From the moment you pass under the restored iron gates of White Bridge Farm, you sense a property shaped by centuries of history and meticulous caretaking.
The 250-year-old dwelling, which was built in 1775, sits on 160 acres of lush land that was once used as the playground for a local hunt club, which freely roamed the Old Chatham, NY, parcel for eight decades, adding another unique layer to the home’s legacy.
“White Bridge Farm hosted the Chatham Hunt Club for about 80 years, and the pool house stands where the hounds’ birthing barn once was,” says listing agent Nancy E. Felcetto of Brown Harris Stevens.
The crest over the main house door still marks the club’s legacy, and Olympic equestrians are said to have trained here, giving the property not only historical resonance but genuine sporting pedigree.
After years of coming on and off the market, the estate at 47 White Bridge Road is once again available, this time offered at $12 million, a sharp decrease from its highest asking price of $15 million.
With more than 8,000 square feet of living space, the Old Chatham property is equal parts 18th-century heritage and modern sanctuary.
The main home offers three bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, including a main-level en suite with a double-height ceiling.
Formal living and dining rooms, each with their own fireplaces, sit alongside a masterfully updated kitchen, office, mudroom, and sunlit upstairs suites, all grounded by radiant floor heating.
Beyond the main residence, the land has several notable attractions of its own: 3 miles of walking and riding trails, rolling lawns, and a stream that winds through the acreage.
Felcetto notes that buyers are often drawn to the outdoor features: “There are several stone water-fountain features and firepits. The pool and spa, the pool house, and its outdoor shower are all major highlights.”
Much of White Bridge Farm’s allure comes from its architecture, a blend of historic authenticity and meticulous restoration.
“All historic elements, hardware, fencing, and stonework original to the property have been meticulously restored, including original horse and hound stalls in the barns,” Felcetto says.
The roofs across the estate are custom copper, which Felcetto describes as “handmade dog-ear copper roofing.”
Throughout the property, craftsmanship is both visible and structural. The barns have been reimagined as guest quarters and flexible living spaces while preserving original stall walls and beams. Modern comforts, including upgraded systems, radiant heating, and kitchens and baths have all been seamlessly integrated.
The location deepens the estate’s appeal. Old Chatham was once a vital stop along the stagecoach route between Boston and Albany, and many of its remaining buildings, like the former inn now known as Jackson’s Old Chatham House, date to that era.
Nearby, the Village of Chatham became a major railroad hub in the 1800s, supporting local businesses like the Chatham Shirt Shop and Payn Mills. Today, the estate sits within easy reach of Albany International Airport and the cultural offerings of the Berkshires, including Tanglewood.
What ultimately sets White Bridge Farm apart, Felcetto says, is its almost otherworldly sense of care and completeness.
“The restoration, from the buildings to the landscape, is truly a feat,” she explains. “It’s a property for generations that serves as a significant example of the area’s historic heritage.”
