149-Year-Old Stone Church Is Transformed Into Idyllic $1.7 Million Hudson Valley Hideaway ‘Where History and Creativity Converge’

A historical 1870s church that has been painstakingly converted into a charming Hudson Valley retreat has made a resounding return to the market—complete with a $710,000 price chop.

Known as The Rifton, the 4,596-square-foot stone structure in Rifton, NY, is owned by Rony Zeidan, founder and chief creative officer of the advertising agency RO New York. Zeidan picked up the property in September 2020 for just $569,000.

The Rifton, which was built in 1876, had lived many lives, serving first as the local church, then a town hall, and finally, a private farmhouse.

When it last changed hands five years ago, the 19th-century dwelling needed some TLC, which Zeiden was more than happy to provide. He carefully transformed the abode without sacrificing its architectural legacy.

It's "a breathtaking escape where history and creativity converge," according to the listing.

Complete with a steeple, the "one-of-a-kind" property now features 30-foot ceilings, exposed beams, wide-plank wood floors, and "rough-hewn" stone walls. It also boasts a newly minted spot at the top of the week's most popular homes list.

The transformed space includes a spiral staircase, a spacious deck, and a dedicated wing that could be used as a home office, yoga studio, or fitness center.

Also grabbing attention this week are a tiny cabin in Vermont with no running water, a gated European-inspired estate in Utah, and a midcentury compound in Big Sur, CA.

10. 54 Main St, Ridgefield, CT

Price: $4,900,000

Why it’s here: It's a stately New England Colonial that has been thoughtfully preserved and modernized.

Built in 1916, the five-bedroom estate boasts many period details, including custom millwork, window seating, built-ins, restored hardwood floors, diamond-grid windows, coffered ceilings, and nine fireplaces.

Modernizations include Palladian windows, French doors, and a chef's kitchen with granite countertops. The spaces include a home office, a primary bedroom with a sitting room, a fitness center, and a lower-level entertainment room.

The 2.62-acre lot has a heated saltwater pool and spa and a detached four-car garage with a living space above it.

9. 249 Hoffman Rd, Rochester, NY

Price: $439,900

Why it’s here: Offered for the first time since it was built in 1976, this cedar contemporary was custom-designed by architect Charles Lewis.

The three-level home boasts wood-paneled walls, a two-story living room with a double-sided fireplace, a sunken den, and an open staircase. An updated kitchen with a breakfast bar flows into a dining area with sliders that open to a spacious deck with built-in seating. The third-floor primary suite has a private balcony.

A wine cellar, darkroom, and workshop can all be found on the lower level. The 1.06-acre wooded lot is beautifully landscaped.

8. 840 Carsonville Rd, Elk Creek, VA

Price: $589,900

Why it’s here: This reasonably priced log home with a barn sits on 7.86 acres of pristine beauty.

Built in 1900, the historical residence has a covered front porch, and wide-plank wood flooring and exposed beam ceilings run throughout the charming 3,254-square-foot interior.

Stone fireplaces can be found in the cozy living room, modern kitchen, and first-floor primary suite. Two more bedrooms and a family room with a wood-burning stove can be found upstairs.

The property includes a large barn with horse stalls, a stream, and a pond.

7. 2300 Drummond St, Vicksburg, MS

Price: $350,000

Why it’s here: What you see on the outside of this very affordably priced Victorian is not what you might expect to find on the inside.

A shapely wraparound porch and stately turret offer period charm, while the 4,003-square-foot interior features a modern layout. The bright space has a chef's kitchen with stainless-steel appliances and quartz countertops. The bathrooms have marble showers and soaker tubs.

Historic highlights of the 1900s structure are hardwood floors, handcrafted crown molding, built-ins, floor-to-ceiling windows, and fireplaces.

A screened back porch overlooks a brick patio and restored greenhouse. A cottage with two modern apartments offers potential for rental income.

6. 199 Pine Gap Rd, Rochester, VT

Price: $30,000

Why it’s here: It's a tiny cabin with a small price tag that once operated as a one-room schoolhouse.

Built in 1920, the 500-square-foot structure does have a wood stove, but no running water, so there is no bathroom. However, there is a kitchen with an oven and sink, but you have to cross the street to access water. A lofted sleeping area is accessed by a ladder.

This cozy retreat is located near the White River.

5. 306 Grear Aly, Cincinnati, OH

Price: $450,000

Why it’s here: The two-story Carriage House on Grear Alley is uniquely situated among several buildings and next to Saeso Cocktail Lounge.

The modernized one-bedroom residence in Pendleton has operated as a successful rental property and is located right in the heart of the city's restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

A 1,440-square-foot interior features herringbone-patterned wood floors, a sleek kitchen with custom cabinetry and island seating, and a primary suite with a clawfoot tub and spa-inspired shower.

There is dedicated parking down a private cobblestone alley.

4. 5508 S Walker Estates Cir, Holladay, UT

Price: $8,500,000

Why it’s here: This gated European-inspired estate originally hit the market in 2022 for $12 million.

Built in 2007, the lavishly appointed four-bedroom mansion boasts marble floors, chandeliers imported from France, hand-carved fireplaces, and bespoke light fixtures.

The 10,886 square feet of living space include a wood-paneled office with a rolling library ladder, a dining room with a fireplace, a whimsical French-inspired playroom, and an ornate primary suite with a lounge and dual closets.

A pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, two-bedroom pool house, and "storybook pavilion" can all be found on the 1.24-acre lot.

3. 33 Silver Lake Rd, Hardyston, NJ

Price: $299,000

Why it’s here: This adorable and affordable cottage on 4.92 acres of seclusion is being offered for the first time!

Built in 1943, this two-bedroom abode also has a private pond and "comes with an additional 1.76 acre lot across the street," according to the listing.

The cottage features a wood-paneled living room with a wood-burning fireplace, and the updated galley kitchen has modern appliances and access to a back patio.

A bonus room with a private entrance could be transformed into a studio, home office, or guest accommodations. It is being sold as is.

2. 10026 Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, CA

Price: $2,600,000

Why it’s here: It's a midcentury modern compound that is small on space but large on acreage.

The two-bedroom primary residence built in 1961 features 1,013 square feet of space and sits on 9 sprawling acres overlooking the Sycamore Canyon. It has walk-down access to Pfeiffer Beach.

Offered for a whopping $2,567 per square foot, the residence last traded hands in 1989 for $180,000.

The open floor plan offers patios and decks, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings, oversized windows, exposed beams, and hardwood floors.

A separate one-bedroom cottage was designed for friends and extended family.

1. 1883 Route 213, Rifton, NY

Price: $1,785,000

Why it’s here: The Rifton once operated as a church but has been transformed into a luxury residence with 30-foot ceilings.

Located in Ulster Park just 90 minutes from New York City, the enchanting property features many period details from its 19th-century roots, including exposed beams, stone walls, and an open stone firepit.

The modernized 4,596-square-foot open floor plan also has several staircases and glass doors that open to a treehouse-inspired deck.

The property includes an entire wing that could be used as a home office or yoga studio.