Meandering through 76 acres of spectacular scenery, including forests, fields, gardens and lush greenery all overlooking the spectacular Hudson River Valley, Locusts-on-Hudson nestles right on the river with its own exquisite private beach in Staatsburg,NY. The private estate is an oasis of calm and tranquility just two hours’ drive from New York City and offers every facility for a luxurious getaway. Here you’ll find a beautiful pool to swim in, a number of greenhouses to explore, sauna, hot tub, outside seating, a dock in May, flower garden, river views, walking paths, barn complex to relax in and a fully operational farm complete with its own spectacular 19th Century barn where a number of events have been held.
The manor house is a neo-Baroque structure that was originally erected in 1941 and has been meticulously restored to its former glory by renowned hotelier André Balazs. Today it boasts a number of large, stately rooms with vast floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the spectacular terrain. There’s a great room, a formal dining-room, study, gallery, kitchen, office and 11 exquisite bedrooms Guests enjoy a variety of leisure facilities, including a large swimming pool, a tennis court hiking paths, cross country skiing in winter and kayaking in the summer months. There is also a golf course next to the property.
The historic estate has become a popular retreat for weekend getaways, special events and weddings where guests are able to access the offerings of the entire property.
Its history is fascinating, too… the property was originally owned by Henry Brockholst Livingston, who gave it the unusual name ‘The Locusts’ in 1797 after the black locust trees that were planted there.
Over the centuries there were various buildings erected on the property, including an Italianate mansion built in 1871 by William B. Dinsmore, who was president of a powerful American rail and shipping company called Adams Express Co. He established elaborate gardens here and immense greenhouses where he cultivated rare plants including exotic orchids, daffodils, roses and lilacs. Dinsmore also erected a large farm complex on the property that became famous for its prize-winning livestock and beautiful barns. He also hosted a number of famous people at The Locusts, including two US Presidents (Ulysses S. Grant and Chester A. Arthur).
Dinsmore’s grand-daughter, Helen Lytle Hull, transformed The Locusts into a glamorous retreat in 1941. She dismantled her grandfather’s enormous mansion and rebuilt the existing one. Helen Lytle Hull would host elaborate garden parties which hosted artists like Cole Porter, Grace Kelly, Leonard Bernstein, and Elsa Maxwell. She helped fund Lincoln Center & the Ballet. After her death, the property went to ruin, until it was bought by André Balazs in 2004. The famous hotelier initially intended living on the property, but has since decided to share its beauty with guests. Today the Locusts is a modern luxury establishment in keeping with all of Balazs’ other famous properties scattered around the world.