Welcome to Cragston

J.P. Morgan's Personal Hudson Valley Home

Billy Joel/JP Morgan Hudson Valley Home 1h to NYC

Come stay in J.P. Morgan's summer home with breathtaking views of the Hudson River! Private saltwater pool & sauna. Billy Joel famously also lived here in the 1970s when he wrote "New York State of Mind" and "Summer, Highland Falls" in the primary bedroom. This is J.P. Morgan's original "Cragston" mansion (he used to take his Yacht up here from Wall Street!). Under 5 minutes to West Point & Bear Mountain 1 hour to NYC Cold Springs & Peekskill are under 20 minutes away

Highland Falls, NY, United States
16 guests
7 bedrooms
5 bathrooms

What this place offers

Common

  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Air conditioning
  • Cleaning products
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dedicated workspace
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Dryer In the building, free or for a fee
  • Washing Machine In the building, free or for a fee
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • Pool Private or Shared
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Shampoo
  • Bathtub
  • Hot Water
  • Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • Hangers
  • Iron
  • Clothing storage
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Extra pillows and blankets

What this place offers

Common

  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Air conditioning
  • Cleaning products
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dedicated workspace
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Dryer In the building, free or for a fee
  • Washing Machine In the building, free or for a fee
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • Pool Private or Shared
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Shampoo
  • Bathtub
  • Hot Water
  • Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • Hangers
  • Iron
  • Clothing storage
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Extra pillows and blankets

Entertainment

  • Piano

Family

  • Board games
  • Fireplace guards
  • High chair
  • Pack 'n Play/travel crib

Heating and cooling

  • Indoor fireplace

Home safety

  • Fire extinguisher
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Smoke detector
  • First aid kit

Kitchen and dining

  • Baking sheet
  • Barbecue utensils
  • Blender
  • Coffee
  • Coffee maker
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Freezer
  • Hot water kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Rice maker
  • Stove
  • Toaster
  • Wine glasses

Location features

  • Waterfront

Outdoors

  • Garden or backyard
  • BBQ grill
  • Fire pit
  • Outdoor seating
  • Patio or balcony

Parking and facilities

  • EV charger
  • Free parking on premises
  • Sauna

Accessibility

Neighborhood

Guest Access

The property has digital locks you can use to check into the property when you arrive. You will receive an access code with your check-in instructions the morning of your stay.

Good to know

This is a beautifully renovated & famous home that has been completely upgraded with modern amenities. The home has a private saltwater pool overlooking the Hudson River, an indoor sauna, 7 bedrooms, 5 full baths, dining areas, and ample views of the Hudson River. It also has an instant fireplace (just press a button to light a cozy fire in the original fireplace) and ample TVs in many of the rooms (including a 100-inch television perfect for game day or family gatherings). The pool house provides a private second kitchen, 7th bedroom, 5th bathroom & additional sleeping space (Queen bed & a full-size pull-out couch) with more views of the Hudson River. J.P. Morgan named this property “Cragston” and he would relax here with his family and commute to NYC on his yacht just down the river. 4 of the trees on the property were actually planted by J.P. Morgan (likely his staff) and the massive exposed brick fireplace in the sunroom is original stone & brick where his staff would heat the home during winter months. Billy Joel famously also lived here in the 1970s. The primary bedroom upstairs overlooks the Hudson River and is where he wrote “New York State of Mind” and “Summer, Highland Falls” on his piano that was against the window at the time. Note that the pool is typically open from mid April through early October (weather permitting).

Other Details to Note

Please be respectful of the neighbors. We ask that you are respectful of quiet hours in this community (no loud outside music from 8pm-8am). Note the pool is open from May through September (weather permitting).

Check Availability

Reviews

Earle
July 2025 · Airbnb
My partner and I were looking for a place for a pre-wedding celebration with some friends. Benjamin's was perfect. It was quiet and private, the house is spacious, and the pool are has the most amazing view of the Hudson River. I've never seen so many fireflies at night, the moon, the stars, and the birds... it felt like we were really out of the city, even though it's not so far at all. Benjamin was great to work with - super responsive and went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed. Every request was met with "absolutely", or "no problem" - it was great. A lot of our friends commented it was the perfect spot. 10/10, we would go back.
Marinela
July 2025 · Airbnb
I had an amazing stay at Benjamin’s beautiful home! The house was spotless, cozy, and surrounded by stunning nature — with a breathtaking view of the lake that made every morning feel peaceful and refreshing. Watching the sun rise and set over the water was a true highlight. Benjamin was exceptional, warm, responsive, and went above and beyond to make our stay special. He accommodated my daughter’s 7th birthday party, which meant so much to us. The big pool was a huge hit, both the kids and adults had a blast swimming and relaxing during the party. It made the day even more memorable! If you're looking for a scenic, peaceful getaway with a kind and thoughtful host, this place is perfect. I’d absolutely love to come back again!
Kristin
July 2025 · Airbnb
My friends and I gathered at this amazing spot for our yearly reunion. We were thrilled with the view of the Hudson and the lovely pool adjacent to a dining terrace. There were plenty of towels for us all, and everyone had their own room with adjacent private bathrooms, which were clean and comfortable. We loved the connection to Billy Joel. The mature trees on the property, planted by JP Morgan, were beautiful. And the fireflies at night on the massive lawn were the best we've ever seen! The kitchen was very well equipped, and anything extra that we needed, Benjamin provided immediately!
Albert
June 2025 · Airbnb
We stayed at Benjamin's place for a very special family celebration. It was a perfect place for our family gathering. There was lots of community space where we could gather as a group, but the bedrooms were spread out so everyone had privacy when they wanted. The 100 inch TV was great! It was 100 degrees outside while we were there, and the pool was perfect & meticulously cleaned. We prepared two dinners for our large group, the kitchen was well equipped, and the dining room a perfect place to have the meal. Benjamin was easy to communicate with and very responsive. He was extra wonderful, surprising us with a special something for our significant celebration. And I couldn't leave out the historical significance as "Turnstiles" was the album I would blast before exams in college, it was special being in the exact spot where two of my favorite songs were composed! It is the perfect place for a family gathering or a corporate/business retreat. Thank you Benjamin!
Joel
June 2025 · Airbnb
Can't say enough great things about this awesome setup. Hosted an epic bachelor party here with excellent pool vibes and river views, plenty of place to run around for sports, awesome space for dinners together inside. Surrounding area has great golfing and bbq. Slept 12 guys comfortably with no issues. Absolute gem of a BnB!
Melissa
June 2025 · Airbnb
Bringing my family here for a fun weekend together was THE BEST decision. The kids played in the pool the entire day, the grills were conveniently placed around the yard. The space was perfect for 16+ guests. My family and I will absolutely be back ! Thank you so much for being great Hosts!
Scott
June 2025 · Airbnb
We had a great experience. Home is beautiful with an amazing view. Well equipped kitchen to host large gatherings. Lots of room and perks to this home. Host was proactice and made sure our stay was perfect. Highly recommend. We will be back! Thanks, Scott
Ashutossh
June 2025 · Airbnb
Our family of 16, stayed at this place for 5 nights. The house is charming and the location is beautiful with breathtaking views of the Hudson valley. Benjamin is a friendly and responsive host and promptly arranged for things upon our request. The house was cleaned and spacious, providing ample room for our large group to spread out and individuals of different age groups to have spaces to do their own thing. Definitely recommend this listing !!
Yuming
May 2025 · Airbnb
The property is beautifully designed, set in a picturesque area with breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley. Inside, the home is thoughtfully equipped with all the essentials and more, making the stay incredibly comfortable and convenient. The host has been exceptionally responsive and warm from the moment we arrived. Truly a five-star experience all around!
Alia
May 2025 · Airbnb
Had an amazing time with friends at this home, it was super clean and worth the price! The pool with the view was the best part. Ben was super responsive and helped out with anything that was needed at any time. Definitely recommend!

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