Christie’s International Real Estate Group announces its distinctive sales listing located at 1 St. Mary’s Convent in Peekskill. The historic St. Joseph’s House is one of the most iconic properties in Westchester County, sitting on a 4.7-acre estate with rolling hills, walking trails and unparalleled views of Peekskill Bay and the Hudson River.
The magnificent five-bedroom, five-and-half bath home has never before been available on the open market. It was originally part of the property owned by the Order of the Episcopal Sisters of Saint Mary (the first Anglican/Episcopalian Order in the United States) who had overseen a convent and a school there from 1872 until 2003. The Sisters had acquired 30 acres of land crowning a 300-acre mountain top granted in 1685 to the Dutch Patroon Stephanus Van Cortlandt renamed Mount Saint Gabriel. Both in the Adirondacks and these Hudson Highlands is found Grenville granite so-called from a town in Canada where these rocks were first investigated. It has been reported that granite which abounds throughout this area dates back to the very ancient igneous rock of the Precambrian period and that St. Joseph’s House was built from stones from the quarries on Mount Saint Gabriel.
Designed by renowned architect Henry Martin Congdon, in 1902, as the pastor’s residence, the home is an example of Congdon’s highly respected Gothic Revival style. He was called upon to build churches across the United States and was a leader in twentieth century design having been both Vice President of the Brooklyn Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Secretary of the American Institute of Architects. The Benediction and Dedication of the new Hermitage under the title, St. Joseph’s House, is dated February 7, 1906. In the Saint Mary’s Messenger, published monthly by the Sisters at the time, a description of the ceremony describes Fathers Cowl and Mead leading the procession through the house with Acolytes, the Reverend Mother General and Sisters, blessing the holy home and holding the first Mass.
In 1985, present owners Kathy and John McGurty, a Peekskill native, Navy combat veteran and prominent local physician, had a once-in-a-lifetime real estate moment: While meeting the order’s Mother Superior, Mother Mary Basil, for a house call in their infirmary, Dr. McGurty was asked if he knew anyone who was interested in buying a home; the rest is history. “We immediately initiated the architectural plan with an extensive interior renovation process over a two-year period prior to moving in, the property’s first non-religious-ordained-or-professed occupants,” Dr. McGurty elaborated. The McGurtys have meticulously and lovingly upgraded and maintained the home for the last four decades. They spent decades continually further upgrading and renovating the building’s interior and exterior for their family of five, preserving the stonework, intricate wood carvings and the original chapel, with its untouched cathedral ceiling of 1906 vintage, while upgrading the infrastructure. They introduced the conveniences of a modern kitchen and bathrooms with radiant heating, full-level primary bedroom suite, inground, heated swimming pool with majestic views, outdoor shower, and much more. In addition, the property includes extensive landscaping around the home and across the two additional building lots that the McGurty’s acquired from the Order over the years.
McGurty’s family has deep roots in the community; Dr. McGurty’s father was also a doctor in the Peekskill community. The McGurty family has hosted many fundraising events over the years for a range of causes, from fighting AIDS and cancer to the regional paramedic program – developed by Dr. McGurty 27 years ago.
The luxury property now includes a private gated entrance, the original chapel preserved within the home, several scenic balconies and entertainment areas, a three-car garage (with potential for an upstairs apartment conversion), and the inground pool with sweeping and unrestricted views of the Hudson River.
“This is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to buy a home with rich history, and staggeringly fantastic views of the Hudson River Highlands,” explains Andrew Rogovic, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Christie’s International Real Estate Group who is representing the sale of the property. “In addition, there is easy access to parks and recreational facilities, art galleries, artists’ studios, museums, dining and entertainment in the surrounding area.”
The estate is conveniently located just an hour from NYC in Northern Westchester County. Steeped in history, the site was originally part of Fort Hill, a strategic lookout used by George Washington and his troops during the Revolutionary war. In addition to its storied past and distinctive architecture, the property is surrounded by scenic trails, historic sites, and a vibrant arts and dining scene. With an array of local restaurants, galleries, and art studios nearby, 1 St. Mary’s Convent offers an unparalleled opportunity to live, entertain, and find inspiration amidst nature and culture, making it not just a home, but a piece of history awaiting its next chapter.
For further information about 1 St. Mary’s Convent, please contact Andrew Rogovic with Christie’s International Real Estate Group at 914-263-2743.
