Artists Helen and Brice Marden Transform Historic Hudson River Ferry Terminal Into Striking Home

When artists Helen Marden and the late painter Brice Marden purchased Swan House in 2011, they acquired a truly unique piece of maritime history: a decommissioned 1877 ferry terminal and ship moor on the Hudson River accessible only via a long, narrow causeway. Drawn to buildings with deep historical texture, the couple spent years using the raw, stripped-down space simply to watch the river traffic before committing to a full-scale redesign of the unique structure.

To execute the extensive overhaul, the couple partnered with designer Daniel Sachs and architect Kevin Lindores of Sachs Lindores Architecture, Interiors. The team completely reimagined the derelict waterfront building by outfitting the exterior with lead-coated copper siding and a zinc roof designed to capture and reflect the intense natural light bouncing off the surrounding water. Inside, the renovation incorporates bold finishes such as custom zellige tiles in the kitchen and primary bathroom, Amazonia marble walls in the dining area, a black-tiled central fireplace tower, and luminous plaster surfaces.

Before you start: Major historical waterfront renovations require careful structural assessments, specialized flood-zone planning, and strict local environmental permits to ensure both safety and compliance with river conservation regulations.