Upstate House

More Than a House: Finding Home in the Hudson Valley

By Berkshire Hathaway Home Services HV  |  Spring 2025   |  House Feature  |  Hudson Valley Real Estate Market

Buying a home isn’t just about the house itself—it’s about the neighborhood, the view from the windows, and the rhythm of daily life. A home’s surroundings shape its feel as much as its walls. That’s why Hayes Clement, Donna Brooks, and Harris Safier of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hudson Valley Properties encourage homebuyers to look beyond the property and consider the community before they decide.

For their team, real estate is as much about education as it is about sales. “We don’t just sell houses,” Brooks says. “We help people understand the difference between living in Rhinebeck or Rosendale, Kingston or Kerhonkson. A town’s feel can make or break a home choice.”

A Legacy of Experience in Hudson Valley Real Estate

With a combined 140 years of experience, the 15-agent Unlock Upstate Team, founded by Clement, Brooks, and Safier, has watched the Hudson Valley evolve over decades. They specialize in Dutchess, Greene, Columbia, and Ulster counties, representing a range of properties—from rural retreats to historic estates.

Their success speaks for itself: In 2024 alone, the team surpassed $100 million in sales. But more than transactions, their focus is on long-term relationships. The majority of their business comes from referrals and repeat clients. “One family just closed on their fifth home with us,” Clement notes. “That kind of trust is what drives our business.”

A House with a Story

One of their current listings, 9 Chambers Road in West Park, is a prime example of the region’s rich architectural and cultural history. Built in 1891, the 7,700-square-foot Arts and Crafts main house has hosted scholars, activists, and even a First Lady.

In 1899, a young Eleanor Roosevelt was sent to study at Allenswood Boarding Academy in London under Madame Souvestre, an educator known for shaping independent thinkers. Roosevelt carried those lessons back to the Hudson Valley, where she became involved with the Hudson Shore Labor School, a vocational school for young women, immigrants, and unionists—housed at 9 Chambers Road.

The school was founded by labor educator and poet Hilda Worthington Smith, whose family originally built the home, now known as Hudson Shore Estate. Over the years, the estate has transformed from a private residence to a Rutgers University annex, a convent, a wellness retreat, a movie set, a bed-and-breakfast, and now, a luxury getaway.

Today, the fully renovated mansion seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comfort. It boasts six-plus spacious bedrooms (each with a private bath), a Moravian-tiled living room, and original architectural details preserved from its earliest days. The 2021 renovations added contemporary amenities: a sauna, gym, heated floors, and a pool. In addition, there’s a 2,800-square-foot carriage house that has been configured into two apartments. In winter, the back of the house offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and the Vanderbilt estate across the water.

“Like many restored historic homes in the Hudson Valley, 9 Chambers tells a story of both what was and what could be,” Clement says.

Understanding the Nuances of Hudson Valley Living

Beyond individual properties, the Unlock Upstate team is dedicated to helping buyers navigate the complexities of homebuying in the Hudson Valley. They’ve experienced an uptick in buyers from outside the region, some with a romanticized view of upstate life.

“There’s a misconception that the Hudson Valley is one homogenous area,” Brooks explains. “But each town has its own personality. The difference between Woodstock and Kingston is stark—one’s an arts colony with a vibrant, free-spirited energy, the other is an emerging small city with historic architecture and growing food, arts, and music scenes.”

Some buyers prioritize culture and nightlife, while others seek solitude. Some want walkability; others don’t mind driving 15 minutes for groceries if it means a quieter home setting. Understanding these factors helps prevent buyer’s remorse.

“The pandemic accelerated homebuying decisions, and now some of those buyers are relocating again,” Safier notes. “They want to be in the Hudson Valley—but maybe not exactly where they landed.”

Another trend? More buyers are coming from California and Florida, seeking what’s known as a “climate haven”—a place where rising sea levels and wildfires are less of a threat. “With the recent surge of displacement caused by the Los Angeles fires, we expect even more people to move here,” Safier says.

Online Sites Can’t Replace Local Expertise

The team emphasizes the importance of working with knowledgeable local real estate professionals rather than relying solely on online platforms like Zillow. The process of home buying is more refined than browsing a listing. Many buyers end up with agents through Zillow, but Zillow charges a hefty commission percentage, and a base cost for advertising, increasing with in-demand zip codes. An agent’s incentive in selling a home may be paying next month’s fee, Brooks points out. “Someone from Zillow might be in a rush and not want to point out the quality of construction. This agent becomes a superficial tour guide,” Brooks says.

By contrast, the Unlock Upstate Team takes the time to educate clients about every aspect of their potential purchase—especially what they might not immediately notice or think about.

“We are not home inspectors, but after walking through thousands of houses, we know what to look for,” Clement says. “We always encourage our clients to ask the right questions—about everything from workmanship to zoning regulations.”

The Art of Navigating Local Real Estate

One of the team’s biggest assets is its extensive network. “Real estate isn’t just about houses—it’s about knowing the right people,” Brooks says. “If you need to get in touch with a town’s building department, we know exactly who to call.”

Whether it’s navigating building permits, historic preservation guidelines, or local planning boards, their experience helps buyers avoid common pitfalls.

“Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions someone will make,” Clement says. “It’s our responsibility to help them make an informed choice—not just about the property, but about the life they’ll be living there.”

A Business Built on Relationships

While some real estate firms rely heavily on digital marketing, Unlock Upstate’s business is often driven by word of mouth. Their clients appreciate the level of service they receive, leading to referrals and driving repeat business.

“A client from five years ago is still a client today,” Brooks says. “We’re not just selling homes—we’re helping people build lives here.”

That dedication extends to mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals. The team meets weekly for knowledge-sharing sessions with their 12 colleagues, passing down insights from decades in the field and thousands of closed transactions.

Why Local Matters

Choosing a local real estate team isn’t just about convenience—it’s about trust. Out-of-state agents often refer clients to local professionals like Unlock Upstate’s agents because they know they’ll close deals efficiently and ethically.

“In a world where people are used to shopping by scrolling, real estate requires a deeper level of engagement,” Clement says. “Buying a home isn’t like ordering something online—it’s about making sure it’s the right fit for your life.”

By combining deep regional expertise with a commitment to client education, the Unlock Upstate team ensures that its buyers aren’t just purchasing a house—they’re truly finding their home in the Hudson Valley.

Real Estate Listing Details

Listing Price: $3,950,000
Contact: Hayes Clement
cell: 917 568 5226
office: 845 340 1920
hclement@bhhshudsonvalley.com
MLS number 20243382

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