Presiding over a glorious sixty-eight acre lake in the Catskill Mountains, Lake Delaware Farm offers a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of true American legacy, continuously in use by the same notable family since the eighteenth century. The Lake House allows a glimpse into the lifestyle of one of our nation’s most notable founding aristocratic families. In 1686, the English crown granted one hundred sixty thousand acres to Robert Livingston. Livingston Manor and the family seat of Clermont made up much of what is now Dutchess and Columbia counties along the Hudson River. The family thrived there for centuries. With the Hardenbergh patent of 1708, Queen Anne bestowed two million acres in the Catskill Mountains on seven loyal subjects. By 1740, the Livingstons of Clermont had acquired one fifth of the Hardenberg Patent which was distributed to the children of Robert Livingston “The Judge.” Gertrude Livingston received twenty thousand acres the year she wed Morgan Lewis, who served in Washington’s army during the Revolution and was Governor of New York. He was dear friends with the likes of Lafayette, Alexander Hamilton and General Washington, whom his brother-in-law Chancellor Robert Livingston swore in as President. The centerpiece of Gertrude’s acreage was the magnificent Lake Delaware, where she and Lewis built the original Lake House circa 1787. The landscape of this sixteen hundred plus acre parcel is exquisite, with rolling hills, meadows, old growth forests and open vistas. The valley is elevated far above sea level providing a refreshingly cool climate. One approaches The Lake House via a long winding driveway lined with fine historic rock walls interrupted by delicate iron gates. The Lewises styled their home on classical architecture. The entry portico of the home, with its four massive Doric columns, runs the entire length of the front facade. Inside, the center hall is an unusual carved spiral stair with two sun-filled eighteenth century parlors on either side. From the center hall rooms spill out into later nineteenth century additions with handsome details throughout—fine paneling and ceiling tracery in the dining room, marble fireplace mantels, and intricate inlaid floors. There are eight bedrooms in total, all boasting bathrooms en-suite plus a bunk room on the attic floor with its own bathroom featuring double showers and sinks. Additionally there is a large eat-in kitchen, grand back stair with arched side openings, family room, butler’s pantry, mud room laundry room and bar on ground floor as well as an elevator. The home has warm feel of a grand country inn—impressive in its scale yet comfortable by contemporary standards.One can feel presence generations distinguished family members—the signers Declaration Independence decorated military men Senators Justices Gilded Age barons that have called this place home over centuries.As impressive as house is it's Lake itself that casts spell all who visit.Fresh bracing crystal clear lake invites one dive or take your pick vessels historic boat house row your hearts content.On grounds stands ruins elaborate formal gardens designed renowned landscape architect Fletcher Steele extraordinary views over valley.Romantic structural elements lovely statue seated Diana beckoning you imagine gardens their original splendor.Surrounded charming towns farms awe inspiring natural landscape property at its peak encompassed thousands acres mansion working farms stables even private chapel evoking romance English manor.Estate holds secrets history Hudson Valley New York State Revolution gave birth Constitution United States.Rich history character Lake Delaware remains captivating echo aristocratic rural life ideal bucolic compound once ten generation investment opportunity.