79 McNeil Rd, Pine Plains, NY 12567

Hudson Valley Modern - The home of John Gillespie Jr and writer Susan Orlean, known for "The Orchid Thief" and ""The Library Book", this modern masterpiece is gently nestled into a landscape of 56 pastoral acres with views of Stissing Mountain towering over the Taconic Range. Designed by award-winning Cutler Anderson Architects, based in Bainbridge Island, Washington, the residence is a wonderful example of the firm's attention to detail and sensitivity to the natural environment.   The main living space, which showcases the home's post-and-beam structure, includes the eat-in kitchen with custom beechwood cabinetry; built-in bookshelves and storage; window seats playfully set into the wall of glass; and a fireplace that anchors the seating area.  A hallway leads to the study; two bedrooms that share a bath; and the primary bedroom that includes a private spa-like bath with a double-size soaking tub. All rooms take full advantage of the views and overlook a gently rolling meadow. Rounding out the living space is a den, with a hidden Murphy bed, that makes for a cozy sitting area and guest room when needed as well as a spacious mud room/laundry room and pantry.  In addition to the home, the property includes a welcoming writer's studio, a separate detached barn that could be made into a guest home, a treehouse, as well as a pergola overlooking a swimming pond. The ground includes a pine forest behind the house, fenced pasture, hayfields, and mature woods with a stream.