Doors, multi-paned windows, steep gables and simple styling they are true antiques to be cherished. These highly desired homes can be found throughout Ulster County, in particular in Uptown Kingston, Old Hurley, Marbletown, Esopus and New Paltz.

Farmhouse - homes categorized as “farmhouses” come in a variety of sizes and each is usually as different as it’s original owner and their families needs. They are generally two story homes featuring simple moldings, porches and hardware with wideboard pine floors or materials made to last but not flamboyant. The front entrance is generally on the gable end. They are desired and loved for their simple charm and often country settings.

Colonial - new and old, Colonials can be found in most townships in Ulster County. They feature a practical floor plan for most peoples needs. Distinguishing a Colonial from other two story homes is the front entry being under the eaves of the roof. Ulster County has true Colonial’s that date back to, you guessed it, Colonial times, as well as, Colonial “Revivals” which are still being built but with attributes that conform to today’s needs such as open floor plans, finished lower levels with Family Rooms and the latest of desired materials. Original old Colonials are much like the farmhouses mentioned above but usually contain finer finishing touches such as crown or chair-rail moldings, a more detailed or finer staircase and fireplace mantel.

Ranch – a versatile home for many people as all ranches are one story homes, their front door is situate under the eave end of the roof making their appearance long, slender and horizontal. Current variations of the ranch are the Raised Ranch which features a split entry for ease to a lower level finished basement with a half flight up to the main level of living space.

Contemporary – this style of home is as unique as they come but most contain certain elements that are consistent with their name. Considered “Modern” in appearance they often feature cathedral ceilings, large windows showcasing light and views, minimal moldings or casings if any, clean lines, open spaces and interesting materials with bold statements. Floor plans may contain loft areas and multiple levels. These homes may be considered non-conventional. Many contemporary homeowners also seek privacy and views, therefore, they can be found in areas such as Woodstock built along picturesque mountainsides or the Hudson River.

With such a wide variety of homes to choose from in Ulster County, you should be able to find that “Perfect” little place to call “home” whatever your style!