Fashion designer Keren Craig, who co-founded the luxury brand Marchesa with Harvey Weinstein’s ex-wife Georgina Chapman, has unveiled a hidden treasure nestled in upstate New York’s hamlet of Accord.
After a relentless three-year search for the perfect retreat, Craig stumbled upon a century-old barn-turned-home that stole her heart.
Now, Craig is ready to part ways with her beloved escape, listing the meticulously renovated barn with Annabel Taylor at Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty for $2.87 million.
“The moment we pulled into the drive, my husband and I just smiled and looked at each other and knew this was going to be the one,” Craig shared with Bloomberg. Despite its dated appearance, the designer saw beyond the surface, recognizing the untapped potential within the rustic structure.
Twelve years have passed since Craig and her husband, Piers North, both hailing from the UK, made the bold decision to make this converted barn their sanctuary.
Commuting from the bustling streets of Manhattan initially, they poured their hearts into renovating the space during weekends and vacations.
In 2019, amid a wave of change in her professional life, Craig bid farewell to the city and embraced Accord as her full-time residence, a move that proved prescient in advance of the pandemic’s upheaval.
“It was perfect timing because we moved upstate before the rest of the world wanted to, during the pandemic,” Craig told the outlet.
“The joy we get from doing renovations is amazing. I think a lot of people get really stressed, but my husband and I thrive on it,” she added.
A 2,136-square-foot haven, the property boasts four bedrooms and three baths, sprawling across 6.5 wooded acres — just a stone’s throw away from Manhattan.
Reflecting on the renovation journey, Craig recounts the transformational process that unfolded before her eyes.
From sealing up a hole in the ceiling, reminiscent of the barn’s agrarian past, to discovering hidden foundations intended for a dance academy, the journey was fraught with surprises and triumphs alike.
But it’s not just the physical renovations that have brought joy to Craig and her family. The spacious layout, complete with an open-plan second floor featuring a library, a workspace and an entertainment area, has played host to countless gatherings and celebrations — from Thanksgiving feasts to lively Fourth of July bashes.
As Craig bids adieu to her tranquil haven, she envisions another family stepping into its embrace. If the new owners have children, the home also comes with a treehouse they built amid the forest she usually passes by on her usual morning walks.
“I still go into the city about twice a week,” she told the outlet, “but the reverse commute has been great for my mental health.”