When people think of our area, they usually picture stately clapboard colonials, charming capes and sprawling ranches.

It’s true that the area offers a full realm of traditionally-styled homes. But surprisingly, the Hudson Valley region is also home to some highly inventive modernist homes, many created during the 1950′s and 1960′s .  An exciting time in architecture, many of the era’s leading architects broke with tradition and created unconventional living environments to accomodate a new ‘modern’ lifestyle.  Now considered vintage treasures, many of these striking homes possess an elegant simplicity that has never gone out of style.

Here’s a small selection of these mid-century modern classics.

Noted architect Milton Klein designed this modernist pavilion to meet the needs of an art collector and nature lover and he succeeded brilliantly. Named Tranquillity, the home is set atop one of Rye’s highest points with views that stretch to Long Island Sound. Contact Susy Glasgall at the Houlihan Lawrence Rye Brokerage for more information.

One of the great masters of modern architecture, Paul Rudolph re-designed this sprawling modernist compound incorporating his unique interplay of natural light, massive glass panels and trademark “floating” floor plan.  The sleek Rudolph aesthetic also informs the unique circular guest house. Contact Katie McLoughlin of our Larchmont Brokerage for more information on this inviting Larchmont home.

In the private Hudson River enclave of Balmville, this Frank Dushin designed home features great glass panels that dramatically frame the glorious vistas.  Equally captivating is the rolling landscape planted by renowned botanist brothers Andrew and Charles Downing who used rare mulberry, gingko, copper beech and red maple trees to complement the dramatic home. Contact Melissa Carlton at the Houlihan Lawrence Cold Spring Brokerage for more information.