Behold The Rifton, an enchanting 1876 stone home and creative haven, bridges Kingston and New Paltz within Rifton's serene hamlet. This architectural gem, once a church, town hall, and a duck farm, now stands majestically, embodying community spirit in its sprawling 6,000 sq ft. Meticulously restored, The Rifton marries wabi-sabi modernism with historical echoes, flaunting exposed beams, bedrock ledges, original stone walls, pine floors, and antique doors wearing a patina of ages. A gravel path leads to a verdant canopy-shrouded entrance, revealing a vestibule of bedrock and terrazzo, with a hidden storage cave, and a bright, welcoming mudroom. Inside, 7ft tall windows illuminate the living room and kitchen, showcasing reclaimed wood stairs and hand-hewn beams. The ground level cradles three tranquil bedrooms, including a primary suite with a glass shower set against natural bedrock, and two guest rooms complemented by a bespoke 5-piece concrete bathroom. Ascend to the former church, now a once-in-a-lifetime entertaining space with massive 30ft ceilings and an epic, Game-of-Thrones stone and steel firepit as its centerpiece. Thirty-two original windows and vast glass doors frame nature's canvas, opening to a spacious deck soaring over the landscape. Above it all, a lofted fourth bedroom, a full bath, and private entrance to 'The Tower' — a five-story, stone and steel atelier — complete this artistic haven. This fully separated section with its own entrance, lends itself to a creative’s studio, private gallery, gym, offices, shop or workshop — or rent it for year-round income while maintaining the residence independently. The Rifton's grounds are a tapestry of stone pathways and wild gardens, evoking centuries-old enchantment. Perennial blooms frame views of the stone edifice with vivid blue touches, conjuring a Tuscany-like paradise, just 10 minutes from the two urban hubs. Its unique four levels, including the lower garden residence with a grand fireplace, a mid-level workshop, a loft with an indoor circular stone fire pit, and a bell tower, invite boundless creativity. The Rifton, a fusion of history, art, and nature, stands as a testament to architectural poetry, a canvas for those who dare to dream. Art presented by Pinkwater Gallery • Art Photos: Doron Gild
