At Home with Pieter Estersohn in the Hudson Valley

Tag along to Red Hook, New York for a behind the scenes visit with acclaimed architecture and interiors photographer Pieter Estersohn at Staats Hall, his historic 19th century Hudson Valley home. Learn how he has spent the last decade restoring the house, from a neglected dilapidated wreck to the Greek Revival gem it was meant to be. Hear how he meticulously researched each detail to be period accurate, from moldings and other architectural details to hardware to floor finishes - he even found a Danish product that removed the layers of polyurethane and orange finish on the pine floors, revealing their natural beauty. See how Pieter returned the gracious proportions of the original rooms and searched high and low to find appropriately scaled period furniture to accommodate the lofty ceiling height. Watch as Pieter explains how he retained the plaster finishes on the walls and left some of the doors unpainted to balance the refined architectural lines and elegant furnishings with a little decay and disintegration. It is a testament to Pieter’s knowledge and resourcefulness that nothing in the house is new except the massive marble tub in the master bath and the kitchen appliances and cabinetry. Incorporating recent acquisitions with pieces collected over the years, family heirlooms and his artist mother’s paintings, Pieter has created a handsome home that is both of its time and the here and now. But most importantly, the house is a personal manifestation of Pieter’s love of travel, history, art and family. Be sure to also check out Pieter’s chapter in Susanna’s and my new book, At Home With
Designers and Tastemakers: Creating Beautiful and Personal Interiors. You’ll be inspired, informed and entertained!! For more visit quintessenceblog.com
#InteriorDesign #HistoricHomes #HistoricHouseRenovation

[@sonjagood7305]

I love the way he has incorporated his Mother's paintings into his home, and how he used a dress belonging to his mom to reupholster a chair. Their home is beautiful💜💜💜💜

[@quintessenceblg]

Me too!

[@ginnywoodhouse6350]

I'm purchasing a circa 1832 home in the south and would love to pick his brain! My home will have 11.5' ceilings also.

[@eerindiraarora6921]

There’s not a single Quintessence video that haven’t enjoyed. Such beautiful homes filled with personality, character and pizzazz. Thanks!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thanks so much - delighted to hear it!

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you!!

[@AllisonReece]

Yes, yes, yes,.... exactly!

[@quintessenceblg]

@@AllisonReece 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@sameenfatima143]

Favourite channel. Used to watch it repeatedly during the early days of the pandemic cuz its so soothing

[@barbarawillis5187]

I like the idea of having an account at a book store so the children can go anytime and browse and buy a book. The wood floors are gorgeous and so is everything else. An old church's marble steps for your house. Genius. Pieter and Elio and Quintessence, thank you for this wonderful tour.

[@quintessenceblg]

You are so very welcome!! I loved all those things too!

[@JSCDR]

This has been my most favorite tour. The tribute to his mom, grandpa and the relationship with Elio. I literally shed a tear. Just beautiful! Couldn’t love this home more. Hope you’ll show more of this home and it’s owner.

[@quintessenceblg]

I love all those aspects of this too!! I'll be writing a post as always and look for Pieter's house in Susanna's and my latest book At Home With....

[@cynthialambert9067]

Pieter is a friend of mine. I was a docent in the house when the previous couple owned it. Worlds of difference after Pieter worked his magic on the place. He did a super job.

[@quintessenceblg]

What a smart, talented lovely guy Pieter is!! And yes WORLD of difference!!

[@csmtcqueen]

What I love most about Pieter Estersohn's home ... it is literally filled with love, all the things/ people that he loves -- his mom's treasures, his son, friends. Just wonderful. That is exactly what a home should be.

[@quintessenceblg]

EXACTLY!!! Doesn't get any better than that!

[@loun9611]

This is one of your better videos. The home owner seems very real and someone you would like to have as a neighbour or friend. Finally someone that did not come across as elitist or snob. He seemed so down to earth. The house was filled with treasures from his life not stuff bought to impress. This was in my opinion the best.

[@quintessenceblg]

Pieter is entirely down to earth and very talented. So glad you enjoyed!

[@annolsen4943]

Truly I don’t find snobs or elitists in her videos. Sometimes people are a bit awkward but they often are just sharing information. I find many of the people she interviews as very sweet and self effacing.

[@quintessenceblg]

@@annolsen4943 Thank you Ann! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@twistoffate4791]

Lou n, I get what you mean, along with 22 other people.

[@karenreiter533]

What a magnificent, highly edited masterpiece home! It’s so lovely to see Elio’s loving admiration for his father and for their legacy of art. Thank you so much for this fabulous tour. ♥️♥️♥️

[@quintessenceblg]

Our pleasure!! Couldn't agree more!!

[@robertalaprade5612]

And, your photographer is wonderful!!

[@quintessenceblg]

If you mean Pieter, yes he is a very talented photographer!!

[@jefflawrentz1624]

Just a few weeks ago I got “Life Along The Hudson” and I have enjoyed it very much. This tour was wonderful and a great inspiration. Many thanks for sharing!

[@quintessenceblg]

So glad you have Pieter's book - it is beautiful and fascinating. And so glad you enjoyed visiting his home!

[@carolebuckle7977]

I love how you relax the people you visit & giving them so much recognition, great job Susannah x

[@susannasalk7153]

Why thank you!!!

[@ecamp6334]

Yes, I agree!

[@jengwye6870]

Yes you compliment them and affirm them in an insightful way👍

[@kaylamson5161]

Gorgeous Susanna! Love the architecture and the meshing of the old with the new. Truly a labor of love. God bless! John 3:16

[@marchirsch1647]

This house is testament to two design golden rules. [1] Buy what you like no matter what the style. [2] All things of good quality (regardless of style) can hang together.

[@marchirsch1647]

Also in the art studio, how many wrong holes are there to make those walls look so right?

[@quintessenceblg]

So true! Glad you enjoyed.

[@quintessenceblg]

@@marchirsch1647 LOL Have no idea but knowing Pieter, he probably planned his hanging rather carefully!

[@markstephens4202]

You seem to have the knack to find the most wonderfuly creative people. Your vlogs are an education. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@quintessenceblg]

Well thank you so much!! We hope you find as much inspiration as we do!

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you!!

[@briennetinder9261]

I absolutely love these videos and have watched every one and many multiple times. I would love if they were longer, I always want more!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thanks so much and we love that!!

[@janetcorey5102]

Susan’s, you work so hard to bring us such joy and exciting homes Than joy for a great job🥂

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you Janet from me and Susanna - we are so glad you enjoy and appreciate our journey to five design a voice! - Stacey (behind the camera)

[@susannasalk7153]

Couldn’t do it without my invaluable partner Stacey!!

[@gigigirl2229]

I think I’m in love .. this guy is the real deal authentic and has lived it .. I’m in awe

[@quintessenceblg]

Yes he is! Glad you enjoyed.

[@mauraronda1265]

Seems like he is so down to earth and has incorporated all of his loved pieces. Very nice

[@quintessenceblg]

He is!

[@paulabjerketvedt5379]

Wonderful home - you can feel the warmth and admiration between father and son which makes the home feel all the more personal.

[@quintessenceblg]

Agreed!!

[@davidcattin7006]

I can't "LIKE" this enough! My goodness! I could spend forever in this house. The art, the books, the stories behind all the photos and knick-knacks! The paintings! If he ever wants to sell some of them, let me know.

[@chantalblake-milton5702]

Another beautiful house tour. Thank you. Quintessence is my "happy place".

[@quintessenceblg]

Delighted to hear that!!

[@sansone12]

What a wonderful video. What a gracious and lovely family.

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you and they are!

[@terrybear5398]

Such a warm and comforting home. What a nice gentle man and son

[@quintessenceblg]

Indeed!

[@janinemessenger111]

OH.... one of my FAVORITES!!!!!!!!!!!

[@quintessenceblg]

So glad!

[@nathalienurse3336]

Stunning house and art work. Such a humble man and his talented son. Susanna asking all the right questions………🤗🇨🇦

[@dorothyevans1353]

This is the BEST of the BEST, THANK you Suzanne!!! I just LOVE it. So many ideal. His home is beautiful.

[@quintessenceblg]

So glad you enjoyed - a special house and host! - Stacey (behind the camera)

[@dorothyevans1353]

@@quintessenceblg Stacey is always on point!!! She is a jewel, GREAT team.

[@quintessenceblg]

@@dorothyevans1353 🙏🏻🥰

[@toosense]

The great ones always make everything look natural and effortless when in fact every little detail is full of so much intention and creativity. Other than appreciating the obvious beauty of things, I enjoy hearing about the decision behind selecting certain materials, the origin, the labor in delivery and installation, etc. It would probably take years to document the history behind every item in his home, his mother would be proud to see her art lovingly displayed.

[@quintessenceblg]

That is so true!! Great comment and I'm sure his mother would be proud!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

That is just the sort of house I admire most. I really love white walls, the only colour I never get bored with. Thank you for the video. Have a brilliant day!

[@quintessenceblg]

Our pleasure!

[@sveasoot7206]

so so great collection og family art- and all video on of my favorite

[@quintessenceblg]

Glad you loved!!

[@rinskeraphael8755]

You see his wonderful eye for art , shape, colour, texture…..balance, sight…lovely 🔥🌹❤️

[@quintessenceblg]

Yes!! So glad you noticed and appreciated! Thank you!

[@carolmac5944]

Love,so much love has gone into this home.

[@robertalaprade5612]

This is my favorite home and video thus far Susanna!! Bravo! Pieter and his son are lovely.

[@quintessenceblg]

Aren't they?! So glad you loved! - Stacey (behind the camera)

[@joliz1234]

That was beautiful and interesting. You bring out the best in people, Susanna. What a talent you are, Stacey, also. Love your videos!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you so much!! So glad you enjoyed!

[@hongye2723]

@@quintessenceblg This lady needs to let the guy finish talking!!! So annoying and rude!

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you so much

[@leslikuyweski4576]

Love how he's curated his home with art, photography and textiles!

[@kevmagill5163]

The art in this beautiful home is amazing...I have found a way in my humble home to cover every available space on my walls with art, my own pieces, other artists works and found works I've connected with. I relate to this very specific type of maximalism..I saw furniture here that I also have collected, specifically the Italian mid-century, 70's chrome and late 1800's wood pieces, as well as the woven wool persian and tribal rugs. This is how I want to live, comfortable yet thoughtfully curated. An unpretentious mix of eras, styles and values. I feel vindicated and seen. Wonderful home and vibe.

[@wernerdanler2742]

What a great place for a boy to grow up in to nourish his creativity.

[@ja-uh9gz]

Again...just blown away by the fabulous homes featured on your channel. Each one is so special and unique. Such inspiration for me...and wish I lived in one of these homes. I love all of the art...the walls covered so well, with all types of paintings and photos. The home, itself, is a work of art. The owner has a wonderful, artistic eye. Another one saved to my favorites..each home you feature..lol. Thank you again!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you so much! We try to pick homes that reflect the owners! Thank YOU for watching.

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and for watching!!

[@kimcorreale4067]

Love Pieters relatable quote of loving an interior that's a mix of decay and polish, I couldn't agree more.

[@quintessenceblg]

Me too!!

[@oeendrila]

One of the few most heartwarming ‘welcome backs‘ must be that opening score of yours. Whenever you post after a break, my heart starts dancing to that tune.

[@quintessenceblg]

Thanks so much - so glad you like our music!!

[@susannasalk7153]

So glad!

[@stevenconn630]

That home was my favorite of all I’ve seen on your show!Incredible taste,not simple but accessible.

[@quintessenceblg]

So glad you loved! A special home and host!

[@carolpipher4839]

🌟~Beautiful! Loved!! 💫

[@lorinotarius]

And we get the same thing here! We get to travel as he did through this channel to find inspiration for our own homes! At 2:31, there is a tapestry or rug over a coffee table! Who ever would have thought to have done that?! I learn something new with every video, a new Quintessence video is the highlight of my alert bell on KZbin!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you so much Lori - love hearing that!!

[@forestfields]

What an amazing eclectic mix. It takes true talent to put that many styles and periods together and make it work. You are such an observant and intelligent interviewer, Susanna, and your genuine interest always elicits an enthusiastic response from your host with the result that we get to hear lots of interesting details. And, of course, thank you to Stacey as usual for her artistic editing. I just love your channel.

[@quintessenceblg]

Thanks so much Penny! We were both so impressed with Pieter's efforts and talent!

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you so much for your kind words

[@margaretcroft]

So many cool things about this home…it is like a beautiful family album in progress….One of the many things I love most is that they saved those marble steps of a church…so perfect for this home…Love his enthusiasm for his home and his sweet son …thanks to Pieter, and to you, Susanna, for sharing this with us!

[@simongreenham]

Beautiful house impeccably revived but so thoughtfully it retains it's character, what a handsome , charming and down to earth chap Pieter is too , lovely he gives his mother's art such prominence One of my favourite tours, it all seemed real, very learned ,but a bit knock about and un fussy ; that's class to me.

[@quintessenceblg]

Great comment - thank you!! Totally agree with your assessment of the house and Pieter!

[@ginafriend1690]

Fantastic! Love his book of work along the way. I truly appreciate the artwork. I hope one day my son will do the same with my paintings, and have them up on his! Great share!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you!!

[@richardgraham5598]

so glad your back. photographer's eye is a great lens. and the legacy continues. I was stunned that bathroom is glorious!!!!

[@quintessenceblg]

Isn't the bathroom just incredible?!

[@ticouna]

It is now minus 37 degrees here in Quebec this morning, what a nice way to warm me up to visit Pieter's eclectic, well-traveled, and lived-in house! ( just like mine haha!)

[@quintessenceblg]

It's nippy here on the east coast of the US too! Stay warm and glad you enjoyed!

[@janice5218]

Can we say unassuming? Humble? The photo/wallpapering nursery is so inspiring. Way cool.

[@quintessenceblg]

YES we can because it's true!! So glad you enjoyed.

[@cheyenneskylark]

I adore the Hudson Valley and how this beautiful home was refurbished with a new modern twist...

[@quintessenceblg]

We do too!

[@dbright566]

Absolutely beautiful! You never disappoint. Thank you!

[@quintessenceblg]

And thank YOU!!

[@alaine57]

Always enjoy your videos

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you!!

[@susprime7018]

Love the marble tub and the frieze and oversize Greek key design on the fireplace. A classical clean every morning.

[@quintessenceblg]

Ha yes!!

[@mizzmolly7649]

Another fantastic Quintessence!

[@quintessenceblg]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mizzmolly7649]

@@quintessenceblg Well, I AM beginning to suffer from property envy. 🤣

[@judyorourke2410]

Omg. I love this so much. Not even finished watching but am bursting with joy!

[@quintessenceblg]

Oh thank you!! Especially for pausing while watching! So glad you enjoyed!

[@Cenepk101]

Oh my goodness!!!!!! So grateful for the length of this video. Was tearing up because the SOUL Meter went off the charts. Amazing AMAZING AMAZING

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you and yes, so well put - a very SOULful house!!

[@helenpruzan6970]

Love going to these homes that most of us will never see.For me there is nothing better than an old home library and walls of books.🥰

[@quintessenceblg]

So glad!! Who doesn't love a great library?!

[@helenpruzan6970]

@@quintessenceblg Sadly ,not everyone. Mystifying!😊

[@quintessenceblg]

@@helenpruzan6970 yes!!

[@MarieRoe72]

Absolutely LOVE this episode! The home is magnificent and he is super humble and inviting

[@quintessenceblg]

Totally agree and thank you!

[@cooperwesley1536]

You had me in the opening seconds with those exquisite Doric columns. Magnificent.

[@kellyronalds1998]

I absolutely love his wall of photographs, paintings and drawings. Such an eclectic mix of styles, colors, frames and sizes, but it works. I think it is because each piece is meaningful to him. One of my favorites!!

[@quintessenceblg]

Agreed and so glad you enjoyed!

[@iww6994]

Congratulations Pieter and Elio🌷

[@radicalaccounting]

admired the walls and was trying to figure out how he got that look (which matches his taste perfectly), before he said they were plaster. Sometimes with dye, which is just brilliant. Good idea to show this one !!!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed - lots of great ideas !!

[@Questinia1]

Best tour ever!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you!! So glad you loved!

[@carinapowney7512]

Amazing as ever. I try and take something I love that is doable from each video and incorporate into my home. In this one I’m going to rearrange my books with som book end gifts. What a lovey man and son too.

[@quintessenceblg]

Love that you are inspired and take a little idea from each to make your own!!

[@wynn1111]

What a bathroom!!

[@Snail_Nailz]

That plaster wall finish & The ‘memory / art’ room looks like my idea of heaven. 😲🥰

[@quintessenceblg]

Isn't it though?

[@edieohoxoxo932]

Love his humility...

[@quintessenceblg]

Me too...

[@annlieber3867]

Fascinating - The creativity is incredible.

[@quintessenceblg]

Agreed!

[@EEN63]

Fabulous! Pieter is not only a talented photographer, but has a wonderful way of creating a home that is historically rich, eclectic and full of beauty and emotion! And on top of all of that fabulousness, he’s an amazing story teller! I loved hearing his motivation, inspiration and history behind some of his pieces! So much to admire about his home, furnishings and art! This was such an enjoyable video! Kudos all around! ❤️😍❤️

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you and couldn't agree more!

[@clairekalemkeris4606]

The exceptionally consistent elevated visual language of this channel is always inspiriring. Thank you for all your hardwork and to all the people who graciously shared their homes. In truth the sense of history, editorial rigor and creativity have been a source of unending pleasure and possibilities, much appreciated. So much beauty! Brava!

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you for such an eloquent comment!!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you so much Claire!! So appreciate your discerning point of view!!

[@ip7335]

What a gem, a pleasure to watch

[@nashvillenorthstudios5550]

Another exquisite video capturing the pure essence of art and architecture, home and land in the fairy tale called The Hudson Valley. Be still my heart!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you!! So glad you enjoyed Pieter's home.

[@peggyekena9966]

What a project to undertake! From adding rooms, jacking up the pediment, to sourcing front steps in Massachusetts. And, then living through the entire process. What an interesting home. Thank you for the tour.

[@quintessenceblg]

Isn't it amazing what Pieter accomplished?! So glad you enjoyed!

[@rosecolouredglasses]

brown furniture love

[@PlanetTango]

I love The Hudson Valley. This house is magnificent. Best quote: “I love the balance between decay and polish”. Thanks again Susanne and Stacey for another wonderful video house tour. 💙🦋💙

[@quintessenceblg]

Our pleasure! And I loved that quote too! Thank you for watching!

[@williamwoody7607]

Christ I’m glad somebody’s living my life.

[@quintessenceblg]

HA!! Glad you can appreciate!

[@carolebuckle7977]

My favourite artwork is Abstract, it reflects the emotion of the painter, love that , beautiful home xx

[@raymondf3670]

All l can say is WOW his home is just amazing beautiful stylish once more Quintessence has video a person with amazing style with a beautiful home... I'm just so happy that I subscribe.

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you Raymond!! We LOVE hearing that!!

[@milindghosh444]

Wonderful !!

[@jodollman8136]

I love their home and his modesty. Great video.

[@quintessenceblg]

Me too and thank you - glad you enjoyed!

[@sumaclane8020]

i love them all but this one i think my favorite ... i would love to longer versions .. thanks

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank YOU!!

[@veraklein5120]

Always enjoy seeing the homes you visit and the delightful people who live in them. This was particularly refreshing to ‘meet’ Peter Estersohn and his son. His respect for the home’s history is evident. Thank you Susanna for a lovely virtual trip.

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you - so glad you enjoyed!! - Stacey (behind the camera)

[@teresejohnson6767]

What a talented artist, and son, too! Lovely tour, what a treat. Thank you.

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed!

[@nathaliedufour3891]

Heartwarming and so creative , absolutely love this very grand and authentic family 🏡 home !!!

[@quintessenceblg]

Me too - Pieter is so talented and such a devoted father!

[@SpanishEclectic]

What a lovely man! The tasteful culmination of his life's experiences are everywhere in his home. I squealed over the photo of the gothic library...be still my heart! Thanks again, Susannah and Stacy, for a beautiful respite from the negative world around us. Our homes should be a refuge, where we can cocoon ourselves among things that we love...they are not just things, but the physical manifestation of memories and desires. Kudos!

[@quintessenceblg]

So very true and thank you for your kind and perceptive words!!

[@caroljones1605]

Beautiful home and great art collection.

[@dbd626]

One of the Best homes you have ever shared!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you!! Pieter has an incredible eye!

[@nagolhayze9366]

What a beautiful period home, a period property with a forward legacy. Amazing.

[@quintessenceblg]

Exactly! Well put!

[@nicoeeek.7181]

Unbelievable!! I adored seeing Elio be interested and so in volved in this house tour. I need to watch this another half dozen times at least!!

[@quintessenceblg]

Delighted to hear that!!

[@twistoffate4791]

Agreed. I watched it once then backed it up and watched it again. And I know I will go back to check it out a third time, probably tomorrow!!

[@quintessenceblg]

@@twistoffate4791 Thank you and must admit I will be watching again too as I am always concentrating on filming!

[@twistoffate4791]

@@quintessenceblg That's fantastic!!

[@quintessenceblg]

@@twistoffate4791 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@pNo415]

Every time I think this is my hands down favorite and then Quintessence outdoes itself again!

[@quintessenceblg]

Well thank you!! So glad you loved this one too!

[@RufanaDenmark]

jaw-droppingly beautiful place,

[@quintessenceblg]

Agreed!

[@darlenechandler2403]

I so look forward to all of your Videos, they are exquisite and just love all of the design and beautiful homes that you take us through. Another wonderful home tour. I am always waiting anxiously for the next and the next. Thank you from Canada.

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you and please stay tuned!!!!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you so much!

[@danriv66]

Breathtaking.

[@melcryarfineart]

As an artist, this was one of my absolute favorite episodes! Just swooning over the house and especially the art. Well done!

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you!! Glad you loved!

[@klingertam1]

A beautiful home to live in. No pretentiousness - just an elevated eclectic blend of great treasures.

[@quintessenceblg]

YES!!

[@nisatrinidad5750]

It reminds me of the White House from the outside. So beautiful is the architecture.💖💖💖💖💖

[@TheLeenyb]

I can't wait to purchase BOTH books (yours and Pieter's). All I can say is more more more! I want to see more, especially the exterior and grounds! What a gift he has - eye for style and taste.

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you - you will love Pieter's book - beautiful and fascinating and hope you love ours as well!

[@susannasalk7153]

Thank you so much Eileen

[@JLOinthecity]

I love his books and in the manner in which he collects them.

[@quintessenceblg]

Yes me too!

[@JijjysMaison]

Keep them coming dear; like the others said, "we cannot get enough of these videos". I am watching with a cup of tea and a delicious snack. Tripple treat for a lovely Saturday evening. Such a beautiful home and the transformation of the front porch is magnificent. The decor as well is so lovingly done. So many beautiful pieces. I love the idea of the gilded frames with Pieter's photography. It looks really charming... xxx

[@quintessenceblg]

Thank you so much!! And so glad you enjoyed visiting Pieter’s marvelous home! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@lailisima]

This house made me smile.. and we all so need that these days! Thank you for sharing this lovely house!