A Classic Re-imagined

Discover a classic New York State Greek Revival re-imagined as a mas in Provence. Situated in almost 14 acres of vineyard and naturalized fields, it’s informally named Le mas des Hirondelles or Hirondelle Farm for the sparrows that share the property—it’s an historic jewel ready to be re-imagined again as your estate in the western Finger Lakes.

Built mid-19th century in the Greek Revival style, it was renovated and expanded in the 21st century with a large addition, patios and porches, stone walks and walls; in the rich soil, flower and vegetable gardens thrive as well as the nearly 8 acres of Baco Noir grapes.

The Greek Revival style is extraordinary for a farmhouse: 10 ft. ceilings, a double-parlor and a large interior staircase that opens to a stone patio. The addition added over 1000 square feet to include a chef’s kitchen/family room on the first floor and a master suite on the second floor. In all, there are five bedrooms and 2 ½ bathrooms. Throughout every room, the large windows allow abundant light and offer amazing views.

In addition to the main house, there are two barns. The large bank barn hosts a large, insulated studio space with daylight floodlights, northern light, cross-ventilation and abundant electric outlets as well as a tiled platform for a wood or pellet stove. Below, there is access to an equally large unrenovated space for storage/garage. The original grape-packing barn is structurally sound but in disrepair, with the possibility of being transformed into a guest house.

The vineyard is dedicated to growing Baco Noir, a French-American hybrid red wine grape that has established well in the colder climate of the Northeast. Named for François Baco, who, in 1894 in France, crossed the French grape Folle Blanche with an American Vitis riparia grape to create a phylloxera-resistent vine. Baco Noir has been grown in the area since 1951. Our grapes are crafted locally into a highly-rated red wine, scoring 91 out of 100 points. The wine is characterized by its medium body, good acidity and dark, fruity tones that pair well with savory dishes. It can be tasted at Heron Hill Winery, Hammondsport.

The history of Hirondelle Farm is explicitly tied into wine-making in the Finger Lakes. The first vineyards were planted in the Finger Lakes in 1831 along the west side of Keuka Lake. In 1860, south of the town of Hammondsport, the Pleasant Valley Wine Company was established, the first bonded winery (U.S. Bonded #1) and the first in the New York State Finger Lakes. Its sparkling wine, Great Western, was the first American wine to win awards in European competitions in Vienna, Paris and Brussels in late 1870’s.

This award-winning sparkling wine was produced by two French brothers, Jules and Joseph (J.D.) Masson, well-known French winemakers. Around 1860, J.D. built a “summer house” seven miles north of Hammondsport on a private road he named Elmbois. Built in the then-fashionable Greek Revival style, the house was significant for the time. And now, 160 years later, his vision is the farm we call Hirondelle. The Pleasant Valley Wine Company continues to this day, producing its Great Western champagne, and is much worth a visit.

Hammondsport (hammondsport.org), itself, has earned accolades as the “Coolest Small Town in America” by Budget Travel, and boasts a charming collection of shops, eateries and fine dining restaurants along Keuka’s lakefront. Amid the vineyards above Keuka Lake, visitors can explore award winning wineries, distilleries and breweries along the Keuka Wine Trail (keukawinetrail.com), many of which host weekend concerts (concertsatpob.com). Penn Yan, at the top of the Lake, hosts restaurants and shops and the seven-mile Keuka Outlet Trail popular for walking and cycling (keukaoutlettrail.org). The NY Times recently listed Keuka Lake as one of “7 Last-Minute Labor Day Trips” not to miss.

Hirondelle Farm is historically positioned within this vibrant community, deeply rooted in agricultural and winemaking traditions. This vineyard is the ideal setting for a personal retreat; BnB; or event venue, but may best be enjoyed as a generational family home.