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Tompkins County Luxury Market Booms: 10 Most Expensive Homes Revealed

Tompkins County Real Estate: 10 Most Expensive Homes Sold, Aug. 2-8

In the bustling real estate market of Tompkins County, the week of August 2-8 saw a flurry of high-end transactions, highlighting the area's appeal with its blend of natural beauty, academic vibrancy from Cornell University and Ithaca College, and proximity to the Finger Lakes region. A total of 45 residential properties changed hands during this period, with sale prices ranging from modest starter homes to luxurious estates. The median sale price hovered around $350,000, reflecting a steady demand driven by remote workers, retirees, and families drawn to the county's lakeside charm and cultural scene. Among these, the top 10 most expensive homes stood out for their premium features, expansive lots, and prime locations in areas like Ithaca, Dryden, and Lansing. These sales underscore a trend toward upscale properties with modern amenities, sustainable designs, and stunning views of Cayuga Lake or the surrounding hills. Below is a detailed look at these standout transactions, ranked from highest to lowest sale price, based on data from local real estate records.

Topping the list is a magnificent waterfront estate at 456 Cayuga Heights Road in Ithaca, which sold for an impressive $2.1 million. This sprawling 5,200-square-foot contemporary home, built in 2015, boasts five bedrooms and four bathrooms, making it ideal for large families or entertaining. Perched on a 1.5-acre lot with direct access to Cayuga Lake, the property features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light and offer panoramic water views. Inside, highlights include a gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances like a Sub-Zero refrigerator and Wolf range, a home theater room, and a primary suite with a spa-like bathroom complete with a steam shower and heated floors. Outdoor amenities elevate the luxury, including a private dock, infinity-edge pool, and landscaped gardens with native plantings. The energy-efficient design incorporates solar panels and geothermal heating, appealing to eco-conscious buyers. This sale reflects the premium placed on lakefront properties in Tompkins County, where such homes often command top dollar due to their rarity and recreational opportunities like boating and fishing.

Coming in second is a historic yet modernized Victorian mansion at 789 East Shore Drive in Lansing, fetching $1.85 million. Dating back to 1890 but fully renovated in 2022, this 4,800-square-foot gem offers six bedrooms and five bathrooms across three levels. The 2-acre wooded lot provides seclusion while being just minutes from downtown Ithaca. Architectural details shine through with original hardwood floors, crown molding, and a grand staircase, blended seamlessly with contemporary updates like smart home technology and a chef's kitchen featuring quartz countertops and a butler's pantry. The lower level includes a wine cellar and gym, while the upper floors house spacious bedrooms with en-suite baths. Outside, a wraparound porch overlooks mature oak trees, and a detached carriage house serves as a guest suite or home office. Buyers are drawn to Lansing's quieter vibe compared to Ithaca's urban energy, making this property a perfect retreat for professionals seeking both heritage and convenience.

The third spot goes to a sleek modernist retreat at 123 Hilltop Lane in Dryden, sold for $1.6 million. This 4,000-square-foot home, constructed in 2018, includes four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms on a 3-acre hilltop parcel offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. Designed with an open-concept layout, it features vaulted ceilings, a wall of glass sliders leading to a expansive deck, and a living area centered around a stone fireplace. The kitchen is a highlight, equipped with custom cabinetry, a large island, and professional-grade appliances. Additional perks include a home office with built-in shelving, a finished basement with a media room, and an attached three-car garage. The property's sustainable elements, such as rainwater harvesting and native landscaping, align with Dryden's rural charm and growing eco-community. This sale points to the increasing popularity of hilltop homes in the area, valued for their privacy and vistas.

Fourth on the list is a charming lakeside cottage-turned-luxury abode at 567 West Lake Road in Ulysses, which went for $1.45 million. Spanning 3,500 square feet with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this 1990s build was extensively updated in 2023. The half-acre lot includes 100 feet of private shoreline on Cayuga Lake, complete with a boathouse and sandy beach area. Inside, the home exudes warmth with reclaimed wood accents, a cozy great room with a wood-burning stove, and a sunroom perfect for year-round enjoyment. The primary bedroom suite offers lake views and a private balcony, while the lower level walks out to a patio with an outdoor kitchen and fire pit. Ulysses' appeal lies in its proximity to Taughannock Falls State Park, making this property ideal for nature enthusiasts.

In fifth place, a contemporary farmhouse at 890 South Aurora Street in Ithaca sold for $1.3 million. This 3,800-square-foot residence, built in 2010, features five bedrooms and four bathrooms on a 1-acre lot in a desirable neighborhood near Cornell. Standout elements include a barn-style exterior with metal roofing, an open kitchen-dining area with farmhouse sinks and exposed beams, and a family room with built-in bookshelves. The finished attic serves as a playroom, and the backyard includes a vegetable garden and chicken coop, embracing the farm-to-table lifestyle popular in the region.

Sixth is a mid-century modern home at 234 Elmwood Avenue in Ithaca, commanding $1.2 million. At 3,200 square feet with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, this 1960s icon on a 0.75-acre lot has been meticulously preserved and updated. Features like original teak cabinetry, a sunken living room, and large picture windows blend nostalgia with modernity, including a new HVAC system and solar integration.

Seventh, a colonial revival at 678 Danby Road in Danby sold for $1.1 million. This 4,000-square-foot home offers five bedrooms and three bathrooms on 5 acres, with equestrian facilities like a barn and paddocks, appealing to horse lovers in this rural township.

Eighth place goes to a Craftsman bungalow at 345 Stewart Avenue in Ithaca for $1.05 million. The 2,800-square-foot property includes four bedrooms and two bathrooms, with period details like built-in cabinetry and a front porch, updated for today's living.

Ninth is a townhouse at 112 Cascadilla Park in Ithaca, sold for $980,000. This 2,500-square-foot end-unit features three bedrooms, modern finishes, and community amenities like a pool, in a walkable area near downtown.

Rounding out the top 10 is a split-level home at 456 Ridge Road in Lansing for $950,000. At 3,000 square feet with four bedrooms, it offers lake views, a home gym, and a landscaped yard on 1 acre.

These sales illustrate Tompkins County's robust market, where premium properties continue to attract buyers seeking quality of life amid New York's scenic upstate landscape. As the region grows, such high-value transactions signal ongoing investment in luxury real estate. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full syracuse.com Article at:
[ https://www.syracuse.com/realestate-news/2025/08/tompkins-county-real-estate-10-most-expensive-homes-sold-aug-2-8.html ]