The soft rush of water over an 18th-century mill wheel almost masks the astonishment: a 2,150-acre horse farm in Columbia County has just hit the market for an astounding $90 million.
Known as Mill Farm, this sprawling estate in Ancramdale, just 100 miles north of Manhattan, includes meadows, waterfalls, barns, and historic homes. Built over 43 years by former financier Daniel Slott, the property symbolizes a broader shift transforming upstate New York’s real estate landscape.
Once seen as a pastoral retreat, upstate New York is now commanding record-breaking prices, marking its first true ultra-luxury moment. Properties that were once modest farmhouses have evolved into world-class estates complete with private lakes, equestrian facilities, and architecture rivaling Gilded Age landmarks.
According to Jillian Pajer of Douglas Elliman, “Upstate New York offers a rare blend of scale, privacy, and culture that’s almost impossible to replicate elsewhere.”
The trend began during the pandemic but has since matured into something more enduring, a desire for privacy, permanence, and prestige. Buyers aren’t simply seeking second homes; they’re investing in legacies.
Recent listings echo this shift:
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Mill Farm in Columbia County at $90 million, with 10 homes and 15 barns.
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The Hitchcock Estate in Millbrook, priced at $65 million.
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Camp Iroquois in the Adirondacks, a 1906 Gilded Age compound featured on Billions, now under contract.
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Lake Delaware Farm, a 1,600-acre Livingston family estate listed for $14 million.
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Renamor in Tuxedo Park, a 151-acre retreat asking $29.5 million.
Each property tells a story of luxury redefinedwhere wealth meets heritage, and exclusivity means acres of preserved beauty rather than crowded social scenes.
As Joseph Satto of Compass observes, “High-net-worth buyers are rediscovering the Hudson Valley and Catskills. They’re choosing legacy over lifestyle, space over spectacle.”
While not every estate will reach its ambitious asking price, brokers agree these listings set a new tone for the market. They symbolize a growing demand for land, artistry, and quiet grandeur far from the Hamptons’ hustle.
Jason Karadus of Corcoran calls the Hudson Valley “the most undervalued luxury market in the Northeast.” As interest grows from tech founders, West Coast investors, and international buyers, the region’s prestige is rapidly ascending.
What was once a weekend escape has become a new luxury frontier, one defined by privacy, history, and enduring beauty.
If you’re ready to explore exclusive estates or find your own peaceful retreat away from city life, contact Sean Elstone today. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, we’ll help you navigate the luxury market with precision, strategy, and discretion.
Photo By: Will Nainis
