The Manor of Monté CrisToph was erected in the winter of 1763, directly below the Catskill Mountains of New York. The original plans for the manor were drawn up and designed by the sole proprietor himself, then later presented to his colleague and old friend, architect Altis Granger Hauzenberg.
The two men completed the construction of the manor with the help of over 120 workers. The labor list extends itself with over twelve masons, two assistant architects, eight ironsmiths, four silversmiths, fifteen master woodworkers, along with many other craftsmen who were equally highly skilled in their trade. Several Italian, Dutch and German immigrants as well as indentured servants were brought in to aid the final stages of the manor's completion. The additional workers were commissioned, contracted, and called in due to the enormous amount of imported marble, iron and wood used in the interior, as well as the exterior design of the estate.
There had also been the prediction of a long, harsh winter that was due to come that year which hastened the construction of the magnificent establishment. Fortunately for the sake of the proprietor and his friend, the two men were able to attain completion of the manor after eighteen grueling months.
By the 16th of December 1763, Monté CrisToph Manor finally opened its doors to its master, along with four descendants of his European clan, his extensive maid staff, kitchen staff, his butler, six grounds keepers, as well as his four prized English Mastiffs. Today, Monté CrisToph still sits discreetly deep in the valley of the Catskill Mountains. The estate is hidden in the middle of 1,200 sprawling acres and is wondrously consumed by sloping hillsides and majestic evergreens. The twenty cultivated acres which surround the estate, are intricately adorned by manicured trees, shrubs, and lush gardens.
After a suspended score of years, Monté CrisToph Manor has remained in its exuberant splendor, and it is still a peaceful, pleasurable place for its original owner to reside. For its host, its visitors, as well as its history, Monté Cristoph will forever be known as an estate of enchantment and intrigue.
