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$26 million sale of the Victorian Gothic Niederhurst mansion in Rockland's Snedens Landing neighborhood has set a new record for the area's highest single-home sale in 2024. Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking the Hudson River, this 8,000-square-foot estate boasts eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and six fireplaces across its 13-acre property.

    The mansion's listing agent, Richard Ellis of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty, credits the record sale to a multimillion-dollar renovation undertaken by the seller, Sara Story – a renowned interior designer named to Architectural Digest’s list in 2024. "This sale is a testament to the public's continued interest in moving to the great country estates in the Hudson River Valley," Ellis said.

    Built in the late 19th century by Winthrop Gilman Jr., a New York City banker and architect, Niederhurst features a unique blend of historic details and modern elements. The estate's park-like grounds include imported copper beech trees from England planted by Gilman in the 1870s. Story acquired the property in 2011 and undertook significant renovations, including restoring the brick exterior and adding a sauna, cellar, lounge, and limestone-paved pool.

    The sale also includes two adjacent lots: Fern Lodge on 1.86 acres and a 4.5-acre vacant lot. The entire property was listed for $28.5 million in May before being sold in November. Snedens Landing has long been known for its celebrity residents, including Laurence Olivier, John Steinbeck, and Angelina Jolie.

    "The home's renovation exemplifies how thoughtful design can breathe new life into a historic gem," Ellis said. "This sale is a testament to the enduring appeal of Rockland's country estates."