Historic Cherry Hill | Albany

Historic Cherry Hill is a preserved 18th-century Dutch colonial stone house located in Albany, New York.

It served as the home for the prominent Ten Eyck family for over two centuries.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a two-and-a-half-story rectangular building constructed primarily of fieldstone. Its exterior walls are a mottled grey and brown, with visible mortar lines. The roof is steeply pitched and covered with slate. Original wooden shutters are present on the windows, which are multi-paned. A prominent central chimney stack is a defining feature of the roofline.

Location & Access Logistics

Cherry Hill is situated at 523 1/2 South Pearl Street in Albany, NY. It is approximately 1.5 miles south of the New York State Capitol building. Access is via South Pearl Street (NY-140). Limited on-street parking is available on surrounding residential streets. The CDTA Bus Route 14 stops within a 0.2-mile walk of the property.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Cherry Hill began in 1767, commissioned by Philip Ten Eyck. It was built as a substantial family residence. The house remained in the Ten Eyck family until 1961, making it one of the longest-occupied private residences in Albany. The site itself is situated on a gentle rise overlooking the Hudson River valley.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can participate in guided tours of the house's interior, which showcase period furnishings and architectural details. The grounds offer space for walking and observing the exterior architecture. Photography of the exterior is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the visitor center. Limited shade is provided by mature trees on the property. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No on-site food vendors are present; however, commercial establishments are located along South Pearl Street.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal exterior photography lighting, visit in the late morning or mid-afternoon. The site is open seasonally from May through October. Specific tour times vary; consult the official website for the current schedule.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical detail is the presence of a hidden priest hole, a small concealed space within the original stone structure, believed to have been used during periods of religious persecution.

Nearby Landmarks

• New York State Museum (1.2km Northwest)
• Empire State Plaza (1.5km Northwest)
• Albany Institute of History & Art (1.8km Northwest)
• Washington Park (2.1km North)