Stone houses in New York

Historical Background

Stone houses in New York trace their origins to the 17th and 18th centuries, when European settlers—especially the Dutch, English, and Palatine Germans—began establishing permanent communities. The Dutch, who arrived in the Hudson Valley in the early 1600s, were among the first to build with stone, using locally quarried limestone and fieldstone. These homes were influenced by Dutch architectural traditions from the Netherlands, adapted to the New World’s resources and climate. English settlers later contributed their own styles, while German immigrants, particularly in areas like Ulster County, reinforced the use of stone for its durability.

By the 18th century, stone houses became symbols of prosperity and permanence, distinguishing them from the more common log or wood-frame dwellings of the frontier. They were often built by farmers, merchants, or minor gentry, reflecting both utility and a modest elegance. The use of stone declined in the 19th century as brick and mass-produced lumber became more accessible, but many early examples remain standing today, preserved as historic landmarks.

Characteristics of Stone Houses

• Materials: Most stone houses in New York were constructed with locally sourced limestone, fieldstone, or sandstone, often laid in irregular or roughly coursed patterns. Mortar, typically lime-based, binds the stones, though some early examples used mud or clay.

• Construction: Walls are thick—often 18 to 24 inches—to provide insulation and structural integrity. Stone was either quarried or gathered from fields cleared for farming, making it a practical choice in rocky regions.

• Design: Early stone houses tend to be simple, with rectangular or L-shaped floor plans. They often feature:
• Gabled Roofs: Steeply pitched to shed snow, covered with wood shingles or, later, slate.
• Small Windows: Originally fitted with multi-pane sash windows or casements, reflecting both security concerns and the limitations of early glass production.
• Fireplaces: Large, central hearths or multiple fireplaces for heating and cooking, with massive stone chimneys.

• Dutch Influence: In the Hudson Valley, many stone houses have a distinctive one-and-a-half-story layout, with low eaves, wide overhanging roofs, and sometimes a “stoep” (a small porch or step at the entrance).

• Interior: Exposed beams, wide plank floors, and minimal ornamentation emphasize functionality, though wealthier owners might add paneling or decorative plasterwork.

Notable Examples

• Huguenot Street, New Paltz (Ulster County):
• This National Historic Landmark District features some of the oldest stone houses in the U.S., built by French Huguenot settlers in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The Jean Hasbrouck House (circa 1721) is a prime example, with its thick limestone walls, gambrel roof, and preserved interior.

• These homes reflect a blend of French, Dutch, and English influences, adapted to the New World.

• Hiskia DuBois House, Saugerties (Ulster County):
• Begun in 1727, this stone house showcases Dutch colonial architecture with its low profile, wide eaves, and fieldstone construction. It’s a testament to early rural life in the Hudson Valley.

• Bronck House, Coxsackie (Greene County):
• Built in 1663 by Pieter Bronck, a Dutch settler, this is one of the oldest surviving stone houses in New York. Expanded over time, it features a mix of stone and brick, with a steep gabled roof and small, original windows.

• Bevier-Elting House, New Paltz:
• Constructed around 1690, this stone house on Huguenot Street has a classic Dutch layout, with later additions reflecting evolving tastes. It’s now part of a historic site open to the public.

• Gomez Mill House, Marlboro (Orange County):
• Dating to 1714, this is considered the oldest extant Jewish residence in North America, built by a Sephardic Jewish settler. Its fieldstone construction and simple design highlight early colonial resilience.