Ever hear of Balmville, NY? I never did until I listed a fabulous home for sale there recently. Balmville is located on the northern edge of Newburgh, NY in Orange County. The area is known for several outstanding attributes, not the least of which is that it’s the most affluent hamlet in the Newburgh area. It is home to the very posh Powelton Club country club and golf course, Algonac, the former estate of Franklin D Roosevelt, and the Balmville Tree, which constitutes the smallest federal forest in New York (one tree), revered because it is believed to be more than 300 years old.

The home is perched on a high hillside, and the first thing you notice, even before you see the house is its absolutely spectacular view of the Hudson River and river valley. I know, Realtors use “spectacular” to describe practically anything, but this view truly is spectacular. The first time I saw it was one of those perfect summer days, with sailboats on the broad river tacking in the breeze and eagles floating lazily against a pure blue sky. Like I said. Spectacular.

The home is at 214 Hudson Hills Drive, nestled among the trees at the top of a wooded ridge. Guarded by a white electronic gate, the home is at the end of a short drive, built in the style of a French brick and Mansard roofed villa. The first thing one notices is an unusual feature; the house has its own a professional office suite & private guest suite with separate entrances. It has four bedrooms, four bathrooms and recently has been fully updated. The interior is the picture of elegance, with gleaming hardwood floors, classic wall treatments, chandeliers and a gorgeous gourmet kitchen.

The best surprise is the back yard. I wish I had a better word for it than “yard,” because this is a veritable Garden of Eden. It is beautifully landscaped, green and lush, with an in-ground pool, multiple levels of redwood decks, a gazebo dining area large enough for a banquet, and a stainless steel barbecue (of course!) What I really like is the clever way walls, evergreens and foliage have been combined to make the yard and pool naturally private. The pool even has its own custom-built motorized retractable awning.

The home is located near so many interesting, fun and useful places. It’s perfect for getting around, just minutes to Interstate 84 or to the ferry that connects to the train station in Beacon, and just six miles from the Stewart International Airport. It is close to shopping, and in an area full of golf courses, mountains, woods, state forests, parks and fine dining. Even though it’s technically in the Newburgh area, it is served by the Marlboro school district.

So if anyone has a spare $690,000 lying around, I would be delighted if you bought this home and gave it to me. I’d love to live here!