Santanoni Preserve

The Santanoni Preserve is a large estate in Adirondack Forest with about forty-five buildings, including a main lodge and multiple sleeping cabins distributed across the grounds. The structures blend Japanese design elements with local rustic building methods, creating a unified architectural composition.

An Albany banker named Robert C. Pruyn acquired the land in the late 1800s and hired architect Robert H. Robertson to design the summer residence in 1893. The project marked the height of the Great Camps era, when wealthy families built private retreats in the Adirondacks.

The buildings display traditional Adirondack craftsmanship with hand-hewn beams, birch-bark wall coverings, and stone fireplaces visible throughout the structures. These handmade techniques shape the appearance and create a distinctive rural character.

Access to the grounds is via a five-mile road that visitors can walk, bike, ride horseback in summer, or cross-country ski in winter. It's wise to wear sturdy footwear and expect longer travel times during rain or snow.

The silhouette of the connected rooflines of the main building resembles a bird in flight, showcasing the unusual blend of Japanese design and Adirondack tradition. This detail is often the first thing attentive visitors notice when entering the estate.