Last week, I was fortunate enough to be able to shoot the Oliver Bronson House during a workshop with photographer extraordinaire, Denise Ippolito. Denise is an amazing photographer as well as one of the most creative artists that I know. Her work is amazing and, if you don't follow her, you need to. Beyond those attributes, she is a talented teacher that is always willing to go the extra mile to help her clients evolve into better photographers.
Now, on to the house that was the main subject. The house was built in 1812 by a local builder. If there was an architect involved in the design of this Federal style residence, he is unknown. The house was sold to Dr Bronson in 1838 and went through two remodels that resulted in changing the house into a Hudson River Bracketed style. The house was sold in 1853 and was ultimately absorbed into the grounds of a penal institution. For many years, the house served as the home of the prison superintendents until the early 1970's. It has been abandoned since then. In 2003, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. In 2008, the house and its immediate grounds was leased by Historic Hudson, Inc., who have begun a restoration program.
Some of the restoration can be seen on the outside of the house today, while the inside of the house has not been significantly restored. This photo shows the staircase, which is the centerpiece of the house from just inside the front door.