Light Rooms and Pink Tones in One of the Hudson Valley’s Oldest Homes
In the historic center of Kinderhook, tucked discreetly behind a stately brick façade and leafy grounds, stands one of the oldest homes in the Hudson Valley.
Commissioned in the 1720s as a parsonage for Johannes van Driessen, the first minister of the Dutch Reformed Church of Kinderhook, this remarkable residence, known since the mid-19th century as the Heermance House, offers a rare blend of early American architecture and thoughtful modern restoration.
Over nearly 300 years, the house has evolved with care and intention. Its earliest transformation came just after the Revolutionary War, when the home received a Federal-style update. Brick was added to the front façade, and the original steeply pitched roof was reshaped into the elegant gambrel silhouette that defines it today.
In the mid-19th century, after the Heermance family acquired the property, a Greek Revival expansion introduced more light and interior space. These changes enhanced the home’s livability while preserving its architectural integrity.
Most recently, a comprehensive renovation has revived the interiors with deep respect for the home’s 18th-century vernacular. Character-rich design choices, artisan craftsmanship, and period-sensitive details ensure that history remains the guiding narrative throughout.
Throughout the home, carefully selected Farrow & Ball paint colors enhance the natural light in each room. Period-appropriate lighting and hardware further honor the home’s long architectural story.
A restored, historically accurate front porch, complete with built-in benches, welcomes you inside.
The entry hall sets the tone with a formal living room to the left and the dining room to the right.
The cozy yet airy living room is filled with natural light. Both spaces on the ground floor boast soaring 10-foot ceilings, an uncommon luxury in homes of this vintage, alongside exposed beams and preserved hearths.
The formal dining room features a charming bay window and an original fireplace. The white-painted floorboards and white walls create a fresh atmosphere.
The bay window is a stunning architectural feature in the dining room.
From the dining room, French doors open into a fully renovated kitchen that effortlessly bridges past and present.
Wide-board reclaimed pine floors anchor the space, while a distinctive burgundy range serves as a focal point. Zellige tile backsplashes, abundant storage, and a custom-built breakfast nook make the kitchen both functional and beautiful.
The rear half of the ground floor overlooks the property’s lush greenspace and contains the home’s more intimate gathering areas: a generous mudroom, hearth room, library, second living/media room, laundry room, and powder room.
The mudroom makes a striking first impression with cool-toned brick floors laid in a herringbone pattern. Custom cabinetry, tongue-and-groove paneling, peg rails, and detailed millwork, crafted by local artisans, create a space that is as practical as it is handsome.
The powder room features Dutch tilework around the sink, a lovely nod to the home’s Dutch past.
The hearth room, originally added in the 1780s, has become the emotional center of the home. In colder months, the historic fireplace glows at the core of daily life, embodying nearly three centuries of warmth and gathering.
Another sitting room features beautiful pink-painted joinery, an IKEA Söderhman sofa with a Bemz cover in their Maximalist Fit, where the skirt is decorated with ruffles.
Upstairs, four well-proportioned bedrooms and two full baths offer both comfort and charm.
The primary wing is its own retreat. Here you’ll find a spacious bedroom, dressing room, private office with a deep window seat overlooking the home’s ancient Catalpa tree, and a beautifully reimagined primary bath.
The warm pink bathroom features the Veronique shower curtain by Les Indiennes.
Three guest bedrooms form a dedicated wing, each enjoying views over Kinderhook’s historic rooftops. The shared guest bath is a two-toned jewel box, complete with a romantic soaking tub, thoughtful millwork, and ample built-in cabinetry.
Stepping outside through the mudroom, a stone patio and dining terrace overlook the property’s 18th-century barn and mature gardens.
Set on approximately three-quarters of an acre, the grounds balance open lawn with established plantings that lend structure and privacy. The historic barn offers exciting possibilities: a workshop, an artist’s studio, or, with restoration, a perfectly scaled guesthouse.
The house was listed for sale at Lillie K Team.