Text by Bethany Adams
For designer Anthony D’Argenzio, creating unique living spaces from historic properties is more than a skill—it’s a specialty. The owner of Hudson, New York–based design studio, Zio & Sons, and boutique real estate company, This Old Hudson, he crafts one-of-a-kind designer properties for both long-term rentals and vacation stays—and this historic townhouse is no exception. Dating back to 1910, the property presented its fair share of challenges, but after a renovation that reworked the layout and updated the amenities, the rental known as the Maison maintained its historic charm without sacrificing modern comfort.
A shining example of Anthony’s ability to both update and honor the property’s past, the original wallpaper that was uncovered in the revamp was the inspiration for the overall design. “When we were renovating, we saw a little bit peeping through,” Anthony says, noting that, as they continued to uncover it, they realized it was in better shape than expected. For the areas that couldn’t be saved, he used a Venetian plaster to create a patchwork effect, and a layer of beige paper was left in spots as well, creating what Anthony describes as a “soulful backdrop that feels really unique.”
After the discovery was made, the rest of the design came into focus. Leaning into his preference for old-world interiors, Anthony began crafting a Paris-inspired abode that blends high and low in beautifully surprising ways. Where walls were built or refinished, drywall was foregone in favor of tongue-and-groove planking or beaded board to better complement the historic plaster that remained, and both the bathroom and kitchen feature terra-cotta tile created in collaboration between Zio & Sons and clé. Paired with wood floors painted a glossy white, the rich but airy backdrop perfectly shows off a curated collection of antique pieces.
“I love the mix of high and low—like a really pretty gilded mirror with a textural, primitive worker’s table,” Anthony says, pointing out pieces like the worn table that serves as an island in the kitchen. In place of traditional cabinetry, the team built under-counter storage spaces, which were supplemented by a vintage unit to the left of the range and a Shaker-style cupboard turned sink base that dates back to the mid-1700s.
Anthony notes that, as the design process was completed during 2020, sourcing furniture became a challenge—but one that led to a number of creative victories. “I was doing all this installation work . . . when we were in full lockdown, and I didn’t have the luxury of finding things like I normally would,” he recalls. In a stroke of serendipity, he was able to use a set of antique windows he’d been keeping in his basement to create a one-of-a-kind moment in the kitchen’s breakfast area. Featuring copies of pages from a costume illustrator’s book he found at a flea market, the finished product is a showstopping work of art that makes mealtime a fanciful affair.
Another creative touch is the set of weathered doors mounted on tracks in the primary bedroom, likely salvaged from a school or library. The doors separate the main bedroom from a pass-through space that houses bunk beds, offering additional sleeping spaces while preserving guests’ privacy. Backed by the same wallpaper that graces the living area, the bed is piled with linen bedding that’s especially welcoming in the glow of natural light that reflects off the painted floors. “I wanted the primary suite to be super comfortable and big and airy,” says Anthony, who converted what was previously the living room into the serenely inviting space it is now—complete with a nook perfect for curling up with a beloved novel.
In designing this Paris-inspired getaway in upstate New York, Anthony had a clear goal for his guests’ experience. “I really want them to feel transported and comfortable,” he says. Regardless of whether visitors stay a few nights or a few months—whether they’re in town house-hunting or just taking in the many charms the area has to offer—each thoughtful touch culminated in a landing pad that’s equal parts comfortable and unforgettable.
For more information, visit thisoldhudson.com.
