"Shatemuc" was built by my own hand from the ground up on the shores of the Hudson River in Kingston, NY. The original inhabitants of these lands were the Lenape who called the Hudson River "Shatemuc," meaning "the river that flows both ways." The home's seclusion affords tranquility and connection to nature yet it is minutes from downtown Kingston. The exposed timbers, huge kitchen, enormous windows and bi-fold doors, deck, high-ceilings and spectacular finishes are one-of-a-kind. And then there's the view!
This is a brand-new house and listing. The house has three beautiful floors including the basement but the basement is off-limits to guests so you'll have access to the ground floor and second floor (and the loft in what is essentially the third floor).
GROUND FLOOR
The ground floor features a mudroom, a giant kitchen, a living room with a wood-burning fireplace, and a dining room (although I have yet to acquire the right dining room table so dining takes place at the kitchen island or in the living room). The kitchen will also eventually have a lemon tree growing out of the floor next to the island.
ENTRY/MUDROOM
The mudroom is great for just that. Keep the mud there! Take your shoes off and store your coats on the hooks or on the shelves in baskets (to come). Lights for the whole floor and house an be activated there too.
The main yellow door is big and heavy and features a beautiful but very old handset so a) you need to slam the door for it to fully close (listen and feel for the latch) and, b) easiest to always turn the handle counterclockwise, and c) be gentle with how you lock and unlock it and best to minimize how much you do so.
The ground floor thermostat is immediately on the right as you come into the house from the mudroom.
BATHROOM
You also have a full bathroom with a shower that will eventually be filled with big-leafed plants which will provide privacy and allow you to feel like you're showering outside while inside. There is a timer switch for the exhaust fan in this bathroom. The floors are heated and temperature can be adjusted on the touchscreen.
STOVE/OVEN/CAST IRON
In the kitchen you'll find an induction stovetop with multiple ovens underneath. Please take care not to leave any burners turned on with a pan on top (the burners will not activate without a pan on top of them but without a flame, it can be easy to forget that you've left something on so be mindful). Also DO NOT PLACE POTS OR PANS ON THE MARBLE OR QUARTZITE COUNTERTOPS AS IT WILL STAIN. Use one of the many available trivets or keep them on the stovetop. You'll also find the instruction manual for the stove and oven in the top right drawer next to the unit. Cast iron should also not be put in the dishwasher.
OTHER KITCHEN APPLIANCES
The kitchen also has a dishwasher, beverage fridge, cold/filtered water from the special faucet, trash and recycling, and a large refrigerator/freezer. The freezer makes ice automatically from filtered water. The pantry is to the left of the fridge and silverware and plates and other pots and pans not hanging by the stove can be found in the island drawers. Note: for now, numerous construction items are temporarily being stored in some of the island drawers.
LIGHTS
The lights are operated from numerous switches but most of them can also be operated via Siri commands. You'll figure it out pretty quickly with trial and error :)
FIREPLACE
Feel free to make a fire in the fireplace with split pieces of wood and small amounts of kindling and paper. The knob to the right of the fireplace controls the fan speed but it will not turn on initially until the fire reaches core temperature.
SECRET BAR
There is/will be a secret pull out bookshelf bar to the left of the fireplace. I have yet to finish it entirely but there will be a fixed book (perhaps a Hemingway?) that will act as a handle and a full bar behind which if you help yourself to you will need to replenish.
PROJECTOR
Not installed yet, but a projector and giant screen are coming will be in front of the fireplace.
SECOND FLOOR
GUEST BATHROOM
There is a full bathroom with a tub at the top of the stairs accessible both from the hallway and from the guest bedroom. There is a timer switch for the exhaust fan. The floors are heated and temperature can be adjusted on the touchscreen.
GUEST ROOM
The guest room has a queen-sized bed and closet. The operable window is a tilt-and-turn, so you turn the handle up to tilt the window (great for if it's raining or it's windy), or you turn it sideways to open, or you turn it all the way down to close.
STUDIO/LOUNGE
This room is still coming together but it will eventually be the studio and/or a hangout lounge. The tilt and turn windows operate as the others do (turn the handle up to tilt the window, turn it sideways to open, turn it all the way down to close.)
The second floor thermostat is also in this room next to the stairs.
WASHER/DRYER
The washer and dryer are in the closet in the stairwell on the second floor. The dryer is ventless so you need to be sure to fully clean the lint filter each time otherwise it will not dry.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
The view-de-gras... Enjoy!
PRIMARY BEDROOM BATHROOM
Another view-de-gras but this time from the shower :)
The floors are heated and temperature can be adjusted on the touchscreen.
A little water does get out onto the floor when you shower but be mindful not to allow lots to come out and use a towel to dry it up a bit after to protect the heated floor.
SECRET LOFT BEDROOM
So where is this other bedroom? Next to the guest bathroom there is a piece of wall...that is actually a sliding door! Behind that you will find a custom tree ladder and a magical bedroom above :) The only way in or out is that ladder though so please be aware.
