Clermont offers farms and beautiful views near local hotspots
Clermont is an old, rural farming town that stretches inland from the Hudson River’s eastern banks, offering open space and a peaceful atmosphere. “It’s got some great businesses that draw people,” says Rachel Levine, a real estate salesperson for Patricia A. Hinkein Realty who has sold homes here for five years. “It’s got a great winery and a great farm store and lots of farms.” Residents are often attracted to Clermont for its proximity to Tivoli, Germantown and Red Hook, and its historic homes along the river. “It’s this beautiful former farmland with these rolling hills, and in certain areas with good elevation, you can get spectacular views of the Catskills out across the Hudson River,” says Angelica VonDrak, an associate broker at Houlihan Lawrence who has sold homes here for five years.
Space for farming is another draw. VonDrak says many of the area’s big farms were started by city folk wanting to help revitalize the farming industry. “So there’s really cool agricultural initiatives in the area. The Cornell Extension is nearby and will help new farmers,” she says. “So there’s a really great ‘back to the land’ vibe there... You’ll see that when you go to all these farmers markets and farm-to-table places.”
Hiking around the Clermont mansion, boating on the Hudson
The Clermont State Historic Site is home to a historic mansion. Built in the 1700s, the house is now a museum, and its 500 acres offer sweeping views of the river, hiking trails and gardens. Nearby preserves, like Tivoli Bays, offer more hiking, and some residents enjoy boating on the Hudson River. Heading into the Catskills opens up skiing and snowboarding at spots like Hunter Mountain Resort, about 34 miles away.
Single-family and luxury homes with acreage for animals or farming
Stretched along country roads or grouped in small clusters, Clermont’s homes fall into two main categories. The first consists of colonials, New Traditionals or ranch-style houses between $340,000 and $950,000. The second is luxury homes, which VonDrak says are usually restored historic Colonial estates or newly built modern-style homes. Prices range from about $1 million to just shy of $4 million. “At any price point, all of my buyer clients are looking for a little bit of land, some privacy, some peace and quiet,” VonDrak says, adding that they often want space for chickens, goats or horses. “For the most part, you have comfortable space between you and your neighbors, even if you have a small house on only an acre. You still feel like you have a lot of space because you look out and you see fields and old barns, and it’s just gorgeous, so it feels really open — that big-sky feeling.”
Clermont is served by Germantown and Red Hook schools
The Germantown Central School District, which has a C-plus from Niche, serves a large portion of Clermont. Students in this district attend Germantown Elementary School and Germantown Junior/Senior High School, which both earn C-plus ratings. The junior/senior high school offers archery, drama and garden clubs. The Red Hook Central School District, which has an A-minus, serves the rest of Clermont. These students attend Mill Road Primary School from pre-kindergarten through second grade and Mill Road Intermediate School from third through fifth grade. Both schools earn B-pluses. Linden Avenue Middle School and Red Hook High School both earn A-minus ratings. Red Hook High’s ninth graders take mental health training that aims to build executive functioning and communication skills.
Route 9 and 9G, country roads and Amtrak stations 20 minutes away
U.S. Route 9 and state Route 9G pass through Clermont, but winding country roads are standard here. “Your home is your home base, but very often you get in the car, and you’ll easily drive 30 minutes,” says Kyle Elizabeth Irwin, licensed associate real estate broker at Corcoran Country Living who grew up in nearby Rhinebeck and has sold homes here for six years. Irwin says the 30-minute radius around Clermont is full of things to do. Germantown, Red Hook and Tivoli serve as local touchstones 10 minutes away. Bigger destinations like Hudson and Rhinebeck are about 20 minutes away. “Rhinebeck and Hudson both have Amtrak stops, so that makes Clermont appealing to people because it’s kind of commutable,” Levine says. “You’re in a country setting, but then you’ve got the convenience of the train within 25 minutes.”
Annual Sheep and Wool Showcase, small events in Germantown
The Clermont Historic Site hosts an annual Sheep and Wool Showcase, which features sheering demonstrations, farm animals, crafts and historical reenactments. Many Clermont residents attend Germantown’s small annual parades, picnics and seasonal farmers market. “And I think that’s where these communities shine,” Levine says.
Wineries, a brewery and farms with CSAs
Tousey Winery is a favorite among Clermont’s many vineyards. Across the street, Levine says the Tin Barn offers music, dancing and food trucks during the warm months. Clermont Vineyards & Winery and Hudson Valley Malt are also located in town. Local farms provide residents with easy access to fresh food. “They do cattle subscriptions where you can buy half a cow or a quarter of a cow or split a cow with a friend,” VonDrak says. “Most of the farms run CSA plans where you can get vegetable subscriptions or even flower subscriptions. The rural and agrarian nature is definitely a big thing, and people definitely take advantage of that.” Small grocers have a few essentials in Tivoli or Red Hook, while Rhinebeck and Hudson both offer bigger grocery chains and entertainment about 20 minutes from home.
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Written By
Christina Norwood
