John Thompson House, Victorian residence in Highland, New York.
The John Thompson House is a three-story residence near the Hudson River distinguished by broad verandas, a tower at the roofline, and ornate plaster details throughout. The building contains sixteen rooms with high ceilings on the main floor, set within grounds that include multiple gardens and a stone barn.
The residence was built between 1854 and 1858, a time when John Thompson was active in banking and later helped establish Chase National Bank. The period of its construction aligned with economic growth that made such large estates possible in the Hudson Valley region.
The design reflects how wealthy families in the 1800s wanted to combine nature with comfort and beauty in their homes. The large windows and verandas show how people spent time both inside and outdoors, looking out at the river and gardens.
The property is best explored by setting aside time to move through the various rooms and outdoor areas, as the scale is substantial with much to observe. Comfortable footwear is advisable, particularly if you plan to visit the gardens and barn area.
The Thompson family occupied this residence through five generations and maintained expansive grounds with bridle paths and garden celebrations that brought the landscape to active use. This extended occupancy makes it a rare example of a continuously inhabited 19th century estate house.
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