Temple Prospect Farm | Skaneateles, NY 13152

Temple Prospect Farm on Skaneateles Lake, a Hallmark of Greek Revival

Temple Prospect Farm is a hidden gem tucked away on Skaneateles Lake in New York’s renowned Finger Lake Region. Admired as one of the oldest surviving farmsteads in the area, the property provides scenic lake views of breathtaking beauty. This magnificent lakeside home, located 23 miles west of Syracuse, is perfect as a year-around family residence or as a welcoming escape.

The Finger Lakes region abounds with sparkling lakes, impressive cascading waterfalls and acres of farmland, vineyards and forests. Residents enjoy restaurants and shopping in the charming village of Skaneateles, just over three miles away, boating and fishing on the lake and highly rated local schools. Area attractions include wineries, theaters, museums and state parks with waterfalls.

Temple Prospect Farm, a “New Old House”

Temple Prospect Farm offers a naturally beautiful setting directly on crystal clear Skaneateles Lake that was formed thousands of years ago by ancient glaciers. The property incorporates 50 feet of lakeside frontage and 2.6 acres with a dramatic expanse running from the lakeshore below to the hilltop Tea House that gives the property its name.

The home maintains its original roots while providing all the conveniences of today’s modern lifestyles. Temple Prospect Farm celebrates the Greek Revival architecture that was common to the area in the early 1800’s when the house was built. The current owners thoroughly refurbished the house by taking it down to the bare structure and then modernizing it.

The Greek Revival style incorporates elements of classical Greek architecture, such as symmetrical proportions, columns and a covered portico entry. The gabled roof with two sloping sides that meet at the top is another common Greek Revival feature.

Desirable Additions and Special Touches

Renovations and extensive additions to Temple Prospect Farm were completed with historical accuracy, both inside and out. Additions that expand living space include a new master bedroom wing and a screened-in porch that expands the kitchen. An enclosed breezeway links the house to the new red barn featuring an open studio over a 3-car garage.

The renovated property offers a host of extra touches. There is an onsite apple orchard, a formal boxwood garden, red brick patios and multiple outdoor seating areas surrounded by lush vegetation. A narrow stone path leads from the Tea House to a delightful gazebo, the perfect spot for enjoying a glass of local wine while watching the sun set over the lake.

New trim, exterior moldings, wood flooring and Hardy Board siding replicate historical details. Warm wood paneled walls, a wood-burning fireplace and a large bay window add charm to this outstanding property. The onsite dock is convenient for keeping a boat ready to explore Skaneateles Lake.

Skaneateles Village

The village of Skaneateles on the northern shore of the lake is an enchanting hamlet with an inviting calendar of events and activities. The picturesque town boasts quaint streets lined with shops, boutiques and restaurants, as well as the lakefront Clift Park with a pleasant gazebo. Settled by veterans of the Revolutionary War, the village has a long, well-documented history.

Seasonal events in Skaneateles include the Antique Boat Show, Labor Day Field Days with a parade and fireworks and world class music by the lake at the Skaneateles Festival. Visitors step back to a simpler time during the Dickens Christmas, an annual tradition that begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas Eve featuring live acts from “Charles Dickens” and his cast of characters who interact with the community on the streets, shops and restaurants.

Exploring the Finger Lakes Region

Skaneateles Lake, admired as one of the most beautiful lakes in the nation, is ideally situated in the beautiful Finger Lakes region. Fishing and boating on the clear waters of the 16-mile lake are popular recreational activities.

Area residents can explore the natural wonders of the Finger Lakes region by car, or experience the area by boat, bicycle, kayak or horseback. There are over 100 wineries in the area, dozens of waterfalls, interesting art galleries, theaters and unique museums. Special events take place year around.

A wonderful mix of galleries, museums, studios and performing arts theaters, some right in the village of Skaneateles, highlight the Finger Lakes region. Local galleries include the McCarthy’s Finger Lakes Photography and Gallery, Long Lake Gallery and the Skaneateles Artisans art gallery located right in town. Those who are interested in taking a daytrip can visit the Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate.

State Parks and Wineries

The Finger Lakes region is dotted with beautiful state parks, including Green Lakes, Fillmore Glen, Cayuga Lake and Taughannock Falls. The most famous is Watkins Glen, where the stream generates 19 waterfalls as it descends 400 feet past the cliffs. Visitors can walk the gorge path that winds around and under the waterfalls and right through the spray of Cavern Cascade. There is an Olympic pool, campsites and picnic facilities as well as playgrounds and playing fields. 

The steep sloping terrain and cool autumn weather surrounding the Finger Lakes makes it ideal for winemaking. The area has a long history of wine production dating back to the 1800’s. Riesling, a cool climate grape, has become the signature Finger Lakes wine that is known worldwide. Other wines produced in the region include familiar names like Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Chardonnay. Visitors can plan a visit to some of the area wineries on their own, or they can take a winery tour.

The newly renovated Temple Prospect Farm on Skaneateles Lake offers residents the opportunity of a fulfilling lifestyle that combines small town advantages with the beauty of natural surroundings and the relaxed vibe of lakeside living.