What has four legs, goat’s milk and ‘waits for reality to happen?’Five years ago, on an annual apple-picking weekend, Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge decided to stay in Sharon Springs, NY at the historic American Hotel. They were charmed by small town life and happened upon an old mansion with a For Sale sign out front. When they entered the Beekman Mansion, Brent says, ‘we heard the siren’s song’ and were instantly ‘seduced.’Josh and Brent threw in their life savings, scrounging for any and every bit of equity they could muster to buy the 209-year old mansion. The Georgian/Federal-style mansion has an illustrious history built by the first judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Schoharie County, William Beekman. William Beekman lived in the mansion until his death in 1835 at the age of 78. His remains are still on the property in a family crypt. The mansion fell into disrepair like many once-glorious structures of New York’s past, but was restored and became an historic landmark in the late 90s.Originally planned as a second home, Josh and Brent were forced to alter their plans when the great recession hit – the second one – and both lost their jobs. Out of desperation to save the farm, they decided that one would work the farm and the other would continue to work in the city to make ends meet.Today, the farm produces goat’s milk for a variety of goat-milk products such as their Blaak cheese and fine bath soap, which are sold in their retail location, 1802 Mercantile. The farm also produces 110 heirloom vegetables, raises pigs and chickens, has a fishpond and, of course, is home to the diva llama, Polka Spot.Josh, the writer, says they take cues from the past to inform many of their business decisions today. William Beekman was a prominent businessman and pillar in the community who owned a general store across the street from the mansion. The name of their retail location, 1802 Mercantile, pays homage to Beekman and Sharon Springs’ commercial past. Two centuries later, the little Schoharie town is making a comeback.As an accomplished writer, Josh likes to tell stories. He believes stories inspire people to act. Their story of transformation is compelling because it appeals to people looking for change in their own lives.Brent says since they set up shop on Main Street across from the American Hotel two other businesses have opened. Two additional businesses will be moving to Main Street as well, one of which is The D. Landreth Seed Company, which has been in business since 1784. According to Brent, while the country has seen a 3% increase in home sales, Sharon Springs has seen an 11% increase. Maybe you don’t always need the quick-fix chain store as an economic generator, but seeds, both literally and figuratively.In 200 years, expect an historic marker with Josh and Brent’s names and a description stating that they were prominent businessmen in Sharon Spring’s revival.Brent arrived first for the interview. Josh checked in a few minutes late. It was poignant because it seemed to represent the dichotomy of town and country life. Brent seemed far more relaxed, while Josh seemed caught up in the hectic pace of Manhattan. Josh continues to work in advertising full-time, while promoting his third book, The Bucolic Plague, managing a television show, business, and working farm. ‘I just keep adding more things onto my life,’ said Josh, stoically. Josh commutes up to Sharon Springs on the weekends.Brent says that his workload has increased as well, but he loves what he is doing. Brent talked passionately about Sharon Springs and the renewal happening on Main Street. ‘There are large swathes of land in New York State where people are impoverished.’ The former geriatric doctor surfaces: ‘It is sad to say, but people don’t know what fresh produce is.’ He alluded to the culture that saps the vitality out of local life and business. One way to effect healthy change is with their Annual Harvest Festival, which features local farmers, artists, and vendors. On September 24th and 25th, the 3rd Annual Harvest Festival returns to Sharon Springs. In three years it has gone from a small event to thousands of people from the Northeast coming to support small town life. This year, three Harvest Feasts, which feature locally sourced ingredients, will take place at the historic American Hotel.While both love the country life, they realize New York City still has a lot to offer with its wealth, disposable income, and resources. In fact, it was the Union Square Farmer’s Market that introduced Josh and Brent to local organic produce in the first place. They used to grow vegetables on their apartment balcony.People from the city may talk about cashing out and moving to the farm, but the reality is most people can’t or won’t for myriad reasons. Josh says, ‘I like to keep one foot in the city.’ Brent likens himself to a modern day Robin Hood. Without the rich city, they would not be able to help revitalize Sharon Springs.Even so, their retail store, 1802 Mercantile, is open year-round through the long cold winter when tourism slows and seasonal business often boards up their windows. ‘Even if five people come in all day we are open,’ adds Brent.With The Fabulous Beekman Boys, there is a dichotomy in place as well as in personalities. Josh and Brent complement each other like town and country. They may disagree on occasion, but their relationship has stood the tests of time and place.The most commercial real estate poignant moment in the interview was when I briefly asked Josh about his childhood and writing. He chuckled and seemed taken aback. But, he also softened and let his guard down a bit.He responded, wistfully, ‘I used to paint, create, play piano…’It reminded me of what he had said earlier. The majority of reality television is given a shiny edit job to appeal to the masses and advertisers, but Josh defends the show as ‘far more real than most reality television.’ Josh stated that the show does not follow a strict shooting schedule and simply ‘waits for reality to happen.’There is a dichotomy in all of us and we are always working to strike the right balance. The Fabulous Beekman Boys remind us of that possibility.
When it comes to commercial real estate sales agency, there will always be opportunity around you regardless of the property market at the time. it all comes down to the focus that you adopt and the momentum and systems to support your progress.
A good broker can protect your interests. this person will make sure that the rates and prices you are quoted fall within industry standards.
It always helps to know what the terminology means, if only so you know what you are getting into. a mortgage is a temporary and conditional agreement that stipulates the use of real property as collateral to a creditor for the guaranteed repayment of a loan. in other words, you are promising to give the creditor your house if you fail to pay off a specified loan – quite the incentive not to fail, especially if a family with children or disabled and infirm members are involved! mortgage rates are the interest rates on mortgage loans. a mortgage broker is someone who finds clients prospective lenders at no charge. in a mortgage transaction, the mortgagee is the lender and the mortgagor is the borrower.
In most locations today, the property market is biased towards the buyers of property, and on that basis the buyers can name their price and negotiate the terms of purchase. there are plenty of properties available to choose from. the agent acting for the seller has to really know the property and the market if they are to get the best outcome for their clients.
