An incredibly unique midcentury modern compound that boasts ties to iconic rocker Jimi Hendrix has hit the market in Woodstock, NY, for $3.5 million.
The property was built in 1969, having been designed by renowned architect John Storyk, the same man who conceived Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studios.
Located on 8.75 acres of picturesque land and bordered by beautiful trees, the compound is the epitome of a private sanctuary within the historic Byrdcliffe Arts Colony, which offers artist-in-residency programs throughout the year.
True to that tradition, the home itself was designed to foster creativity and—much like Hendrix’s studio—was carefully crafted with awe-inspiring acoustics meant to amplify music and sound.
“The most impressive thing about the house is that it’s not just boxes and rooms like some midcentury homes; this home is an experience,” said listing agent Sharon Breslau of Creative Living.
“From the front door, you are ushered into a sunken circular area that has this incredible connectivity to the outdoor space. It’s a real midcentury home that I refer to as a real ‘peace’ of Woodstock.”
Known for designing audio/video production facilities for A-list entertainers, including private studios for the likes of Whitney Houston and Bob Marley, Storyk made a prominent name for himself not only for his architectural precision, but for his unique method of combining natural harmony through the use of space and sound.
While his legacy would prove to be rooted in sound, Storyk’s work on the Woodstock property was perhaps one of his most personal—having designed the home for his parents, which allowed him to cut loose without specific client restrictions or requests.
“From the acoustics and the view to the woods, nature, and all of the materials used to build the home, all were a consideration,” Breslau said. “What makes this house so unique also is that he built this home for his parents, which gave him more freedom to be expressive.”
Walls of glass allow the interior to be soaked in sunlight while a dramatic curved, sunken living room with brick fireplace was designed to emulate the “sensorial immersion typical of Storyk’s performance spaces.”
“When you sit in the conversation pit and look up and outside to the meadow and woods, it’s really groovy,” she said. “The seller told me recently that they never take for granted living here. It’s like being transported to a midcentury experience. The property just grabs you.”
Impressive details found flowing throughout the open floor plan include soaring ceilings, custom millwork, wood-clad walls, and built-in seating.
The “masterfully built” property last traded hands in April 2021 for $2.9 million.
Since owning the property, the sellers installed a Poggenpohl kitchen designed to be both sleek and functional in keeping with Storyk’s vision to have the working area flow effortlessly to the gathering areas.
“It has a pass-through with a counter that opens up to the main room,” Breslau said. “Off of the kitchen is a screened-in porch with a big deck that is convenient for entertaining.”
Breslau believes the next buyer will be someone who is attracted to the home’s authenticity.
“A lot of people appreciate the historic authenticity and the materials that were used to elicit a feeling of calm,” she said. “It’s super elevated by its own design.”
While Breslau is unsure whether it will be used as a primary or secondary residence, she said she could envision either scenario.
“Ever since COVID, a lot of people have moved here full-time,” she noted. “It could also appeal to someone looking to use it as a second home. On the main floor, there is a separate entry that leads to a space that could be used as an in-law or nanny suite, guest apartment, or separate studio space.”
Also found on the 8.75-acre property are a pond, heated in-ground saltwater pool, and guest/pool house.
“The pool house is an amazing building,” Breslau said. “It has these big open, vaulted ceilings, a bathroom that can be accessed from inside and outside, and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace.”
There are also town-approved plans to build a separate structure on the property, complete with private septic and driveway.
“You could have your own family compound with close proximity to town,” she added. “Woodstock has always been an art, music, and nature lover’s haven. It’s a vortex. There’s something here that is very magical. It’s two hours to the city, yet surrounded by Overlook Mountain.”
Breslau believes the property’s ideal location will be attractive to the next buyer.
“There are certain kinds of buyers who want to be within walking distance to town, and this house offers that,” she said. “The person who buys this house will understand the intentionality with which it was built. They will be thrilled to inhabit a property where they can satisfy their own intentions to have a life well lived.”
