Simply Saratoga July Edition

Story By Arthur Gonick Unique Places and Creative Spaces Photos by StockStudiosPhotography When you pass by Hop Brook Farm at 1270 Sacandaga Road in West Charlton, you are immediately impressed with the thought that “this must be a great place to raise a family!” This, however, has been a privilege that only a few families have enjoyed despite the fact that the farm has existed for over 200 years.

First constructed in 1806 by John Murphy, it was home to the Gilchrist family, one of the “original families” of Charlton for about a century (Alexander Gilchrist was a town supervisor for several terms, beginning as far back as 1794.) There have only been a few owners of the 10 acre property, according to current owners Harold and Gail Zeliger, who have called this home for the past 22 years and have seen their own family grow up here.

The farm retains many of the original elements that give it the classic charm that we visualize when we think of a family farm. Included are the pond that is stocked with bass, and two barns that boast the “longest single beam construction in Saratoga County,” according to Harold.

Ideal for housing horses, it once was home to son Harold’s polo ponies, in addition to as many as to 15 horses from Skidmore at a time. A showpiece of the farm is the original outdoor kitchen and hearth, now surrounded by a sunroom/kitchen area that is a perfect family gathering place.

“We chose the countertop to be marble instead of granite, 62 | Simply Saratoga