Kemble Estate -- Cold Spring, Putnam County

In May 2009, Scenic Hudson protected 13 acres of lawns and woodland surrounding the historic home of a West Point Foundry co-owner

View of the newly protected Kemble Estate property.Robert Rodriguez, Jr. One of the largest primarily undeveloped parcels in the historic village, this mix of open lawn and woodland sits on a hill overlooking ecologically important Foundry Cove, a popular destination for kayakers and bird-watchers, and is adjacent to Scenic Hudson's 87-acre West Point Foundry Preserve. Within the state- designated Hudson Highlands Scenic Area of Statewide Significance, the land is highly visible from the adjoining heavily traveled Metro-North commuter railroad line, the Hudson River and points on its western shore. From the property there are excellent views of Constitution Marsh, the river, West Point and the Hudson Highlands. A home on the property was the residence of William Kemble, co-founder of the West Point Foundry, whose ruins lie within the preserve. It could complement Scenic Hudson's efforts to create a world-class "outdoor museum" telling the story of this 19th-century industrial powerhouse that manufactured cannons credited with winning the Civil War. Both the house and grounds are largely unmodified since the 19th century. The purchase is part of Scenic Hudson's collaborative campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most, protecting 65,000 acres of great scenic, ecological and agricultural significance.

Project highlights

• Buffers and enhances existing public parkland


• Offers superb Hudson River and Highlands vistas


• Protects an historic 19th-century homestead

Location

To view the new Kemble Estate parcel in relation to other nearby protected lands, download this map (pdf, 344k)