Oak Terrace, home of Elenor Roosevelt’s maternal grandmother and where the first lady spent her summers as a young girl, is a property of great historical significance to the area, and the country.
Emerge at the end of a long winding drive to the historic manse on the banks of the Hudson River with over 25 acres and direct views of the Catskill Mountains.
The raw beauty of the landscape is breathtaking and reminiscent of a bygone era. The Mansion has been rescued from near complete loss and is now ready for finishing.
Enter through solid wood doors over 10 feet high into a grand foyer with an impressive staircase and soaring domed ceiling.
Banisters, trim, windows, doors and fireplaces have been saved wherever possible. Stunning views from almost every room.
Infrastructure, the hard work has been done. The basement is now poured concrete with high tech heating and cooling, new electric, plumbing and septic.
8 Fireplaces completely rebuilt. Architect designed modern kitchen wing was added. Architectural plans for 6 bedrooms, all plumbed for ensuite baths, 2 with 2nd floor decks.
Structure in place for an elevator. Flooring, kitchen, baths, fixtures and design choices await await your vision.
Unique opportunity to own one of the most important historic locations on the Hudson River in private ownership.
Listing by: Four Seasons Sotheby’s Int’l Realty Rh
845-876-5100
Rachel Hyman-Rouse
Property Information:
$4,500,000, 6 bd, 7 ba, 10,000 sqft
794 Woods Rd, Germantown, NY 12526
Photos:
A rare piece of American history has just come on the market: the childhood home of Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady of the United States and one of the most influential women of the 20th century.
Priced at $4.5 million, the stately residence is not only a fine example of period architecture but also a poignant symbol of Roosevelt’s early life and formative years.
Located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, the home belonged to Eleanor Roosevelt’s maternal grandmother, Mary Livingston Ludlow. It was here that young Eleanor spent a large portion of her childhood after the tragic loss of both her parents by the age of ten.
The house, known locally for its elegance and historical significance, is now attracting attention from history buffs, luxury buyers, and those who appreciate classic American heritage.
A Childhood Shaped by History
Eleanor Roosevelt, born in 1884 into one of New York’s most prominent families, endured great personal loss early in life.
After the deaths of her mother and father, she moved into the care of her grandmother, who resided in this stately mansion.
It was within these walls that Eleanor began her transformation from a shy and introverted girl into the confident and compassionate woman who would later redefine the role of First Lady.
While the home was a place of emotional recovery and personal growth, it was also where Eleanor began to witness the contrasting worlds of wealth and social responsibility.
The Livingston family, part of New York’s aristocracy, upheld a strong tradition of public service and philanthropy—values that would later guide Eleanor throughout her life.
Architectural Elegance with a Storied Past
The 8,000-square-foot mansion is a pristine example of late 19th-century architecture, blending elements of the Colonial Revival and Victorian styles.
Set on several beautifully landscaped acres, the home features a grand entryway, 10-foot ceilings, intricately carved woodwork, and large, sun-filled windows that overlook rolling lawns and mature trees.
The home has been carefully maintained over the years, with updates that respect its historical integrity while offering modern comforts.
There are seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, multiple fireplaces, and formal living and dining areas perfect for entertaining.
The kitchen has been sensitively renovated with custom cabinetry and top-of-the-line appliances, creating a seamless fusion of past and present.
Many of the home’s original features remain intact, including antique light fixtures, marble mantels, and hardwood floors that echo with the footsteps of history.
The grand staircase, likely ascended and descended by a young Eleanor countless times, remains a striking centerpiece.
A Living Legacy
Though she would eventually marry Franklin Delano Roosevelt and move to Hyde Park and then to the White House, Eleanor’s early years in this home shaped her character and worldview.
It was here she began to read voraciously, reflect deeply, and develop the social conscience that would become central to her public life.
Eleanor Roosevelt went on to become an influential diplomat, humanitarian, and champion of civil rights, serving as a delegate to the United Nations and chairing the committee that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Those seeds of empathy and civic duty were first sown in this very home.
As such, the estate is more than just a luxury property; it is a living testament to the life of a woman who helped shape modern America. Owning this home means becoming part of that legacy—an opportunity that rarely comes to market.
The Market for Historic Homes
In recent years, there has been a growing appreciation for historic homes, especially those with deep ties to American heritage.
According to luxury real estate analysts, properties associated with major historical figures often carry a premium, not just because of their architecture or location, but because they represent something enduring—an emotional connection to the past.
This listing arrives at a time when buyers are increasingly seeking properties with narrative and soul. “There is a story within these walls,” said a representative for the listing agent. “For someone who values history, culture, and the influence of powerful women, this home offers a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity.”
A Chance to Own History
As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” For one lucky buyer, that dream might just come true in the form of a magnificent estate that helped shape the future of one of America’s most inspiring women.
Whether purchased as a private residence, a cultural landmark, or a preservation project, the home is a rare gem that connects the present with a powerful past. At $4.5 million, it offers not only luxury and beauty but also the chance to walk the same halls as a woman who forever changed the course of history.
