25 Prospect Ave

The Judge Emory Chase Residence — A Gilded Age Hudson Valley Masterpiece

Presiding over the most distinguished block in Catskill, New York, with sweeping vistas of the Hudson River, the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, and Frederic Church’s storied Olana, stands the magnificent 1880s Victorian home of Judge Emory Chase — a stately symbol of the Hudson Valley’s golden era.

Steeped in history and grace, this grand residence once welcomed a U.S. President, an astronaut, and members of New York’s judiciary. Within its storied double parlor, Judge Chase’s daughter celebrated her wedding reception — a reflection of the home’s long tradition of elegant gatherings and refined hospitality.

Painstakingly restored, the residence offers nine bedrooms and three and a half baths, harmoniously blending modern comfort with irreplaceable 19th-century craftsmanship. Every detail speaks to an era of artistry rarely seen today — from hand-carved millwork and the soaring three-story staircase to intricate plaster crown moldings, marble fireplaces, wide-plank floors, and original pocket doors.

The library, with its original built-in bookcases, remains a sanctuary for quiet reflection. Meanwhile, the newly designed gourmet kitchen — bathed in natural light through an entire wall of glass doors — opens seamlessly to a spacious deck and generous backyard, perfect for grand-scale entertaining or intimate summer evenings. A gracious rocking-chair front porch and second-floor balcony offer ideal vantage points for taking in the stunning views of the river’s ever-changing light, color and majestic sunrises and reflected river sunsets.

Behind the main house, a two-story carriage house awaits re-imagination — perhaps as a guest residence, artist’s studio, garage- the possibilities are endless! A discreet service road entrance from Bridge Street leads directly to the yard, offering both convenience and privacy.

While currently configured as a private home, the property’s scale and layout lend themselves effortlessly to transformation into an elegant inn or boutique bed-and-breakfast (subject to local approvals). The double parlors, formal dining room, expansive deck, and gardens provide ideal common spaces for hosting guests or special gatherings — a natural extension of the home’s long social history.

Nestled between the Beattie-Powers House and a state-maintained trail to the river’s edge, the residence enjoys both privacy and proximity. Just a short stroll leads to Catskill’s revitalized Main Street, home to acclaimed restaurants, breweries, boutiques, the Foreland contemporary art complex, and a classic movie theater.

With Hudson’s Amtrak station only 10 minutes away, Windham and Hunter ski resorts 25 minutes, Bard College 25 minutes, and New York City only 2 hours, this historic estate stands at the intersection of cultural vitality and timeless beauty — a rare Hudson Valley offering for those who seek a true Hudson Valley masterpiece steeped in heritage, elegance, timeless craftsmanship coupled with modern conveniences.