Saratoga Real Estate

The area of Saratoga Springs had been unsettled until 1763. Before the French and Indian wars the Hudson and Champlain valley had been the main route for hostile armies and raiding parties. When peace was declared in 1763, the previously dangerous area became settled. During this time imitations of ancient Greece and Rome were very popular. These houses eventually became known as the Federal Style, and houses such as the John Bryan House (Olde Bryan Inn) at 123 Maple Ave. are great examples of this period.

Of course one of the most popular styles of homes the Victorian dates from about 1840 in Saratoga Springs. Many of the area hotels were built in this style. At the time, the area was big on gambling and the cheap money that flowed through, showed even in the architecture. The grand hotels were some of the only gracious dwellings at this time. The Batcheller Mansion at 20 Circular St. is a beautiful example of the beauty that existed in these mansions and hotels. One of the defining features of these buildings is the asymmetrical arrangement of their form. Also noted, is their presentation of a broken skyline.

Soon after the Victorian area, during its early years, the Gothic revival style was also very popular. Steep gabled roofs, pointed arches, and earth toned colors all were characteristics of these structures. Recently the scroll saw was invented, which made possible a very detailed cut of the wood work. During this time the bay window and the veranda became very popular. Although ornate and beautiful, this style never really took off in Saratoga Springs. There were too many political and religious connotations with the architecture and other styles therefore took the forefront. There are some gorgeous examples of this style though, such as the Brackett Cottage on Excelsior Ave and the Bethesda Episcopal Church.

The Italian style became popular around this time as well. Round archways and low flat roofs are distinctions of these buildings. Often times, when possible the buildings featured an observatory that would be built above the rest of the structure. Despite its name, the Italian style did not resemble any actual Italian building tradition nor any other building tradition. Because this style was very much unique, builders and homeowners could design their houses to their liking. Whether that meant creating many ornate designs about the house or being as simplistic as possible in the construction, each building was often very unique and distinct to its creator. Examples of these houses are the Milligan mansion at 102 Circular Street and Skidmore Hall (now Skidmore apartments) at 86 Circular Street.

Between 1890 and 1940 in Saratoga Springs the American Renaissance passed through. It was a rebirth of classic Greek and Roman structures, although many of the architectural ideas came from the French. Essentially this particular style also was not its own, just as the Italian style. These structures were often mixes of many different styles and designs. There are many examples of this period including the House of Pansa at 260 Broadway, the Convention Hall on Broadway, and the United States Post Office at 475 Broadway.

Also starting in the 1900’s, the “Bungalow” style became popular. The term comes from India, where a bungalow would be a one story house with a large roof extending over a broad veranda. Despite this, the American version has no real tie to the Indian bungalow. It is most directly connected to the Richardsonian Queen Anne style. One of the distinguishing features of these houses is their windows, often characterized by multiple panes on the top and single panes on the bottom of the window. Also the windows are often placed in connected rows. There are many such structures in Saratoga Springs including the National Museum of Dance (once the Washington Baths) on South Broadway.

From 1900 to 1960 the Modern style in architecture flowed through Saratoga Springs. Many public structures went up during these years such as the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and the Community Health Center. The architecture during this time looks in some cases a great deal like a factory or mill. Long rows of rectangular windows and low flat roofs make up the Modern style in Saratoga Springs.

Since then many subdivisions and estates have sprung up around Saratoga Springs and the surrounding area. Houses in these areas cover all styles and designs of architecture. The area is desired by many families and of course for anyone looking for a little history right in their own back yard!

Although some of the historic structures have been taken down, many of them still remain and the history continues. Because of its strategic location and numerous tourist attractions, Saratoga Springs has a unique real estate market. The homes around and in Saratoga Springs tend to be priced in the high end of the spectrum.

Over the past five years, real estate in Saratoga Springs has been the highest in all the Capital Region, which consists of a group of about forty-five cities and towns, spread out over four counties. Like most of America, real estate prices in Saratoga Springs have dramatically increased in the past years, rising from an average unit price of $148,093 in 1999 to an average price of $278,745 in 2004. In addition, a house up for sale stays on the market for of an average of fifty-one days in Saratoga Springs. Compared to houses in most other cities and towns in the Capital Region; houses in Saratoga Springs sell at an average pace, but for a high price.

Saratoga Springs great diversity in regards to housing makes it possible for everybody to find what they are looking for; be it farm houses, town houses, condominiums, historic homes, downtown apartments, enclaves for seniors, or assisted-living facilities.