Welcome to our home

The Midwood property was part of the original land grant given to Robert Livingston, The Elder, by King George I of Great Britain in 1686. Nearly a century later, Robert Livingston (an author and signer of the Declaration of Independence) inherited his family home Clermont which included Midwood. The house and land subsequently passed through the Livingston line to the Grey family, and in 1985, Joan K. Davidson, the first non-Livingston to own the home since the 1680’s, purchased the home for her growing family.

Joan was a force in New York City and state, creating, supporting, and encouraging bold and innovative efforts for the betterment of the natural and built environments of both urban and rural places; for the arts; and for civil liberties and social justice.

In the mid-eighties, Joan came to the Hudson Valley for lunch with some friends. During the meal, they mentioned that the house next door was for sale, and Joan jumped down the road to take a look. It was the first time she saw Midwood, and soon she had created a home base for her children and 12 grandchildren. For the next 40 years, Midwood hosted family holidays and weddings, fundraisers for nonprofits and political candidates, and provided refuge for friends who desired a few days of peace along the river.