Description
Some homes are renovated. Some homes are restored. And once in a while, a home becomes art. Welcome to The Artisan at 83 N Franklin Street, where that feeling begins the moment you arrive.
Parks around the corner. A short stroll to restaurants. The Hudson River a block away. Life in the Village of Athens moves at a different pace, where historic architecture, waterfront sunrises and sunsets; and a thriving creative spirit have made it one of the Hudson Valley's most cherished destinations.
Built in the 1820s and lovingly reimagined by the current owner, this remarkable Colonial feels as though it belongs in another country. Not because it is grand or imposing, but because every corner reflects a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, beauty, and the preservation of history.
Enter inside and sunlight immediately greets you. It moves throughout the home from morning until evening, illuminating hardwood floors, hand-laid ceramic tile, graceful archways, handcrafted wrought iron railings, exposed beams, and carefully curated details that make each space feel collected rather than designed.
During the colder months, the wood stove glows in the living room while the dining room fireplace flickers nearby. Radiant floor heat warms everything beneath your feet, and the open floor plan invites slow mornings, lingering conversations, and evenings that effortlessly stretch a little longer.
The kitchen pairs a hammered copper sink with premium Miele appliances, a pantry, and seamlessly integrated paneled refrigerator and dishwasher fronts that maintain the clean, airy feel of the space while complementing the home's artistic character.
Then there are the windows.
Casement windows open outward like doors, inviting fresh air inside and creating a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere rarely found in the Hudson Valley. With sunlight streaming through and a gentle breeze drifting across the rooms, the connection between indoors and out becomes part of everyday life.
Upstairs, both bedrooms feel more like private retreats. Cathedral ceilings soar overhead, framed by exposed beams and wide-plank detailing that celebrate the home's historic roots. Each bedroom features its own en suite bath, offering comfort and privacy at the end of the day.
Yet it may be the balcony and covered porch that become your favorite destinations.
Start the day with coffee on the second-floor balcony, where seasonal Hudson River views peek through the trees. As evening arrives, settle into a chair and watch the changing light reflect across the water and yard as the sky shifts through shades of gold, amber, and blue.
Below, the covered porch offers another place to pause. A spot for morning coffee, afternoon reading, outdoor dining, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of a property that feels surprisingly private for a village setting.
Set on a rare .46-acre lot with access from both North Franklin Street and North Washington Street, the property offers room to spread out while remaining connected to everything that makes Athens so special. A walkout basement with workshop space, and metal roof add practicality to a home where nearly every detail has been thoughtfully considered.
But the true beauty of The Artisan cannot be measured in square footage, finishes, or features.
It's found in the way morning light fills the rooms. The way the windows welcome the outdoors inside. The way a stroll through the village can end at the waterfront, a gallery opening, or a favorite restaurant.
Most homes ask to be viewed. This one asks to be experienced. And somewhere between the glow of morning light, the Hudson River views, and the artistry of a home lovingly restored, you'll find yourself imagining not what it would be like to visit, but what it would be like to call The Artisan home.
