UPSTATE GLORY

The sensitive renovation of an 18th-century New York State farmhouse prompted a journey of discovery for its owners

- JULIET BENNING

SITTING ROOM

Transforming and preserving the Federal Colonial farmhouse has taken several years. Now, in here, four chairs are the perfect spot for a cocktail when friends arrive. Woman in a Blouse artwork by Isaac Soyer. Rug, FJ Kashanian

If walls could talk, this 18th-century farmhouse belonging to Andrew Arrick and his husband Michael Hofemann would surely have some great yarns. By the turn of the last century, the house, which was originally the homestead for a 100-acre orchard, had become the Locust Rest and Tea Stop, a favoured breakpoint on the journey between Albany and New York City. Preserving its fascinating history has been a challenge this couple have embraced with sensitivity and joy, feeling a gut pull to the house from the outset. ‘We had friends in the area and enjoyed visiting nearby Hudson, which is famed for its antiques shops,’ says Andrew. ‘The sale of the house was prompted by the most casual of internet searches, but when we viewed it we were utterly seduced and within a month the sale had gone through.’