A striking black-clad estate in New York’s Hudson Valley went under contract in just a few days, proving that bold architecture in a coveted setting still captures buyer attention.
The barndominium-style home at 78 Waldorf Ridge Road in Copake, listed for $3.25 million, is currently marked pending mere days after hitting the market, underscoring the continued demand for thoughtfully designed homes with acreage in upstate New York. It’s listed with Kyle Irwin.
Built in 2023, the nearly 4,000-square-foot home stands out immediately thanks to its dramatic exterior, clad entirely in Shou Sugi Ban cedar siding.
This centuries-old Japanese preservation method, which gives the home its distinctive all-black look, dates back to the 1700s and involves charring wood and sealing it with natural oil, creating a richly textured surface that’s both visually striking and highly durable.
Set on approximately 34 acres of wooded landscape punctuated by the Ro Jan Kill stream, the property offers a sense of ultimate privacy and retreat. The barndo-style architecture pairs soaring ceilings and open-concept living spaces with warm, organic materials that soften a sleek exterior.
Inside, the home centers around a double-height living room with a wood-burning fireplace and a 16-foot-wide retractable glass wall that opens directly onto a patio with views of the Taconic Range.
Three bedroom suites, each with private baths and two with walk-in closets—comprise the home’s primary sleeping quarters, along with a main-floor powder room.
The kitchen continues in the same modern-meets-rustic vein with sleek wood cabinetry and elegant marble and tile finishes.
The property also includes a 900-square-foot finished basement that offers an additional living area, dedicated home gym, and a second kitchen. A detached two-car garage rounds can be found just beyond the main home.
The property’s 34-acre footprint also provides abundant opportunities for outdoor living and recreation. Expansive grounds allow for a deep sense of immersion in the natural beauty that defines the Hudson Valley— and whether used as a primary residence or weekend escape, the setting offers ample space to entertain, or simply roam and unwind.
The home’s rapid move to “pending” highlights the strong demand for architecturally distinctive properties, especially ones featuring exceptional craftsmanship and privacy.
