Step Inside a Storied 1780 Palisades Colonial in New York With 3 Fireplaces, Hand-Hewn Beams and a Stone Garden Terrace

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

The Joshua Martin House, built in the late 18th century and located in the historic Snedens Landing district of Palisades, is a finely restored stone and clapboard home embodying vernacular architecture of that era. With hand-hewn beams, wide board pine floors, and Federal style fireplace mantels, it stands as a testament to its rich past. This property on a knoll offers seasonal Hudson River views and a private landscape. Previously owned by notable artist Judy Tomkins, it retains its artistic heritage. Recently updated with modern comforts, it’s listed at $2,550,000, close to parks, community amenities, and NYC transit, combining historical charm with convenience.

Stone Exterior and Dutch Door

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

A rustic stone wall textured with various sized, irregular stones is accented by patches of gray mortar, giving the exterior a weathered, historic look. A Dutch door painted white stands partially open, with the top half featuring a small window divided into four panes. The door’s iron handle adds a subtle vintage touch. In the foreground, clusters of pale green and pink hydrangea blossoms soften the ruggedness of the stone and provide a delicate, natural contrast. The combination of earthy materials and natural elements evokes a charming, timeless country aesthetic.

Garden Terrace

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

A gently sloped garden terrace with lush green plants and early blooming flowers edged by natural stone steps and a rustic stone retaining wall. Bare deciduous trees rise against a bright blue sky. To the right, an outdoor seating area with cushioned metal chairs and a pergola-covered patio creates a cozy nook. The overall atmosphere combines natural, earthy elements with relaxed outdoor living, offering both structure through the stonework and softness from the greenery. The scene evokes a peaceful, semi-wild garden space adjacent to a traditional home.

Garden Outbuilding

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

A small stone outbuilding with a moss-covered pitched roof and weathered wooden double doors with shutters stands adjacent to a whitewashed, textured stone house wall. The path in front is a simple dirt track flanked by early garden growth, with fresh green shoots and blue flowers emerging from the soil. Tall leafless trees frame the area, giving a sense of early spring. The white house wall includes a screened-in porch with visible antique indoor lamps, blending rustic charm with historic architectural elements and a peaceful outdoor garden setting.

House Exterior and Garden

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

A charming historic American home nestled among mature trees with a lush green lawn extending in the foreground. The house is partially visible, with a low-pitched roof that includes a row of clerestory windows providing natural light inside. The exterior walls are light-colored, possibly with some ivy or climbing plants enhancing the natural integration. Large windows on the lower level suggest bright indoor spaces. The setting evokes a tranquil, private garden atmosphere with generous greenery and blue skies overhead, offering a peaceful and inviting outdoor environment.

Stone House Exterior

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

This side of the house is constructed with robust white stone, giving a historic and rustic charm. A small raised stone platform with steps leads to a plain white door featuring a small window with divided panes. The stone wall and steps show weathering, enhancing the aged, classic feel. Nearby, a carved stone planter adds artistic detail atop the platform. The landscaped yard has a herringbone brick pathway leading to the steps, bordered by leafless trees and shrubs, with a backdrop of a natural setting comprising tall trees and a gentle slope.

Cozy Living Room

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Rustic wooden ceiling beams contrast with smooth white walls, creating a warm yet airy atmosphere in this inviting living room. A large, tufted beige sofa sits opposite a pair of worn, light gray armchairs, one with a subtle embroidered detail. A rich, patterned rug with warm tones anchors the space atop aged wooden floorboards. The brick fireplace, with a curved white surround, hosts a lively fire, accompanied by a classic floor lamp and decorative candlesticks on the mantel. At the far end, a cozy reading nook with built-in bookshelves and large divided windows offers ample natural light, complemented by antique-style wooden chairs and a compact table. Soft accents like knit throws and strategically placed plants amplify the homely charm.

Cozy Reading Nook

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

A corner room illuminated by large, multi-pane windows that fill the space with natural light, offering views of a wooded landscape. A rustic wooden desk with turned legs and a warm, worn surface sits centrally, paired with two wooden chairs cushioned in a deep red fabric. Beneath the windows, long built-in bookshelves are filled with an extensive collection of books, arranged neatly at an angle. Above the shelves, framed black-and-white photographs and small decorative items add a personal touch. The wide plank wooden floor complements the vintage aesthetic, while an antique-style rug anchors the seating area. Adjacent sliding glass doors descend to an outdoor patio, blending indoor and outdoor living seamlessly.

Cozy Study Nook

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Wooden desk with a rustic, slightly worn finish anchors this inviting study nook. A simple black tray, vintage-style desk lamps, and writing instruments adorn the surface. A matching wooden chair faces a large sliding glass door that opens to an outdoor seating area with soft coral cushions. Stone steps leading to the door add textured character. Along the right wall, built-in shelving cradles an array of aged books and framed black-and-white photographs, lending historic charm. Cream-colored walls and large panes of glass flood the space with natural light, while a tall potted plant adds fresh greenery.

Patio Entrance

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Large white-framed glass sliding doors with grid pattern lead out to a stone-paved patio area. The inside space includes a textured plaster wall painted white with a small black and white framed photo hanging. A concrete bench sits along the door with vibrant orange cushions adding a pop of color and comfort. Natural wicker baskets stacked nearby add rustic charm and storage. Outside, wrought iron patio furniture with matching orange cushions lines the stone patio, surrounded by aging white stone walls and bare tree branches, blending natural elements with cozy, vintage design.

Outdoor Patio Seating

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Flagstone flooring creates a rustic, natural foundation for this inviting outdoor patio area. A rectangular stone table is surrounded by wrought iron chairs with coral-colored cushions, adding both comfort and a subtle pop of color. To the side, a cushioned bench and chairs provide additional seating, accented with matching coral pillows for cohesion. Lush greenery and potted plants frame the space, blending the built environment into the garden setting. Warm light from an outdoor fixture above softly illuminates the doorway, revealing a cozy interior bookcase, enhancing the tranquil, lived-in charm of this outdoor retreat.

Dining Room and Hearth

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Exposed wooden ceiling beams span across a white plaster ceiling, adding rustic character. Wide plank wooden floors show natural wear that enhances the historic feel. A cozy stone fireplace on the left wall radiates warmth, with a mantel decorated by simple art, candlesticks, and a lamp nearby casting a soft glow. Next to the fireplace, an upholstered, cushioned armchair with a throw blanket invites relaxation. To the right, a large wooden dining table surrounded by matching chairs sits below an iron chandelier with delicate scrollwork, complemented by three windows flooding the room with natural light. A doorway offers a glimpse into a narrow kitchen area with green cabinetry and hanging pots.

Rustic Kitchen Details

Rustic kitchen with vintage stove and hanging pots
Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Dark wooden floorboards contrast with muted green lower cabinets topped by a thick, dark stone countertop. A white double-basin sink with oil-rubbed bronze fixtures sits beneath wide windows, flooding the space with natural light and offering views of bare tree branches outside. Above the stove, vintage pans hang from a large exposed wooden beam, complementing the rustic charm. The freestanding stainless steel oven has a towel draped over its handle. Open shelving on the right holds various spices and kitchen essentials, while the wall-mounted pot holder and woven basket add practical, textured touches to this cozy, old-world American kitchen.

Historic Kitchen Countertop

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Mint green cabinetry with simple round knobs spans the length beneath a dark countertop, providing a charming contrast. Above, wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, with an array of aged copper pots and pans hanging for a rustic, vintage appeal. A large double window floods the space with natural light, highlighting the worn, wide plank wooden floors that add warmth and character. Open shelves beside the window hold various kitchen essentials, mugs, and bottles, giving a lived-in, cozy ambiance. The black stove and fridge feature modern elements, blending seamlessly into this historic kitchen setting.

Cozy Breakfast Nook

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Small, inviting dining area illuminated by natural light through multiple paned windows and a glass-paned door. Exposed dark wooden beams contrast against soft white walls, enhancing the rustic charm. A sturdy wooden table surrounded by matching chairs occupies the room center, positioned beside a large, paneled, vintage wooden cabinet. Hanging from the ceiling are woven baskets and a metal container, adding to the farmhouse feel. A framed, colorful painting depicting a workshop scene adorns the wall. The dark wooden flooring complements the furniture, evoking warmth and historic simplicity in this quaint corner of the home.

Historic Kitchen Interior

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Rustic kitchen with dark wooden beams crossing a white ceiling, creating a warm, historic ambiance. A collection of hanging copper pans adds to the vintage charm and practical decor. Mint green cabinetry fills the walls, including a mix of cupboards and open shelving displaying white ceramic dishware and kitchen linens. A black stove with a copper kettle sits near a multi-paned window that bathes the space in natural light. The dark wooden table and chairs provide a sturdy, functional dining spot within the kitchen. The worn wooden floor adds character and authenticity to the heritage style.

Entryway Door Detail

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

A white Dutch door partially opens to an outdoor view of bare trees under a bright blue sky. The door features four small glass panes near the top, allowing light while maintaining privacy. Inside, a glimpse of a richly textured interior displays a cozy, dark-toned room with exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, shelves full of books, and a warmly lit table lamp on a wooden desk. The contrast between the bright exterior and the intimate, library-like interior suggests a well-preserved historic home blending rustic charm with classic, inviting decor.

Cozy Home Library

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Wide plank wooden floors and rough-hewn exposed ceiling beams create a warm, rustic atmosphere. White-painted walls brighten the room, contrasting the rich, dark wood of built-in bookshelves lining two walls, filled with an eclectic collection of books. A simple, sturdy wooden desk sits near a window, illuminated by a classic green banker’s lamp, with a vintage typewriter on the windowsill adding character. The focal point is a white-painted, traditional fireplace with a lively fire casting a cozy glow. An upholstered armchair with patterned fabric and a basket with firewood complete this inviting reading and writing space.

Window Nook Details

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Wood-framed window with six divided panes offers a rustic view of an outdoor stone patio with wrought iron chairs and table. The interior sill holds an antique black typewriter centrally placed, flanked by two brass candlesticks with white candles on one side and a rich brown clay or earthenware pitcher on the other. The window trim and sill are painted in a muted off-white or pale grey, complementing the weathered look of the stone patio outside. Light filters softly through the glass, highlighting the vintage objects and lending a nostalgic, historic charm to the space.

Cozy Library

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Rustic wide wooden plank flooring and a matching ceiling with exposed beams create a warm, historic ambiance. Walls lined with built-in bookshelves overflow with books, emphasizing a love for reading and knowledge. A single upholstered armchair with a patterned fabric sits near a window, inviting quiet moments of relaxation. The white fireplace mantel holds simple decor pieces and is lit by a crackling fire, enhancing the cozy atmosphere. A wooden table occupies the foreground, its natural finish complementing the room’s earthy tones. Soft lighting from a side lamp intensifies the room’s intimate feel.

Sitting Area with Fireplace

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

A cozy sitting area with a rustic brick fireplace occupies one corner, the fire casting a warm glow. The wide plank wooden floor with visible wear enhances the historic charm, complemented by a richly patterned Persian-style rug. Neutral-colored walls keep the space airy, while floral-patterned curtains frame tall French doors and a deep window seat. A simple wooden chair with a light throw adds to the inviting feel. Subtle decorative accents, including green glassware on the window sill and framed paintings above the fireplace and side table, contribute to the room’s vintage yet comfortable aesthetic.

Bedroom Interior

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

A traditional bedroom with white walls and natural wood flooring, enhanced by a large, richly patterned Persian rug in warm tones. The centerpiece is a wooden four-poster bed dressed in crisp white linens. A rustic brick fireplace with a container of firewood adds historic charm, complemented by a dark wooden dresser topped with a green vase and a desk lamp. Natural light flows through a multi-pane window framed by pleated curtains. Artwork on the walls includes a striking dark portrait and framed sketches, blending classic and eclectic elements for a cozy, timeless atmosphere.

Bathroom Sink Area

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

A deep copper sink is inset into a wide, dark, polished stone countertop with varied textures. Brass faucet handles add a vintage, elegant touch. The walls and shower area are covered in glossy green square tiles, lending a rich, vibrant feel contrasting with the sink’s earthy hue. Natural light streams in through classic white-trimmed, multi-pane windows framed with cream curtains, softening the room’s bold colors. Small personal care bottles line the windowsill, blending everyday function with a cozy, lived-in charm. Patterned green and white tiled floor enhances the historic aesthetic of this quaint bathroom space.

Bathroom with Green Tile

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

The bathroom displays a vibrant green tile design that covers the walls of the combined bathtub and shower area, creating a fresh, colorful atmosphere. A glass partition separates the tub from the rest of the space. The floor complements this with an intricate green and white geometric tile pattern. Opposite the tub, a concrete countertop with a built-in sink and polished silver faucet sits below a window that lets in natural light. Towels hang neatly on wooden rods beneath the counter, and a simple rectangular mirror with sconce lighting provides grooming space. The doorway leads to a bedroom with rustic wooden steps and floors, adding warmth and historic charm.

Bedroom Canopy Bed

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

The room centers around a wooden four-poster bed with simple, clean lines and a warm wood tone. Crisp white bedding contrasts with the richly patterned, deep red and blue oriental rug beneath. Natural wood plank flooring adds a rustic touch, complemented by muted gray baseboards. White walls create a bright, airy feel, interrupted by framed art pieces for subtle decoration. A vintage green trunk serves as a nightstand, paired with a minimalist black metal lamp. A classic wooden dresser sits beneath a multi-paned window, letting natural light illuminate the peaceful space, blending historic charm with understated elegance.

Sunroom Porch Details

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Sloped white ceiling with exposed beams includes skylights allowing ample natural light, enhancing the airy ambiance. Large windows and glass French doors provide an expansive view of the gently sloping green hillside outside. Wide plank wooden floorboards add rustic charm and contrast softly with the white woodwork. Furniture consists of a simple wooden table with metal-framed chairs, one with a checked cushion, and glass-topped side tables with decorative metal legs. A stone wall section adds texture, featuring a narrow shelf holding a unique figurine sculpture. Wicker furniture and garden tools complete this cozy, nature-connected retreat.

Sunroom Seating Area

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

A rustic sunroom with large floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights flooding the space with natural light. Rough stone walls contrast with white painted ceiling beams and paneling, accentuating the historic charm. Natural wood plank flooring adds warmth and authenticity. Wicker seating with beige cushions, a simple wooden bench, and wrought iron glass-topped tables create a casual, inviting arrangement. A quirky yellow-haired head sculpture with a red hat on a tall stand adds a whimsical touch. A tall floor lamp with a muted lampshade provides soft illumination. Surrounding trees and distant water are visible through the clear glass walls, enhancing the serene ambiance.

Bedroom Details

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

A cozy bedroom with rustic charm is defined by exposed wooden ceiling beams and a warm wooden floor. A large, intricately turned wooden four-poster bed is centered on an ornate Persian-style rug, adding texture and color. The white walls and bedding contrast with the warm wood tones, enhancing brightness. Two side tables with matching lamps flank the bed. Two distinct artworks add whimsy and color—one abstract piece above the headboard and one vibrant portrait near the small window dressed with patterned blue curtains. An open wooden chair sits in the corner, emphasizing simplicity and comfort.

Cozy Attic Bedroom

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Rustic wooden ceiling beams span across the white sloped ceiling, creating a charming contrast with the clean, crisp walls. The bed, with an antiquated metal frame, is dressed in textured white bedding that brightens the space. On each side, matching side tables with vintage floral lamps add warmth. Below the window, built-in shelving stocked with an eclectic collection of books lines the wall, integrating practical storage with cozy aesthetics. Two framed, muted portraits hang on either side of the window, adding a touch of artistic personality. Wide wooden plank flooring is complemented by a soft gray area rug.

Bathroom Sink Area

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

White plaster walls frame a compact bathroom with a vintage charm. A white, wall-mounted porcelain sink with classic silver faucets sits beneath a simple wooden-framed mirror. Two soft amber wall sconces provide warm illumination on either side of the mirror. A dark wood medicine cabinet with subtle Art Deco details hangs to the right, topped with a black-and-white photograph. The window ledge above holds a small collection of pottery and toiletries, adding a burst of color. A black metal towel rack with mustard-yellow towels contrasts against the white wall, complementing the primer yellow floor and adding a touch of rustic warmth.

Cozy Attic Bedroom

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

A small attic bedroom with sloped ceilings painted white creates a bright, airy ambience. The wooden floor showcases rustic charm with its aged, natural finish. A single iron bed with a distressed white frame is dressed in a simple, neutral linen cover paired with striped pillows, adding understated comfort. An antique wooden rocking chair with a woven seat and a striped cushion sits beside a small, classic wooden nightstand. A warm, glowing lamp atop the nightstand adds a cozy touch. Two windows with sheer, polka-dotted curtains provide natural light and views of bare trees outside.

Bathroom Sink Area

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

The compact bathroom displays a minimalist and vintage aesthetic with light beige square tiles covering the walls. A white rectangular marble sink with exposed plumbing is mounted beneath a built-in recessed shelf, which holds small toiletry bottles. A narrow horizontal shelf runs along the wall above the sink, supporting a framed black-and-white photograph and a small round magnifying mirror attached with an adjustable arm. Above the recessed shelf, a pull-chain wall sconce provides soft lighting. On the right, white towels are neatly stacked atop the toilet tank. The adjacent room with a wooden floor and striped bedding is visible through the open door.

Cozy Living Room

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Exposed dark wooden beams contrast with the crisp white ceiling, creating a rustic yet bright atmosphere. The centerpiece is a large stone fireplace with a warm fire burning, flanked by a basket filled with firewood and antique fireplace tools. Plush armchairs and a tufted sofa, all in muted tones, offer inviting seating. The room features a mix of patterned area rugs on the aged wooden floor, adding texture and traditional charm. Natural light streams through large multi-pane windows behind a cozy reading nook with bookshelves and a wooden desk, blending vintage character with comfort and functionality.

Library and Study

Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty

Wide plank wooden flooring and a low, exposed beam ceiling crafted from weathered wood bring warmth and a rustic charm to this cozy library and study area. A simple wooden desk with folding leaves sits near a window, accompanied by a classic chair, bathed in natural light. Bookshelves filled with a diverse collection of books line the walls surrounding the window and fireplace. The fireplace, bordered by a white painted mantle, has a fire burning behind a vintage metal screen, adding a welcoming glow. The space balances historic architectural elements with functional comfort and a sense of quiet study.

Listing Agent: Richard W Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s Intl Realty via Zillow 

Related Posts

After signing his landmark $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, Bryce Harper put down roots in Haddonfield, New Jersey, with a $2.6 million farmhouse that blends luxury, privacy, and family-focused design. The property reflects both the demands of a superstar athlete and the practical choices of a growing household.
The modest Los Altos house where Steve Jobs grew up and where the first Apple I computers were assembled has been formally recognized as a historic site. Its designation reflects both Apple’s humble beginnings and the growing importance of preserving technology history.
Chris Brown has repeatedly identified Michael Jackson as the defining influence on his career, pointing to the pop legend’s artistry, stagecraft, and direct praise as formative moments in his rise. That connection helps explain both Brown’s performance style and the lasting cultural weight of Jackson’s legacy.
LeBron James continues to live in a striking Brentwood estate that blends elite security, family-focused comfort, and resort-style amenities. The nearly 16,000-square-foot property reflects the scale of his career and the practical demands of life beyond the NBA spotlight.
Before Hollywood made Quentin Tarantino famous, he says his real education happened behind the counter at Video Archives in Manhattan Beach. The store gave him a vast cinematic library, a forum for sharp debate, and the confidence that later defined his directing voice.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has sold his 140-acre Mooresville estate, Slide Job Ranch, for a record $12.2 million, setting a new high for residential sales in the Charlotte metro area. The deal highlights both the strength of luxury property demand around Lake Norman and the singular appeal of a NASCAR-ready country compound.
Wayne Gretzky’s former Westlake Village estate overlooking Sherwood Country Club sold for $17.6 million, underscoring the enduring appeal of celebrity-owned luxury homes in Southern California. The 6.69-acre property blends privacy, resort-style amenities, and the polished lifestyle buyers expect at the top end of the market.
In one of Hollywood’s strangest true stories, director Werner Herzog came upon Joaquin Phoenix after a violent 2006 car crash and calmly guided him out of danger. The moment became legendary not just for the rescue, but for Herzog stopping Phoenix from lighting a cigarette near leaking gasoline.
Matthew McConaughey’s story begins in small-town Texas, where family, school, and local values helped form the voice and identity he later carried to Hollywood. From Uvalde to Longview to Australia, each stop added a layer to the actor the world came to know.