Last year, we had a small hatch and ladder installed in our attic to allow access to the roof. We’ve been up there a few times since then, but I’ve forgotten to bring my camera every time. I remembered it today! Climbing ladders (even little ones with three steps) isn’t my favorite thing in the world, but I’m getting more confident. It’s the trip back down that always makes me doubt my sure-footedness.
We technically have a “flat roof”, though it actually has a slight pitch to it to allow for drainage. It’s not visible from street-level. I have grand (and unrealistic) dreams about building a roof deck up there, since the views of the Hudson River are so perfect.
Our house is the first in a series of four identical (well, they were identical when they were built, at least!) row houses, so you’re actually looking at the tops of our neighbors’ roofs here. So many chimneys everywhere! Each house in our row has three.
Looking southward. In the distance you can see Pollopel Island, home to Bannerman Castle.
Looking down on the garden. Our house is on the left, and no, I wasn’t suspended in mid-air when I took this photo! If you’re confused about what you’re looking at, here’s a floor plan—the jog at the back of the house creates this space between the row of houses, and allows for natural light in the center rooms.
42 Comments
Wow! Those views are absolutely gorgeous! All you need are some lawn chairs and a bottle of wine up there and you’re good to go, haha 😉 Beautiful castle and island too!
Absolutely lovely! Why is the dream of a rooftop deck unrealistic? You make me want to be a homeowner!
@Justine: Money! We have none to spare. We should get an estimate from our contractor, though, just so we have a number in mind. As it stands, though, if he says more than $20, it’s not happening anytime soon! 😀
Ooo, you live is such a perfect spot, right near the water and rolling hills (mountains?). AND a pied a terre in NYC. Oh if only Ontario was as cool as NY State. I have to admit I am envious of all the cool little towns that allow one to live a country and city double life. Here the small towns lost out to Walmart and Tim Hortons, and the commute into the city is by car only – no commuter trains for us.
Oh and you HAVE to make a rooftop deck!!!
nice!
Your home is in such a wonderful location! and the view!!!!
Yes, you have to build a roof top deck. in the mean time, Valeria is right…. lawn chairs and a bottle of wine, but I would also add fairy lights or candles/lanterns and your good to go!
xx
callie
oh my god, i think i actually gasped out loud at that view! and talk about the perfect day to bring your camera up with you! i needed to see this today, wow so calming. thank you for these, anna!
Wonderful view!
You could make a Maroccan Riahd-ish roof terrace op there – just sew some large pillows, bring some plants and set up a ‘sail’ as a sunshade – voila!
.. and “Hudson River”, Pollopel Island, Bannerman Castle finally made me google the area where you live. I try (I really do!) not to be so curious, but… *sigh*
That link to Bannerman Castle was very cool. You live in a lovely part of the world. And that view from your rooftop is truly gorgeous.
LOL Love your budget for your rooftop deck. Sounds like ours for our various (and many) reno projects. And I totally get your ladder apprehension. I felt a bit queasy just looking at your pics. But boy, that view is AMAZING! Maybe, just maybe, worth any queasiness… 🙂
BTW, did you by chance attend any memorials for 9-11 in the NYC area? I would love your perspective on that. You always manage to convey your feelings so well…
WOW, I would be there all the time with views like that !!!!
Beautiful !
Can I bring a tent and move up there at least until it gets to cold?
Have you ever been to the Russel Wright house? (It’s not too far from you.) I went there a few weeks ago and immediately decided that I need to own a house with a slightly flat roof so I can grow plants on it. (I feel like I’m not describing it very well so I found a picture of it here: http://tinyurl.com/2fefj94). But a rooftop deck is probably more functional.
Wow, Anna, these photos gave me a whole new perspective on your house and its location. The river setting made me gasp!
whoa, i had no idea you were that close to water! amazing views. i think you should definitely get a quote from your contractor. even if you can’t afford it now, if you have an idea of cost, maybe it’s something to work towards rather than just a crazy dream. and i’d love to see what you do up there!
@Juli: That’s exactly what’s happened in much of New York state, too, but there are still a few pockets that remain relatively untouched in their urban centers. The downside is that virtually anything within commutable distance to NYC is very expensive. Newburgh, for a number of (negative) reasons, has remained very affordable. I do wish it were a leeeeetle but closer to the city, though!
@Rosa: I think it’s a good thing to be curious! Newburgh is in the mid-lower Hudson Valley region of New York state, about an hour north of Manhattan…if that helps you to orient yourself!
@Lori: I did not attend any public services, but I mark the day privately in my own way every year. It’s a very personal thing to talk about in terms of my own experiences from that day (not to mention the deep pain and sorrow I still feel nine years later), and I am filled with sadness and anger over much of the conflict that has been generated in recent months for the sake of political gain. I don’t know that this is a subject I wish to delve into too deeply in this setting, but suffice to say that I support without question the constitutional rights of all religious groups in this country to gather and worship as they please—and that includes the cultural center at Park51.
@Sarah: I have never been to the Russel Wright house, but it’s on my list!! I love living roofs, too.
oh, to unrealistic rooftop dreams! i loved seeing this post, especially right now. ten years into our own home project, and the rooftop is still the big dream. we, too, simply have a ladder and a hatch, but we’re finally talking to a contractor about the possibilities of a stairwell and a new, weatherproof decking system. it all boils down to the money in the end, of course. hoping we can find a way to make it work. until then i’m settling for my own rooftop fantasies while taking in my own beautiful view (360 mountains and a unique vantage point of the downtown architecture).
I had no idea you lived so close to the water! Beauteous. For a second, I thought I was looking east across SF Bay at Mt Tamalpais in the background.
I appreciate your honesty. 9-11 had a tremendous impact on my life and I don’t live anywhere near NYC. I can’t imagine being up close and personal to it. I am still brought to tears over seeing the footage and hearing the stories of personal sacrifice made by so, so many. As far as the politics of it… I think politicians are always on the look-out to politicize anything they can and boost their precious numbers. I hate to be that cynical but if it walks like a duck… As a Christian, I deeply respect the right of Americans to worship as they wish. It is what makes this country such an amazing place. But the flip side of that right is the moron that burned (did he actually follow thru?) Koran. Yes, constitutionally he had every right but what in the world did it accomplish except to cause even more hate and division? Just because one “can” do something doesn’t mean one “should” do something… Anyway, didn’t mean to take over your house post with my ramblings. I saw a house in Lake Tahoe years ago that was completely plants and flowers and it was GORGEOUS! One of the above posts reminded of it…
Ok, the ROOF of the house was plants and flowers… 🙂 Thought I would clarify…
Anna,
I too have a fantasy of a roof deck but my budget kind of matches yours. We have been talking about putting in a roof hatch and ladder just so we can crawl up to the roof and pretend until we can make it happen. If you don’t mind me asking, what did you install and what kind of ladder. Doing research on it right now and thought I might see what others have discovered…
And if you already did somewhere …sorry for being lazy.
Thanks in Advance!
You have an amazing view! A roof deck is definitely worth to consider!
i love those roofs really cute and classic
STUNNING view!! I live in a loft building with a great river view from the roof (but it belongs to the penthouse apartment, not me, alas). They’re building a greenhouse/conservatory up there so they can use the roof all year long. Just another idea to think of, for when you win the lottery.
Love the post and love the views. I was watching house hunters the other day and a couple was looking for a home in Baltimore with a roof deck. Apparently they are very popular there. Maybe your dream could become a reality one day.
What a great view! I think a roof deck would be fabulous!
We both posted Hudson River pics! I also love what’s going on with the patch work on that red house across from you. Can’t wait to start fixing up our house!
PERFECTION. I hate ladders too.
Gorgeous View!!! I would definetly build a roof deck at some point and spend tons of time up there!!! Ladders freak me out. I can’t do close distance heights very well, so I feel your pain.
That view is spectacular. I was just up in Lake George over Labor Day (passed right by Newburgh) and you’re making me long for the mountains again. 🙁
If the roof will support the weight, I’ll bet you can just put down some wooden floor tiles (PLATTA at IKEA), a few light pieces of outdoor furniture and some planters. I think it could be amazing with very little.
I don’t even think my fear of heights could resist that view!
I concur. Bottle of wine and some lounge chairs- perf!
gorgeous view
it is soooooooooooooooo stunning! I just love it. I agree making a roof terrace would be amazingly stunning. If you win the lottery please get cracking! imagine having breakfast sitting watching that amazing view. keep up the great work (and blog)!!!
Niamh
So beautiful! And it just makes it absolutely perfect to me that you are in driving distance to The City. My native San Diegan ass is oh so very jealous and will house swap with you anytime!
wow, that really is such a beautiful view.
Wow, that is a seriously cool view! If anyone could put in a rooftop patio, it is you guys!
I love, love, love your pictures of the Hudson. Makes me miss my hometown, Newburgh. You have no idea how much I admire that you bought a historical house downtown & are fixing it up. Hurrah!
I was a bit stunned that Newburgh reminded me of Norway! The subdued light in the photos help.
i LONG to get out of the city (i know. broken record.) you are so close to the hudson! i didn’t realize! it’s gorgeous. you and that rooftop! whatta view…
my dads old loft used to have a roof deck that he beautifully decorated with patio furniture and a little garden. it of course took time building and finishing but when it was done it was the perfect spot to look at the chicago skyline and just relax. i miss it and am jealous of yours 🙂 make sure you take advantage
Awesome view!! I know what you mean about little ladders leading to the roof – I’ve only been on ours once or twice. We have a wicked view too… “discussing” doing a roof-top terrace, but it will be killer $$$ and not anytime soon. Boo!
I hope you get more and more confident to climb those steps, girl… it’s rather nice up there!!
We need soo many more people like you and your hubby in Newburgh! This place has soo much potential with its amazing views, near 2 interstate highways, relatively close to Manhattan etc.
I look across the river at what Beacon has done and I say to myself why cannot Newburgh be the same? It’s starting to improve somewhat with the new shops on Liberty St, Watefront area, Ritz Theater etc. Still there is a lot of work to be done for people to stop the stereotype Newburgh is nothing and will always be like that.