511 Cayuga Heights Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850

Own a piece of history high above Cayuga’s waters! This home, once residence to six Cornell University presidents and visited by notables like Nelson Rockefeller and a former British prime minister, is a unique treasure. Approach through stone pillars to find the half-timbered style English Tudor made of locally quarried Llenroc stone and stucco, set on 3 manicured acres with sweeping lawns and gardens. Appreciate the history, architecture and comfort in this testament to a bygone era, designed by Cornell-trained architect, Lakin Baldridge, and later affectionately named “Robin Hill”. The slate roof, copper gutters, leaded glass windows, arched wooden doors, decorative moldings, exposed beams and brass hardware all reflect its original quality and detail. Baldridge took care to include special details in each room from the hand-hewn beams and carved oak bar in the vaulted Oak Room, perfect for evening entertaining, to the Adam-style fireplace mantel and custom molding in the formal dining room. Discover your bookish soul in the charming library and host guests in the spacious living room. The central staircase leads to three bedrooms with fireplaces and private baths, including the roomy primary with an enviable dressing room. Two more bedrooms, an office & two more full baths complete the second level. Further up you will find two large, vaulted rooms and another bathroom and in the vast basement, a fully equipped gym. Outside it’s a horticulturist’s delight with a charming gardener’s cottage, made of the same stone and slate, that welcomes those entering from Cayuga Park Rd with its original cupola and weathervane. Plenty of sunny space, and a wrought iron enclosed area that used to be the vegetable garden, await a planter’s hands. Relax in the sunken garden surrounding an old sugar maple with stone walls, entertain on the vast stone terrace, or dine al fresco in the covered summer dining area. Modern conveniences are seamlessly woven throughout this house to create a space of historical comfort. Experience everything Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region have to offer, conveniently located close to Cornell University.